ULTRAMagic Prelude

Chapter 7

"So there, that's why we should have Desislav with us," Dragoslava finished explaining.

"His hoof kicks? What about his expertise in regards to forests?" Blood-Wraith asked in response.

"That too!"

"This is quite the detour, but I'll go along with it if you're certain," Leif replied as he flew back to The Iron City.

Dragoslava nodded. "Could you not worry, just a little bit? You're 5th dimensional after all."

Another reason why she wanted her satyr friend along was that she was secretly nervous. A forest with no definitive location had the potential to cause anyone to lose their sense of direction, surely. There was also the Lich... strength in numbers would make her feel a lot better. Upon reaching the city, arcing electricity could be seen on the outskirts. It was likely to be Corentin, but the trio had bigger priorities to deal with. As soon as they reached the tower and landed, Dragoslava zipped off to get Desislav. She then promptly returned with the confused satyr.

"Wait, where are we going again? You're talking way too fast" he pointed out.

"No time, get on the dragon!" Dragoslava continued to push him towards Leif.

"Don't worry, I'll explain on the way," Leif reassured.

After making sure they had every supply they needed, the group set off once again. This time they were to head towards a pasture that Proteus had told them about. It was an area where The Unending Forest was likely to manifest. Being concerned over Desislav, Blood-Wraith handed him some food he had saved from dinner the night before. Proteus had assured him that they were good to go, but chuckled when he saw the concerned entity sneaking some food out with him. The satyr was more than welcome to visit the ocean after all. Upon eating the food, Desislav noted that it tasted odd. It felt like it had been made for him, but he could not figure out who had made it.

"Well, it looks like we're here..." Leif announced. "That didn't take too long."

Getting off, Desislav looked around the quiet pasture. "You know? It feels like there's supposed to be a forest here..."

Once everyone was off, Leif sat down. "Unfortunately I can go no further. You three will have to enter the forest alone."

Dragoslava paused. "Why exactly? Didn't you say you'd have our backs all the way?"

"Well how would you like it if someone started stepping on your chest?" Tyrant put forth, with Leif nodding in agreement. "This forest isn't your typical forest. We were pushing it with Proteus, but he's water. He can adapt. The forest doesn't have that luxury. We could actually do serious damage to him given that he is a lot more sensitive. That's probably one of the reasons why he reached out to Proteus in the first place."

Dragoslava sighed. "Ah, I guess so. If you're that concerned, I'll take your word for it."

"I will certainly torch the Lich's posterior the minute I see him. I have no qualms about making him a little crispy for his past transgressions." Leif then gave a slightly maniacal chuckle.

Desislav laughed. "And here I thought the drama between the elven families was spicy... Alright, let's roll. I think I see something off in the distance."

At first it seemed like the three were going nowhere. They traveled forward, but the horizon showed no change. Looking back to Leif, he was difficult to make out. They had traveled roughly a mile at this point. Upon turning back to their journey, something strange happened. A forest was suddenly before them. They all concluded that this had to be The Unending Forest. Entering it was surreal, like they were entering another realm. There was a gentle breeze, the leaves on the trees rustled, and the sky was in twilight. Animals chirped and yipped while strange orbs of light drifted about. Desislav had to stop to take it all in as he was hit with a wave of nostalgia.