The Against All Odds

CH 23 - New Feelings

The forest they entered was an amazing fantasy landscape. Giant trees were like oaks with branches that curved to the ground towering above them. Mosses and vines run every tree trunk there, creating a natural green landscape. The sunlight penetrated between the dense foliage, creating a glittering ray that fell to the ground with a golden glitter.

The forest also had many streams of small rivers flowing with clear water producing a soothing gurgling sound. Meanwhile, the giant mushrooms that were thick with moss, looked like forest rangers. Some even looked radiant like garden lights with a beautiful blue color. Those huge mushrooms have created an alluring magical feel.

Wild grass and green moss cover the soil of this forest, creating a soft and comfortable foundation under their feet. Brightly colored birds flew over, filling this forest with their melodious singing. All of this unites this forest as a place so alive and magical.

They roamed the dense forest with a look of admiration for its beauty. Lush foliage and a wide variety of plants that rise to the top create a stunning landscape. Every step they took took took them deeper into the beauty of this forest. However, not yet they entered to explore the forest deeper, suddenly a strange sound that sounded similar to the hiss of an angry poisonous snake. Leo, who leads them by walking in the front position, signals them to stop.

Belladona, curiously, asked, "What's up, Leo?"

"I just heard something, like a giant snake or something." With a tense voice.

Belladona, in her relaxed manner, put both her hands on her waist, "Just calm down, Leo. It was not the sound of a snake, but the sound of a giant spider."

Leo was silent for a moment, trying to hold back his fear that was even getting bigger. His expression turned silly as he tried to cover his fear with a joke, "What? Giant spider, huh? Of course, who would be afraid of such a creature, right?" As he spoke, he spread out his small hands and clenched his fists as if toying with an invisible 'spider' in the air. Then, with such a joke, he went further. But inwardly, he still felt wary of the strange voice earlier. Everything was clearly visible from the movements of his trembling body.

Meanwhile, Matilda who from earlier jumped on top of the large mushrooms looked very curious. With a cute and innocent face, as well as an eye full of curiosity, he asked, "What is that spider I used to eat?"

Belladona answered briefly because it was focused with a thick book in her hand, "Yes, Matilda, it's the same spider."

Matilda with her adorable innocence replied, "Eh, I want to eat that again!" It even looks like it's ready to go looking for a giant spider to eat again.

While continuing to circulate his gaze warily, Leo tucked the veil of his cloak into the face in a quick and somewhat clumsy motion, as if it would protect him from the giant spider that continued to haunt his imagination. As Matilda spoke of wanting to eat it again, Leo spontaneously turned back for a moment with a mixed expression, trying to process the hilarious comment he had just heard.

As Leo looked back, his gaze came to a halt as he reached Alisha, who was standing at their very back. The sunlight that sneaked in made Alisha's golden blonde hair look so dazzling. Her beautiful face was radiated in natural light. Alisha looked up, staring at the light coming from above, her brown eyes looking so warm and full of charm.

Leo, who had never before paid close attention, felt as if he was fixated on Alisha being bathed in sunlight. Despite their 5 years together, Leo only realized the new feelings that were growing in his heart at this time. Alisha's beauty radiated in the morning light made her heart flutter, and she felt like she was looking at her for the first time again.

Alisha, who kept looking up with a curious look, pointed to the sky with her right hand outstretched up. "What are the spiders?" ask him casually.

Matilda who was always innocent and curious immediately followed Alisha's gaze and approached her partner. "Well, I want to!" he cried with joy like a child.

However, his spirit foundered when Leo said firmly and loudly, "Now is not the time to eat, we must hurry before it gets dark."

Leo then turned around and flicked his thick robe as he strode steadily. Although a little stumbled several times, he tried to keep his authority in front of his friends who look very curious about this particular forest of spiders. However, inwardly, he thought with a hint of emotion, 'Who said going on an adventure like this was easy? Giant spiders? Is that crazy, right? Damn this robe, I almost fell because of you.' While trying to maintain his strong attitude.

On their journey through this vast forest, Belladona played an important role in providing direction. With his confident pace, he opened the tome he always carried and clearly pointed out the direction this group should take. Sometimes, he also gave a brief explanation of the flora and fauna they encountered along the way.

Leo, who walked in front, led boldly. He paved the way by slashing some branches and tree roots that blocked their path, using a sword. Although he seemed very serious about his duties, he occasionally glanced back to make sure his friends were okay.

At the back, Alisha and Matilda seemed to be engrossed in their own conversation. They laugh and talk with passion, looking like new friends who always find interesting things to discuss, even in adventurous situations like this. Despite being separated for a moment in their conversation, they always keep a close eye on the surroundings and listen to Belladona's instructions.