They charged towards the creature, splitting into two paths. The creature, confused by the sudden attack, initially targeted Tatsumi. Tatsumi feinted an attack, drawing the creature's attention. Caitrin seized the opportunity, striking the creature from the left.

The creature turned its fury upon Caitrin, but before it could retaliate, Tatsumi attacked, further enraging it. They continued to engage the creature in a relentless assault, but eventually, the creature's patience wore thin. It raised its paws, preparing to strike.

However, they managed to evade the attack and regain a safe distance.

"We need to get closer," Orano said, his eyes fixed on the creature.

"What are we trying to do?" Caitrin asked, her voice filled with urgency.

"I don't have time to explain. We need to distract the creature."

"There's another weak point under its chest. We need to hit it there," Orano added.

Caitrin nodded, determined. "I can do it."

She charged at the creature, which reacted instinctively, swinging its paw. Caitrin dropped to her knees and slid under the paw, then launched an attack on the creature's head. The creature countered, biting at her sword.

They were evenly matched, Caitrin struggling to overpower the creature. "Tatsumi! It's your turn!" she shouted.

Caitrin pulled her legs towards her stomach and kicked the creature's head, sending it flying. Orano seized the moment, leaping forward and kicking the creature's head.

The creature flew backward, but it remained standing, its strength seemingly unaffected.

Caitrin noticed Orano reaching into his bag. "I saw his bag fall when the creature hit him. I wonder what's so important in there," she thought to herself.

Orano pulled out a potion bottle filled with a bright red liquid. He shook the bottle, causing it to glow intensely. He then threw the potion at the creature.

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Initially, there was no visible effect. But then, the liquid began to glow again, and the crystals on the creature's body exploded, shattering like glass.

Caitrin stood up, her eyes wide with excitement. "They exploded! How did you do that?"

Orano smiled. "I mentioned before that I fought a Tigo. I've been studying its weaknesses, and I discovered that its crystals react to fast-acting liquids. So I decided to carry this potion for such situations."

As they spoke, the creature roared, its movements sluggish. Its energy seemed depleted.

"With all its crystals destroyed, it can't defend itself anymore," Orano declared. "It's time to finish it."

Caitrin gripped her sword. "Let's do it."

They launched a coordinated attack, their swords raining down on the creature from all angles. The creature struggled to resist, eventually collapsing to the ground, unconscious.

Caitrin sank to the ground, gasping for breath. "Did we kill it?"

"It won't be coming back here, but I can't say for certain if it's alive or dead," Orano replied. "It suffered severe injuries, but its kind is resilient. For now, let's leave it alone, even if it's harmless."

Caitrin attempted to stand. "Did you find anything related to the rift?"

"Yes, I did," Orano confirmed.

"Where?" Caitrin asked eagerly.

"Emperal. Just like you," Orano replied.

"Really?" Caitrin's eyes lit up.

"It won't be easy, but it's our next stop," Orano said.

"So we're going directly there?" Caitrin inquired.

"Exactly. We don't have time to waste. Emperal is our next destination."

Caitrin looked up at the sky. "Finally, we're going there."

Before departing, they visited the bar one last time. Orano informed the bartender of their victory, and the bartender was overjoyed, expressing his gratitude. As usual, Orano accepted payment for their assistance.

As they continued their journey, Caitrin wearily remarked, "I'm getting tired of these horse-drawn carriages. Isn't there another way to travel?"

"Actually, there is," Orano replied. "In the Sixth Kingdom, people prefer to travel in comfort and style."

Caitrin's face lit up. "Really? Finally! I'm so sick of these aching bones. How will we travel?"

"They use air balloons. It's only a half-hour journey from here," Orano explained. "We'll just need to pay the fee and obtain a permit."

Caitrin's joy was evident, but a sudden pang of pain pierced her chest. The weight she carried seemed to grow heavier with each step. She stopped walking, her head bowed.

Orano noticed her distress. "Caitrin, are you alright?"

Caitrin looked up, her expression somber. "I need to tell you something."