Lian stumbled through the dark forest, shackled and broken. Tears streamed down his face, mingling with the dirt and sweat from the harrowing events of the night. His body felt weak, every step a struggle as he was dragged along by the summoner. The manticore, now docile, walked beside them, its once terrifying presence now a constant reminder of his helplessness.

I couldn’t save him... I couldn’t do anything... Lian’s thoughts were a swirling storm of despair. The image of his grandfather’s lifeless body, the horror of the brutal attack, and the overwhelming guilt crushed him. Grandfather... His heart ached with a pain he had never known. Why did this have to happen?

The forest around them was thick with shadows, the moonlight barely penetrating the dense canopy of trees. The summoner, a cruel grin plastered on his face, hummed an eerie tune as he led the way. Every note grated on Lian’s nerves, fueling the fire of his rage.

"You're a lucky one, boy," the summoner sneered, glancing back at him. "Most wouldn’t survive a night like this. But you... you’ll fetch a high price. Maybe even higher than your old man’s head."

Lian looked up, the tears in his eyes beginning to dry. Anger began to burn through the fog of despair that clouded his mind. His fists clenched despite the iron shackles that bound them, his body trembling with a new emotion: fury.

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This man... he took everything from me. He’s going to sell me like some... The thought made his blood boil. No. I won’t let that happen. I won’t let them win.

The summoner noticed the fire in Lian’s eyes and laughed, a cold, mocking sound that echoed through the forest. "Don’t get any ideas, brat. You’re just a kid. No match for me, or anyone who might buy you. Accept your fate."

Lian lowered his head, pretending to submit, but inside, his resolve was hardening. He started to remember the lessons his grandfather had taught him—about survival, about strength, and about never giving up. The memories of Eldric’s stern but kind face, his wisdom and strength, filled Lian’s mind, offering a glimmer of hope.

I have to be strong, Lian thought, the words taking root in his soul. For Grandfather. For myself. This isn’t the end... it’s just the beginning.

In his mind, a memory of Eldric surfaced—his grandfather standing tall and proud, teaching a younger Lian how to hold a sword. His voice echoed in Lian’s thoughts, each word filled with the weight of the lesson. "Strength isn’t just about muscles, boy. It’s about the will to fight, even when the odds are against you. Remember that."

Back in the present, Lian’s eyes focused, his determination renewed. He knew he had to find a way out, and he was willing to fight for it. I will survive this, he vowed silently, his heart hardening with resolve. I will escape. And when I do... I’ll make them pay for what they’ve done.