Gragas decided to take a risk, enduring the intense pain in his back. He took a deep breath and gazed at the slope below. He knew the Snowpeak Falcon's attacks wouldn't be too frequent, and it probably wouldn't pursue him far from its territory. Now, his only chance was to take advantage of the fierce bird temporarily leaving and quickly escape this dangerous area.
He took a deep breath, aimed at the path below, and with his sturdy physique, made a brave leap from the mountainside. For a moment in the air, he felt like he had freed himself from all constraints, then landed abruptly. His weight and momentum caused a flurry on the snow, scattering fine snowflakes, as if bearing witness to this moment of courage and determination.
The impact of the fall intensified Gragas's body pain, but he didn't have time to worry about it. He quickly stood up, shaking off the piercing pain and the cold, and began to descend rapidly along the mountain path. His steps were firm and fast, with his mind set on returning to Mother Joia's camp as quickly as possible to ensure Darius received enough treatment and shelter.
Behind Gragas, the screech of the snow peak eagle gradually faded into the wind, and he knew he had temporarily escaped danger. His heart was filled with determination to protect the unexpected bond and the newfound friendship, even if injured.
After the threat of Snowfang Eagle gradually dissipated, Gragas finally ran back to the forest safely. The leaves swayed quietly in the cold wind, and the dark tree shadows eased his tense nerves. In this familiar forest, his steps gradually slowed down, taking deep breaths of the fresh scent of the trees, feeling comfort from nature.
Gragas cautiously reached into his pocket, checking the precious wheat he had worked so hard to obtain. The Iceborn wheat felt heavy in his hand, and although he had lost some during the escape, the remaining amount should be enough to satisfy his needs. This precious wheat was not only his gratitude to Mother Jhona, but also a realization of his dream of brewing for many years.
Walking on familiar ground, Gragas's thoughts gradually drift away. His mood is complex, with a mix of reminiscing about the recent perilous situation and concern for Darius's safety. But at this moment, he is filled with more anticipation and hope for the future. He knows that the road ahead is full of challenges, but he also understands that as long as he sticks to his beliefs and goals, nothing is impossible.
Gragas's steps are firm and steady as he approaches the camp of the spirit walkers, and the burden in his heart gradually lifts. The people in the camp cast curious and even worried glances at the vivid scar on his back, but Gragas seems unaffected, his gaze determined and his steps unwavering.
Walking into Mother Joia's wooden house, Gragas felt a familiar and comforting atmosphere. The fire inside the house was still burning brightly, emitting a warm glow. His gaze quickly searched for Darius's figure, and he found that Darius had been carefully moved to a soft bed, replacing the cold and hard wooden table.
Darius on the bed looked much more stable, breathing evenly and deeply. A glimmer of relief flashed in Gragas's eyes. He knew that at least for now, Darius's life was no longer in immediate danger. His gaze turned to the other corners of the house, looking for Mother Joia's figure, preparing to report his completed mission and also wanting to know Darius's specific condition. In this camp full of mysterious power, Gragas felt a long-lost sense of calm.
Gragas carefully examined Darius's condition, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in his back. Instinctively, he turned his head and saw Grandma Joja poking his wound with her old-fashioned wooden cane. The scar left by the Snow Peak Eagle's attack, when poked by Grandma Joja, caused him almost to jump in pain.
However, when Gragas turned to look, he saw Grandma Joja's face, full of wrinkles, wearing a wicked smile. Her eyes were filled with mischief and satisfaction, as if she were enjoying Gragas's instant change in expression due to the pain. Gragas's anger vanished instantly, as if doused with cold water, and he could only grit his teeth in silence.
Qiaoya's mother poked and teased, "It looks like your mission isn't going so smoothly, huh?" Her tone carried a hint of playfulness and concern.
Gragas snorted, with a wry smile on his lips, and said helplessly, "Qiaoya's mother, are you showing concern for me or just looking for amusement?"
Qiaoya's mother grumbled, "Blame yourself if you must!" Although she complained on the surface, Gragas understood in his heart that this old woman's way of caring was always special. He also knew that despite the difficulties, the ice crystal wheat he brought back would bring some help to the spirit walker, thus repaying the debt he owed many years ago.
Gragas's face showed a hint of an embarrassed smile, and he shrugged helplessly, responding, "That was a long time ago, Mrs. Jiaoya."
But Mrs. Jiaoya didn't buy it and continued to grumble, "A long time ago? Hmph, do you think we would forget? You nearly emptied our spirit walkers' wine cellar that time. That's not a small matter! You, this big guy, come in like a storm every time, disrupting everything."
Gragas listened to Mrs. Jiaoyama's complaints, feeling both guilty and amused. He knew that although Mrs. Jiaoyama talked tough, deep down she wasn't truly angry with him.
"I know, I know. Maybe this time the ice crystal wheat I brought back can make up for my previous mistake?" Gragas tried to ease the tension with a light tone, while also expressing his apology.
Qiaoya's mother sighed, shook her head, and couldn't help but laugh in the end: "You fool, always resorting to this kind of method to make amends. Forget it, since you brought back the ice crystal wheat, we won't pursue it further. But don't do this again next time, our wine isn't available every day here."
Hearing Qiaoya's mother say this, Gragas felt a warm feeling in his heart. He knew that this old woman's heart was actually very kind, she just had a tough mouth. He nodded in gratitude and then asked with concern, "How is Darius doing?"
Comment 0 Comment Count