Swoosh!
Ethan scanned the area, ensuring it was safe before setting Darcelle down. "I can run by myself, you know," she snapped, but then paused, realization dawning on her. "Damn, here I am acting like a girl," she muttered, facepalming in frustration.
Ethan understood her struggle all too well. He was cursed by a beast. His body had changed first, adopting feminine features that initially intrigued him. But the novelty quickly faded, revealing the harsh truths of a female body. It was inherently weaker, prone to heightened desires, and often the object of unwanted attention. While he often found himself in difficult situations, he quickly learned there was no going back; the transformation was irreversible.
The damage was done, and he had to fight his way out of the migration tower in a female body, determined to find a means to revert back. As time passed, his mindset evolved; he began to embrace behaviors more associated with femininity as his personality shifted. In his timeline, Ethan learned of his grim fate. After a prolonged struggle, he was finally captured, and what followed was too horrific to describe—his demise was tragic, all because of an unfortunate encounter with a small beast that cursed him.
Ethan had anticipated Darcelle's presence on the continent; it was clear to everyone what she desired—her transformation back to her original gender. The Kraken, rumored to have consumed countless treasures, was a key part of her quest.
"How many attempts?" Ethan asked, discarding his burn jacket. Darcelle leaned against the tree, her brow furrowed. "Three. Three attempts. Maybe it's time I stop wasting my efforts here and head to the upper continent," she declared firmly.
"No, we're going for a fourth trip. I know you've already prepared a ship, but we are still missing several critical resources," Ethan stated firmly, dressed in a black shirt, brown trousers, and boots.
"How do you—" she started, but Ethan cut her off. "We don't have time for this. What do you still need to collect?" he demanded impatience. He had to move quickly; facing Nicolas was not an option he wanted to entertain right now.
"Well, there are only five items left, but one of them is tricky to obtain since it's in the Amate territory," she responded.
"They need the oxygen sack and the fairy dust; those are the priorities. I'll handle the rest, but be prepared for the risks," Ethan asserted confidently.
"Hey! I'm not your subordinate; I'm the eldest here!" But Ethan ignored her protest, pulling out the sack he had received from Patricia. Inside, numerous runes glimmered, enhancing strength, dexterity, and stamina. Without hesitation, he consumed them.
"You better tell me where we meet after you gather the rest," she challenged, unaware of Ethan's true intentions. Still, having someone reliable by her side was always an advantage.
After discussing their plans, they parted ways, each heading toward their respective tasks. Darcelle couldn't shake off Ethan's words as they separated. She needed to gather essential supplies from her hideout. It didn't take long for her to reach the area. She scanned her surroundings, ensuring she wasn't being followed, before skillfully slipping between two trees.
Ethan's mission was far more challenging. The air sacs, commonly known as oxygen bags, are plants that actively absorb surrounding oxygen when threatened, creating a lethal dead zone around them. Any living creature nearby faces certain death from asphyxiation, as attempting to catch your breath before entering the zone is futile; your inner oxygen is rapidly depleted.
"So, how do we acquire such plants?" Younger Ethan inquired, having never encountered these organisms in his memories since he had never ventured into the abyss before.
"There is a way to obtain them, but it requires something that Nicolas possesses," Ethan asserted, swiftly making his way back to the shore, which was under Dracus's territory.
"You're late," Nicolas remarked, eyeing Darcelle's belongings. "Are you seriously planning another expedition to the pit? Haven't you had enough? Just give it up," he declared, tossing the rope onto the ground.
"... You speak such words because you feel manly? How twisted has your mentality gone since you became a man?" Asked Darcelle.
The hidden truth between them was undeniable. Once deeply in love, both were abducted into this world together. However, everything changed with the curse. Nicolas, who was once Nicole, began a chilling transformation—his mind warped and twisted. The pure girl morphed into a malevolent entity. Darcelle, realizing she could no longer stay, was forced to leave. Yet she couldn't escape the whispers that reached her ears, recounting the horrific deeds of Nicolas as part of a faction known as the Plague.
"For the sake of our past, steer clear of the Kraken. If I catch your ship nearing the Geser, I won't hesitate to destroy it with you aboard," Nicolas warned, his totem tattoos glowing slightly, underscoring his seriousness.
Darcelle remained silent, her glare piercing through Nicolas, causing him to retreat momentarily. As he turned to leave, he paused and glanced back. "Have you encountered anyone suspicious?" he asked.
"No, I haven't," Darcelle replied defiantly. Nicolas smirked, stepping closer as Darcelle instinctively moved back. "Your left eye always twitches when you lie," he observed, noting her discomfort.
"Just admit it," Nicolas insisted, pinning Darcelle against the wall. She found herself unable to resist, feeling a deep sense of frustration at the situation.
"He's at the shore. If you return to the deck, you'll likely spot him there," Darcelle admitted reluctantly. Nicolas gave her a knowing smile and stepped back. "I'll be coming tonight as usual. Don't go to sleep early," he instructed before disappearing from sight.
"Curse him," Darcelle muttered under her breath. Nicolas was like a devilish guardian, his captivating presence keeping threats like Dracus and his men at bay. It was his influence that shielded her, yet it also bound her to him. Each attempt to escape was met with harsh consequences, memories of which made her shudder. "You better know what you're doing, Ethan," she whispered to herself, steeling her resolve as she returned to her tasks.