Side chapter - 105 - The Path to take.

It had been a week since the trio met the duo and everyone was getting along quite well. Though fights were rare in between their journeys Moira and Carla proved to be enough to keep everyone safe. It was both fortunate and unfortunate since the three couldn't gain enough essence to rise in levels as much as they did before.

Still, it wasn't an issue that would last since it wouldn't remain that way for long.

The group or crowd of people had left the forest behind them. On their eastern path was the village at the base of Mount Carion where a funny event would soon take place. To the north were the border cliffs of the Desolation of Anges. Northwest of it a path had been cut through like a gigantic blade cleaving through stone armor.

The Desolate path, as it was called offered a dangerous route back into the Desolate forest. Numerous creatures and beasts, both known and unknown lurked within its rocky terrain forever hungry and flesh-seeking. For some reason, these beasts never left the path whether they couldn't or just didn't wish to was unclear.

Still, it was a path wrought with danger but still better than the northeastern path where a fort stationed with lesser Titans sat.

It was no news that the humans of the Desolation of Anges were prisoners in their very own territory. The setup made it quite clear how seriously the other races took this. The Desolation of Anges while not the only position with humans was the one true place where humans could say they were free. If freedom was being surrounded and watched like zoo creatures then, yes.

It had been yet another month since the trio had met up with the sisters. There had been a lot of changes and lots of improvement amongst the five and also amongst the crowd trailing after them. There were now over three hundred humans in the moving camp. Each picked up for one reason or the other. Each eager to find a place to call home. There were escaped slaves, wastrels, former criminals, fugitives, and whatnot. Yet it didn't matter to Moira as she pushed on.

Carla had the sweet tongue and innocent looks to rope the humans into trailing along while Moira was a beacon of strength, a shield to hide behind, and a pillar to hold them up. It wasn't easy no matter how she looked at it yet at the same time from somewhere she found the strength not just physically but mentally to push ahead. And finally, they were close enough to their last resort. Her sights were set on the promised land. Of course, she knew what exactly the place was since the three teenagers had already briefed her and Carla on their meeting with Erizos As such, she was very relieved to note the cliffs that signified the start of the Desolate Forest.

Eagerly and with an added spring in their steps everyone hurried forward to close the last distance between them and enter into the lands of man.

But of course, things wouldn't be that easy.

"We took the lesser Giants path. It's . well safer. In a way". Moira and Carla stared straight at Kendor as he fumbled for his words.

"It was safe because we snuck through," Humda mentioned arms folded. Sanda made a brisk body while playing with the helm of her dress.

"This Giants..."

"Lesser Giants"

*Lesser Giants..." she made a glare at Kendor's correction before continuing. " ... how strong are they?"

Humda paused his body freezing a bit before he sighed and looked at Sanda. The female just eyed Moira for a moment before talking.

" Not weak enough for you to beat. I assure you". It was obvious to everyone that Moira was looking. for a challenge. Ever since she slew the Orc chieftain back deep within the clutches of the forest her thirst for stronger foes and opponents had increased.

Just like most other characters Moira had already figured out the pattern of bigger risks and bigger rewards. As such, she was always actively seeking death.

"Trust me. I watched a lessee giant crush a boulder by just jerking its arm forward. It's not something we can go against." Sanda had a look of worry growing steadily as she noted the resolve on this girl's face.

"Even if you're strong enough to contend against a lesser giant. How fast do you think you'll be able to take care of them? What of the rest of these people who follow you? They're all just human after all unlike us."Kendor added.

" You're human as well " Humda was quick to remind Kendor who felt his lip twitch.

" They're right" Carla was the one to speak this time. " I highly recommend finding a new path. As strong as you are Moira by the Great one's grace you still are not unable to be everywhere at once. My shield might hold but I don't want to risk lives, especially when Giants are involved".

" Lesser Giants. Lesser Giants" Four heads simultaneously turned piercing Kendor with cold gazes.

'Gulp'.

"I'm just saying. The last thing we need is overestimating them." His eyes looked to the distance as he avoided eye contact with them.

" Whatever. but now we have a bit of an issue. If we can't take the people through the Gi.. lesser giant's territory, then what path do we take". Sanda asked she and Carla showed worried expressions.

No one had any suggestions to give as the four stood in a circle watching themselves. Finally, a voice broke the silence of thoughts. Just that it didn't belong to any of them.

"There is a way. " Everyone turned to look upon an old man. Carla remembered him from before. His case had been especially unforgettable due to his age and the cruel aight of watching him be whipped with razor-barbed wires to shred his back. It had taken quite a while unlike normal to carefully mend the flesh together.

He had come to be known by many as Old man Kindo. Old man Kindo was as frail as the winter leaves right before the beginning of summer. His bald head gleamed in the sunlight and his gaunt and famished body shook whenever he walked. His bones were worse for wear from age. . Moat in the camp said he was skirting a fine line between life and death.

"It's been ages since I left the Desolation of Anges. Seeking things beyond its region. Many things might have changed but if I'm correct then one thing that hasn't changed would be the Desolate Path.

*What is this path, no where is it?" Sanda energetically asked hopping forward on her roes like a bunny.

"More like how didn't we hear of it?" Humda asked too.

"Or why?" The last part came from a worried-looking Kendor. Nodding Moira looked to Old man Kindo.

" What's so special about this "Desolate path?"

A sigh escaped him as his eyes brimmed a bit. Looking down he seemed to weigh a few things before he nodded to himself.

"Everything Moira Duran. Everything. Essentially the Desolate path is generally known as a Hell and Paradise Field. Why?. Simple. Because its the most beautiful place in all the continent. Yet also the most dangerous. . After all no one. Not even a Demigod dares step foot into it".

A chill went through the spines of all present. After all, wasn't this where Old man Kindo wanted them passing through? Surprisingly the Lesser Giants territory seemed more feasible, beautiful even to all four present.

Moira would love such a place though, but no one considered her normal anymore to start with. There was even a glint in her eye. To her left Kendor stared at her his brows twitching.

'Where in all the heavens did you find this one Great one. Or is this the madness from too much power.