Frøya and Stortholus settled into nearby seats, occupying them side by side. However, as Frøya took her seat, a sharp pain lanced through her head, causing her to wince and clutch her temples.
"Whose memories are these?" she inquired, her voice trembling.
In response, the elderly man extended his hand, gently placing it upon Frøya's forehead. This touch seemed to carry an inexplicable power. In that fleeting moment, the world around them blurred, and Frøya's vision faded into an ethereal haze.
When her eyes opened once more, she found herself transported to another era, a time that felt both distant and strangely familiar. She was seated on a wooden bench, surrounded by trees dressed in the vibrant hues of autumn. Leaves whirled and danced through the crisp air, creating a mesmerizing display of colors.
Beside her sat the elderly man, but he had transformed. He exuded an elegance that she hadn't seen before. His beard and hair were impeccably groomed, and his eyes sparkled with youthful vigor. It became clear to her that she was witnessing the younger version of her companion. They had both been transported back in time to relive a cherished memory together.
Frøya watched herself, sitting beside the young and dashing man, their laughter intertwined in a symphony of shared stories. Their fingers naturally intertwined, displaying a deep and timeless connection. Their bond transcended the boundaries of time and space, growing stronger with each passing moment.
The ambiance filled with nostalgia and joy. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot mingled with their laughter, creating a harmonious symphony of love and companionship. Frøya's heart swelled with emotions as she experienced the tenderness and affection that had once defined their relationship. They reveled in each other's presence, oblivious to the world around them, lost in the magic of the season and the enchantment of their connection.
Yet, like before, the vision began to fade. Back in the train, the old man inquired, "Is everything okay, my dear?"
Frøya responded, "Yes, I just got confused for a second, sir..." Her words were abruptly interrupted by a sudden, excruciating headache, far more intense this time. She cried out in agony, clutching her head with her hands, while the old man beside her also appeared troubled.
Suddenly, the wagon's door swung open, revealing Guto, battered and with torn clothes.
Moments before...
Two guards had been patrolling through the wagons.
One of them asked, "Did the noise come from over there?"
The other guard confirmed, "Yes, sir."
The first guard commended him, "Good job reporting in so fast, but unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it."
The second guard questioned, "Why not, sir?"
The first guard explained, "That wagon isn't owned by Mr. Dorian. The owner has an agreement with Mr. Dorian, he pays him, and no one is allowed inside his wagon. It's that simple."
The second guard conceded, "Hmm, okay, I guess business is business."
"Absolutely." the first guard agreed.
Inside the wagon, Guto stood with his fists prepared for the upcoming battle. The imposing man awaited his first move.
Guto dashed in, delivering punches that left the man's skin tissue lifeless. To Guto's surprise, the man seemed unfazed.
Confusion etched across Guto's face, and he let loose a flurry of hooks and uppercuts, yet the man remained seemingly unaffected.
The colossal man gazed down at Guto, his demeanor intimidating. Guto's fear was palpable, almost causing his soul to flee his body.
Taking a step back, the man lunged toward Guto, and Guto mirrored the action, both of them throwing punches aimed at the other's face. Guto managed to duck in time, avoiding the punch while landing one on the man's face. This time, in contrast to their previous exchanges, the impact was effective.
The man staggered back, his grumbling akin to that of a primal beast.
Guto realized, 'Hmm... Maybe you're not invincible after all.'
The battle continued with Guto and the giant trading blows, but suddenly, the massive man began to stumble erratically while clutching his head, screaming in pain.
Guto stood baffled, momentarily distracted by the anguished scream he heard from the next wagon. Recognizing it as Frøya's voice, he realized he needed to end this confrontation swiftly.
With resolve, Guto readied himself and charged toward the disoriented man, capitalizing on his moment of vulnerability. Before he could land the decisive blow, the colossal man collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Puzzled by the sudden turn of events, Guto took the opportunity to move on to the next wagon.
As Guto pushed open the door to the next wagon, the old man's gaze met his, and the man screamed, "NO, I NEED HER, PLEAGHGGHghh..." The man's words were abruptly cut short by shadow bolts emanating from Guto's arm, piercing him in the chest, shoulder, and throat. He writhed on the ground in slow and agonizing suffering.
Guto shifted his attention to Frøya, who appeared disoriented and had no recollection of recent events. Her eyes rolled back, and then she inquired, "What happened? I don't remember anything."
Guto explained, "I don't know, but I think that man somehow brainwashed you."
Frøya responded, "I'm so confused. You look pretty bad. What happened to you?"
"I was fighting a massive guy in the other wagon, but he passed out. I think that old man was controlling him in some way. I believe he should be back to normal now, but I don't want to stay here to find out."
Frøya agreed, "Yeah, me too. We must be close to the last wagon, where we might find some treasure."
"Alright, let's go!" Guto replied, but before they could proceed, they were interrupted by a sudden scream from the previous wagon.
The man had risen and was ready for another round of battle.
"Shit, he got up," Frøya exclaimed.
Guto quickly informed her, "Listen closely. This guy has a mutation just like me. He can toughen up any part of his body to the point where even shadow bolts can't pierce it."
Frøya questioned, "What? How are we supposed to win against him, then?"
"While I was fighting him, I noticed something. I think he can only toughen up when he's standing still. During our exchange of strikes, I landed a hit that seemed to hurt him. Besides, he fights like a mindless brute."
Frøya nodded with determination, "Alright then, let's get him."
With newfound resolve, Guto and Frøya braced themselves for the upcoming battle.