With lightning speed, he kept sprinting forward, leaving the swamp land far behind him.
The green and brown blur was now replaced with a faster, more graceful stride. However, hours of non-stop running from passing barren land and escaping swamp land in scorching sunlight had taken a toll on his body, and he wished he had a mount beast soul like Nyla and Helia had, but he couldn't give up now just because he wanted to rest.
As he ran, the stench of the swamp was replaced by a refreshing salty breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It was a welcome relief for Rio's senses.
Suddenly, a glint of blue metal caught his eye in the distance, and his heart leaped with hope. He ran towards the bridge that spanned the wide expanse of water, leading to a distant island.
As Rio's gaze observed the distance with the help of his [Heaven's Eyes], a figure caught his attention. He could see her walking across the bridge, making her way toward the distant island.
Squinting against the bright sunlight, he could see that it was a woman, her blonde hair streaming behind her as she walked confidently across the narrow path. Rio's heart leaped with excitement as he recognized her.
Without a second thought, Rio raced towards her, his eyes locked on the lone figure walking across the narrow, suspended path. The bridge swayed and creaked beneath his feet as he ran, but he pushed forward, with his stubborn resolve driving him forward.
He could see that Helia was dressed in full warrior gear, a long sword strapped to her waist but he was focused solely on reaching her, his blue figure streaking like a rocket as he drew closer.
Helia sensed his approach and turned around, waiting for him to come near. Rio's heart was beating at a fast pace as he closed the distance between them, his eyes fixed on her.
The girl narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms, her voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade, "What do you want?"
She asked, her tone icy and unyielding. Her gaze bore into him with a fierce intensity, daring him to defy her.
Rio didn't get shaken by her aura, meeting her fierce look with a calm and steady gaze. He was no stranger to danger, and he wouldn't back down now. Though he knew he could match her fierceness with his own hidden devilish nature, he decided to take a different approach.
In a soft and gentle tone, he spoke, "I came to bring you home with me." He hoped that his tenderness would convince her to come with him
"I have no intention of going with you," Helia said icily, her tone dripping with rudeness.
She continued after a pause, realizing she was rude, "I want to meet my brother" Her voice was stiff, but there was a hint of sadness in it as if she wished he didn't come to find her.
Helia turned away from Rio and began walking towards the Island of the Dead Soul, determined to find her brother's spirit.
"Lioness, You can't go there. The Emperor himself said that it's a place of no return. It's too dangerous." Rio's calm voice was filled with worry, following her as she was going towards her destination.
"I don't care, I need to find out who killed my brother, no matter what it takes." Her voice was thick with sadness and stubbornness, her resolve unwavering despite Rio's constant pleas.
"Don't be stubborn, Lioness," Rio asked, her voice tenderly requesting.
Helia's eyes flashed with concern as she retorted, "You have no right to bring me back, just go back."
"I understand that, but didn't you say you will stay by Lia's side and protect her?" Rio questioned, thinking she would understand as Lioness loved her sister.
Helia's expression softened, but her response was still the same, "I do, but I want to meet big brother Leon."
Just as they were conversing, Eve's voice resounded in his mind, "You must understand, Rio. Her mind has been poisoned by the curse since she was the one who used the treasure map. As she approaches the Island of the Dead Soul, the curse's grip will only get stronger. She won't halt until she reaches that place. There's no way you can save her unless the curse is lifted. You can only let her go to her death."
Rio's eyes were focused on the horizon as he spoke with conviction, "I can not abandon her, Eve. Not when there may be a chance to save her. Lia needs her sister and I won't let her lose someone she cherishes. We have to find a way to lift the curse and bring Helia back safely."
There was one more reason to protect her, those ten visions in which he could save Lia, Helia was by his side. This made him more firm in his decision to not give up on her.
Eve sensed Rio's unwavering resolve and knew he wouldn't give up easily, "I understand, Partner. But you have to be aware that the Island of the Dead Soul is not to be taken lightly. It would be foolish to follow Helia, but I'll do what I can to protect you. Just promise me you'll be cautious."
The elven beauty was acutely aware of the impending danger that would soon confront Rio, filling her with concern for his safety. While she held no love for Helia, Rio was a crucial part of Eve's Life even if he didn't feel the same for her, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing him.
Rio let out a deep sigh, his heart heavy with worry as he watched Helia walk away from him. He knew that her mind was clouded by the curse of the Island of No Soul, and he couldn't let her go alone.
Without trying to convince her any further, he followed her quietly, his footsteps silent as he strode on the blue bridge toward the island.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
