Construção

Apparently the boy is too stunned to move or talk. He has been in the same position for at least an entire hour. Looking at the tree tops as if somehow they would spell out the answers to all of his questions. 

While he is determined to prove time and time again how incompetent he is, Joy, our real hero, has been getting a shelter ready for the night. Only a few trunks should be enough to protect them from the elements. 

She seems to be back to her best form and is singing serenely

"Amou daquela vez como se fosse a última" 

Biel makes a comment 

"You know more braxilian music than I do. Hehe"

He smiles, while skinning the panther. Finally, some variety to their diet.

There is an overall feeling of relief in the air. Although they still have to find more about the crest in the ring, they can take their time as there is no predator in their back. 

And it is not only that. By beating the beast, they feel deep down that they conquered the forest. It might be hard in the future, but if we can match the apex, there isn't anything to fear. 

Well, at least that is what Joy and Biel are feeling. 

The boy feels defeated, useless. But, most of all, incapable. 

He only manages to move another hour later. The sun was already set, the fire was already set and food almost ready. 

Joy is cutting the panther skin into clothing pieces, and Biel offers some meat. 

The boy then asks

"What was that?"

Biel takes the initiative

"Don't even try, dude. She herself doesn't know how she did that."

"Of course I DO! I told you! I felt it deep down, I just had to bring it forth." Joy replies

"And I told you: That doesn't explain anything."

That conversation didn't last long. It was clear that there wasn't an easy explanation in Joy's mind that she could offer to them … I didn't understand either to be honest. 

The boy didn't give up though, they resumed moving south in the morning, and he made sure to try to pick Joy's brain.

"It is, honestly, pretty fascinating how you think. The three of us did and experienced the same thing, but you saw something else."

Joy smiles, felt like an opportunity to talk her mind

"I felt very responsible for his death, and I couldn't help but think about what I should've done differently. Even ... the event ... not being at the forefront on my mind ... I blamed everything on myself, the feelings were welling up so much and didn't let go. I don't know, I ..."

"Yeah, I noticed that ... Well, I felt bad for everything, but I also blame myself a bit for forcing you to the spotlight."

They're both spotting tender half smiles, with deference. 

Joy continues with increasing enthusiasm.

"I couldn't just keep going with all of that going inside me. I needed to reach into the depths of my soul. I don't know if you ever read that manga where the main character, Solis Fleet, has his conscience hijacked, and now it has to battle inside his own body to reclaim their control? It is so hilarious. As the MC get more control over his body, it gets so genial how the author manages to juxtapose the action of the cool fights and the actual body that is flailing Hahaha"

Clearly Joy has lost the train of though … The boy smiles, it seems he doesn't mind as much. He does, after all, need to understand her mind to be able to get secret skills.  

She blushes when she notices she's been spouting nonsense and suddenly stops talking.

"Never heard of it. It does sound fun."

She concludes with a defensive posture, and a lower tone. With an uncharacteristic shyness. 

"Anyway, I was gonna talk about the chapter where he wants to reclaim his throat. The enemy is a big lump, and he has to get that lump out. It is a highly emotional endeavor for reasons I cannot explain. It is such a clear feeling, things need to use that highway to get resolved, don't you agree?"

"To be honest … I don't really get it."

That was food for though for some time. He would spend the next day's spare time in meditation, while Joy finished their new jaguar accessories. 

She made a headband for Biel and armbands for herself. The bulk of the pelt went towards a cloak that became the catalyst for the sequel for their conversation.

"You put so much heart in everything you do." 

He says while feeling the edges of the cloak. 

"You're not that different, this world is just being particularly cruel to you. Once the whiplash is over, I'm sure you'll do great. Have you ever seen Blanch? There is this Ichimonji character that can mess people's identity. I think it is somewhat similar to what this world has done to you."

She gives him a warm smile that he can't help but answer in kind. 

Biel observed their dynamics a bit removed with relief and a genuine smile. They're like younger siblings to him, and it is good to see they're coming around to like each other. 

The fourth day starts and no much later than midday they address the plans for when they get to the city. They took inventory and decided Biel and Joy were more likely to be recognized.

"There are sketches for all of us, but yours are a lot more detail. Not to mention, I have the stealth skill. I can infiltrate first, and then with better knowledge we can outline better plans after."

Biel contests

"Are you sure it is safe? We could just be on the outskirts and probe from the outside."

"That would only leave us the option of dealing with shady people. My plan gives more prospectives."

"I agree, I was just making sure you aren't being pressured into it and that you knew that we have other options."

There was consensus and Biel seems satisfied with the conversation, everything is addressed and everybody was heard by the end.

"I really hope everything goes well" Joy adds.

"There is nothing to worry about. We'll deliver the ring."

"Yes. Then we can start thinking about our place in the next step."

She smiles, and the boy continues on.

"Such a hard start we got. Establishing should've been a lot easier, but we will have to be creative. Live in the outskirts of society."

"I think it is good that we have our destinies in our hands. There are so many possibilities!" 

"You really have a unique way to your mind. It is genuinely beautiful how your eyes can shine at any prospect."

They have their eyes locked, and the sun is starting to set. 

"As long as I don't feel constrained Hahaha I really like that we made up. It opened up the doors for me and my mind. I have been able to dream, to see so many possibilities, and I love this. I love being able to express myself, and I love that I've had you to listen to me."

As soon as she said that, she could feel a bit embarrassed, and then it just grew within the silent milliseconds of increasing tension that felt like minutes, or hours. 

Before they could clear up the air, they heard Biel

"There it is!"

They could see the town of Continuá emerging from between the trees, almost combative. It's borders clearly with mostly bare terrain, and a few farm spots. 

There are 2 clearly larger building, 2 others mid-sized ones, but no sign of urban planning or of the architecture of the small wooden houses that completed the scenery.

The whole thing gave off the feeling of a lone lumberer chopping at a big dinizia excelsa. Rough and tired, but he goes on, methodically triumphing over the forest.