The conversation concluded, the witch's words echoing in their minds. Orano, his resolve strengthened, prepared to depart.

"We must leave," he declared, his voice filled with a newfound determination.

The witch, a knowing smile playing on her lips, offered a parting word. "Remember, the Orwells are a formidable foe. Approach them with caution."

Orano nodded, his expression grave. "We will."

As Caitrin and Orano made their way towards the castle's exit, Caitrin couldn't help but ask, "Are we really going to confront Nuzuki?"

Orano, his gaze fixed on the horizon, replied, "We have no choice. He won't stop until he's destroyed everything."

Caitrin, her heart heavy with apprehension, fell silent. The thought of facing an enemy as powerful as Nuzuki filled her with dread. Yet, she knew that retreat was not an option.

As they ventured further into the castle, Caitrin couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The witch's warning about the Orwells' cunning and intelligence haunted her.

Despite her fears, she followed Orano, her determination unwavering. The battle against Nuzuki was inevitable, and she was prepared to face it, no matter the cost.

----------------------(A few hours later, Elsa's Castle)--------------------------

The witch, her duties complete, returned to her daily routine. She inspected the castle, ensuring its pristine condition. Her potions, meticulously prepared, were carefully arranged on shelves, their labels a testament to her meticulous nature. The spellbooks, their pages filled with intricate diagrams and arcane symbols, were organized with meticulous precision.

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Despite the completion of her tasks, a sense of unease lingered in the air. A nagging feeling, a premonition of impending danger, gnawed at her. The creatures she had captured, hidden away in the castle's storage rooms, were a source of concern.

With a heavy heart, she approached the storage rooms, her footsteps echoing in the silent halls. As she opened the door, a wave of relief washed over her. The creatures were safe, their slumber undisturbed.

Yet, her unease persisted. The creatures' population had remained constant, defying the natural fluctuations she had observed during migration periods. The disappearance of other creatures, their absence from their usual territories, added to the growing sense of unease.

Lost in thought, the witch wandered through the castle, her mind racing. "Something is amiss," she muttered to herself, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

----------------------(At that time, The Black Forest)--------------------------

Deep within the heart of the Black Forest, Ken engaged in a grueling training regimen. His movements were fluid, his strikes precise, each blow a testament to his unwavering determination. As he swung his sword, sweat beaded on his brow, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

His mind, a whirlwind of thoughts and memories, drifted back to his days as a creature hunter. The events of the past, the sacrifices he had made, weighed heavily upon his heart. His confusion, a constant companion, gnawed at his thoughts, a relentless force that threatened to consume him.

Exhausted but exhilarated, Ken finally sheathed his sword, his body trembling with exertion. He needed rest, nourishment, and a chance to clear his mind.

Venturing deeper into the forest, Ken hunted for sustenance, his skill honed by years of survival. With a deer slung over his shoulder and a bundle of firewood secured to his sleigh, he returned to his cabin.

As he settled into his cabin, a sense of peace washed over him. Yet, a nagging feeling, a lingering doubt, compelled him to visit a particular spot.

He found the tower, a relic of his friendship with Elsa. The tower, constructed of sturdy wood, stood tall and proud, a beacon of their connection. Though he preferred face-to-face communication, the tower had been invaluable in maintaining their contact.

With a sigh, Ken ascended the tower, his heart heavy with a mix of longing and resignation. He knew he would have to rely on this outdated technology to reach out to his friends.