A peculiar trio now traveled along the forest path, drawing curious glances wherever they went.

At the center, a beautiful blue-haired girl skipped merrily ahead, her porcelain-doll face glowing with radiant joy.

She looked every bit like a nobleman’s pampered daughter out for a leisurely outing.

Trailing behind her were two men burdened by towering stacks of luggage that nearly obscured their heads—her silent, dutiful guards.

They followed wordlessly, occasionally exchanging weary glances.

“Where to next?” the man carrying daily supplies asked, nodding toward the skipping girl before turning to Mu Yi.

They’d rested here an hour or two, shaking off exhaustion.

If Mu Yi still had errands, he wouldn’t mind accompanying them.

After all, he lacked a map to Misty Hidden Forest, and Mu Yi had earned his trust.

“First, we’ll replace your battered leather armor,” Mu Yi replied. “Yours is nearly durability zero after all those battles.”

“Then we’ll teleport to ‘Loran,’ the town nearest Misty Hidden Forest.”

With a flick of his wrist, Mu Yi produced a delicate silver ring. He slashed the air—their piled belongings dissolved into particles, vanishing into the ring’s storage.

“Durability?” The man tilted his head, puzzled. Mu Yi’s strange terms always made him feel distant.

“Aiva, wear this ring. It holds your belongings and essentials.” Mu Yi gently tapped the girl’s shoulder.

“Huh? A ring…?” Aiva stared at the gleaming silver band resting in his palm.

Its elegant, understated design suited her perfectly.

“C-Can I really accept this…?” She looked up, wide-eyed with disbelief.

*This was the Mythic-tier champion’s prize from that grand arena tournament… He’s giving it to me as a mere storage item?*

“Must I question gifting my favorite Aiva a little present? Or… do you dislike it?” Mu Yi’s lips curled into a sly smile as he pretended to withdraw the ring. “I could choose something else.”

“I love it! I absolutely love it!! I SUPER love it!!!” Aiva’s face paled. She lunged forward, pinning his hand against her chest. “This is a gift from my master—how could you take it back!”

Clutching the ring like a kitten guarding its food, she glared up at him, flustered and defensive. Mu Yi stifled a chuckle.

“Aiva treasures every gift from you, Master. Please don’t tease me like this again…” She puffed her cheeks, scowling at his amused grin. *He knows exactly why I hesitated… such a meanie.*

Yet…

Aiva uncurled her fingers, gazing softly at the ring. Tenderly, as if handling a sacred relic, she slid it onto her left ring finger. A faint blush warmed her cheeks. Pure joy bubbled inside her.

“So beautiful…” She lifted her hand toward the sunlight, mesmerized by its shimmer.

This ring meant more than storage—it held her devotion. She knew precisely what wearing it on *this* finger signified…

“Glad you like it. Time to move.” Mu Yi eyed the cracked leather armor on the Goblin Slayer. “After grabbing basic gear, we head to Misty Hidden Forest. I’ll need plain equipment too—blending in as rookie adventurers draws less attention.”

*Or so he thought…*

***Vrooom!***

A faint ripple of magic brushed through the air. Nola, napping on the grass, snapped awake. Her amethyst eyes blazed with shock and elation.

She stared at the crimson sigil glowing on her right hand—a weight lifting from her heart. Magic surged from her body, jolting the resting Sword Saint beside her.

“Nola?” Mia frowned. The girl hadn’t smiled since the Demon King’s rise. What sparked this sudden joy?

“Mia, we leave now. Destination: Misty Hidden Forest in Kaiabylon Kingdom.” Nola rose, flushed and dreamy. “No more waiting. I’ll teleport us with a light-based grand array.”

*Finally… Our bond is restored.*

*The Great Hero is in that forest—I’m certain this time.*

*I’m coming to you, my beloved Hero.*