Volume 1. Chapter 67

The campfire crackled, scattering bright sparks into the cool evening air. Ken and Lily sat across from each other, their faces illuminated by the soft orange glow. The forest around them seemed so quiet and peaceful that it felt as if the world had finally found harmony.

Lily handed another piece of meat to Ken and, pressing her hands to her knees, fell silent in thought. Her gaze was fixed on the fire, but her thoughts were far away.

— Ken, — she began softly, breaking the silence, — when you defeated the demon… in your first illusion… what did you see when you woke up?

Ken looked up from his plate, blinking in surprise. He hadn’t expected that question. But after a moment, he answered calmly:

— I saw you sleeping. Your bracelet was glowing red, — he said, recalling that moment. — So I connected my bracelet to yours and transferred into your illusion.

Lily nodded thoughtfully, then asked her next question:

— And when you woke up… there shouldn’t have been any walls around you. Did they disappear?

Ken furrowed his brows, trying to remember.

— Yeah, — he replied, tilting his head slightly. — The walls were gone, and the fog had lifted.

Lily suddenly turned her gaze away, her face flushed red. She wrapped her arms around herself and whispered:

— So… you could’ve just walked away. Not risked your life, and left alive?

Ken was taken aback by her words. He opened his mouth to respond, but instead of giving a serious explanation, he smiled and said:

— Who else would have prepared such an amazing dinner? — he said, winking playfully.

Lily giggled, her cheeks still burning, but her voice held a warm note.

— You’re impossible, — she said, shaking her head, but her expression grew serious again. — Weren’t you scared to enter the illusion again? The demon could’ve killed you. Weren’t you afraid of him at all?

Ken shrugged and chuckled.

— What’s there to be afraid of? It’s not like it was a math test.

Lily burst out laughing, but then grew thoughtful once more. Her gaze softened, and her voice trembled as she spoke:

— You always make jokes… but that kind of risk… You acted just like a hero. Like Roland from the legend, who had no reason to save the dragon, but did it anyway.

Ken frowned, his expression turning serious. He was silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then said:

— Lily, what kind of hero am I? — His voice was quiet, but firm. — It just happened that way. And what do you mean I had no reason? I promised we’d both make it out alive. I couldn’t leave you there alone. Or did you think I’d abandon you?

Lily’s eyes widened. His words touched her deeply, and she struggled to keep her voice steady as she began to speak:

— No, I just… it was such a trial… The fact that you escaped your illusion is incredible. I’ve never heard of anyone else managing that. Being afraid in that situation is normal. I was so scared, I fell into despair. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve given up. I try so hard to be strong, but… I turned out to be weak in spirit. I’m sorry for that. And thank you for saving me.

Ken listened carefully to her every word. He could see how hard she was trying to hold back her emotions. Finally, he spoke, his voice soft and sincere:

— Lily, I don’t think you’re weak, — he began. — You’re very strong, even if you don’t see it yourself. You’ve gone through things that would’ve broken most people. But you remain kind, caring, and compassionate. You have nothing to apologize for. This could’ve happened to anyone.

He paused, then added with a small smile:

— I probably would’ve given up too, if I hadn’t sworn to myself that I’d repay you for saving me. That’s why I couldn’t admit how scared I was, couldn’t give up… and couldn’t let you stay trapped there.

He looked her straight in the eyes, and his voice grew firmer:

— Lily, you’re someone I care about deeply. If I have to, I’ll follow you into fire, water, even straight into hell. You’re the most important reason for me. Do you understand?

Lily couldn’t hold back anymore. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she buried her face into his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him.

— Yes… Thank you… — she whispered through her tears. — I saw my parents today and realized I couldn’t move. I know it was just an illusion… but I froze. And you… you burst through the window without fear or hesitation and carried me out… Then you pulled off that trick with deceiving the demon. I could’ve never done it alone. You saved us… I’m so lucky to have met you… It’s a miracle that we’re from different worlds but crossed paths in this life.

Ken gently hugged her, his hand softly stroking her hair.

— Lily, you’re not to blame for anything, — he said. — I’m sure your parents would be proud of you. You tried so hard, even when it was painful, and now it’s all behind us. You deserve to live a long and happy life.

He looked at her with a gentle smile and added:

— I’m sure your kindness will save dozens, if not hundreds of people. That’s why I won’t let you die at the hands of some pathetic demon or any other wretch. I might not have great power, but I’ll figure something out. If you can’t believe in yourself — and we’ll fix that — then rely on me for now. Together, we can handle anything.

Lily clung to him even tighter. She cried, but now those were tears of gratitude and relief. In her heart, she thought:

— Thank you, Ken. After words like that, I want to live so badly. I love you! I love you with all my heart!

Their embrace grew stronger, and in that moment, in the middle of the night forest, they both knew they had everything they needed to face any hardship. Together.