Caitrin, her heart pounding with worry, finally located Orano, his form entangled within the vines' suffocating grasp. With a surge of strength, she severed the tendrils, freeing him from their sinister hold.

"Orano! Wake up!" she shouted, her voice filled with urgency.

Orano, his consciousness slowly returning, stirred from his slumber. His body, heavy and unresponsive, felt as if it were encased in lead.

Caitrin, her concern evident, gently lifted him, her arms trembling beneath his weight. She knew that Orano had been carrying a heavy burden, a secret he had kept hidden for so long. His unwavering determination, his refusal to succumb to despair, had touched her deeply.

"You didn't have to do this," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "You don't have to face these challenges alone. Talk to me, share your burdens."

Orano, his mind still reeling from the encounter with his mother, struggled to find the words. The pain, the emptiness, threatened to overwhelm him once more.

"T-Thank you," he managed to stammer, his voice barely audible.

Caitrin was taken aback by his words. It was the first time he had expressed gratitude to her. A small smile crept across her face. "No problem. But let's talk about this when we're out of here. You need to rest."

As they continued their journey, Orano's mind drifted back to his encounter with his mother. The warmth, the love, the sense of peace it had brought him were fleeting, replaced by a crushing wave of sorrow.

Despite the pain, Orano pressed on, his determination fueled by a newfound resolve. With Caitrin by his side, he knew he could face anything.

-----------------------------------

After a grueling ten-minute trek, Caitrin and Orano emerged from the forest, their reunion with the others a bittersweet moment. Yuma, his breath ragged, greeted them with relief. "You made it just in time," he panted. "I was struggling to maintain the barrier."

The group's attention was immediately drawn to Orano, his face pale and drawn. Lydia, her voice filled with concern, inquired about his well-being.

"He was attacked by a powerful creature," Yuma explained, his gaze lingering on the wounds on Orano's body.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

With a gentle touch, Yuma began to heal Orano, his magical energy soothing the injured man's pain. After a brief respite, Orano was able to recount his harrowing ordeal.

Caitrin, her expression contemplative, shared her own experience. "The same thing happened to me. Just as I found you, a Rift appeared. I saw our next destination: Theorandia."

Yuma, his excitement tempered by the challenges ahead, acknowledged the daunting task before them. "This will be difficult."

Lydia, her anxiety evident, voiced her concerns. "If we don't know how to enter Theorandia, what will we do?"

At that moment, a figure emerged from the shadows, his presence a welcome surprise. The Black Swordsman, his face etched with determination, approached the group.

"I can help you," he declared, his voice carrying a note of authority.

The group exchanged surprised glances. Caitrin, her eyes sparkling with hope, eagerly asked, "Really?"

The Swordsman nodded. From his neck, he produced a necklace adorned with a radiant red crystal. "This crystal," he explained, "is a key to Theorandia. It was given to me by a powerful witch, who recognized its significance. Since I cannot leave, I offer it to you."

Caitrin, her curiosity piqued, pressed the question further. "You knew the witch? How?"

The Black Swordsman, his expression contemplative, revealed the truth. "She was once a member of our group, exiled for her independent pursuits. Despite her eccentricity, she was a dear friend to us."

The revelation stunned the group. The Guardian of the Black Forest, a figure shrouded in mystery, had once been close to the powerful witch.

Determined to make the most of the situation, the group prepared to depart. Orano, his heart filled with gratitude, approached the Black Swordsman. "Thank you again for your help."

The Swordsman, his gaze fixed on Orano, offered words of wisdom. "You possess an iron will, young man. Your strength and determination will carry you far. But remember, power without wisdom is meaningless."

Orano, deeply touched by the Swordsman's words, nodded solemnly. As he turned to leave, the Swordsman's gaze followed him, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

The Black Swordsman watched as the group disappeared into the forest, their journey into the unknown continuing. He returned to his solitary vigil, his thoughts a whirlwind of contemplation.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The group, having successfully navigated the perilous depths of the Black Forest, returned to their carriage. Yuma, eager to embark on their next adventure, began to outline their plans.

"Now that we know our destination," he began, his voice filled with anticipation.

Orano, however, interrupted him, his expression grave. "We won't be going directly to Theorandia."

The group exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued. Caitrin, her voice tinged with confusion, questioned Orano's decision. "Aren't we headed to Theorandia?"

Orano nodded. "We are, but not together."

He paused, his gaze scanning the faces of his companions. "The looming threat of the creature hunter's attack requires immediate attention. Miko and Bachi must be informed of the situation. We need to devise a plan to avoid him."

Yuma, his eyes glinting with a challenge, responded. "Let's get moving, then."