Chapter 14 - Swiftness

Shantal, recognizing the weight of her words, began to unravel the tapestry of her own existence. She delved into the intricacies of her background, sharing the formative experiences and defining moments that shaped her into a reliable guardian. Her narrative painted a picture of resilience, determination, and a commitment to the cause of safeguarding those in need.

Also Shantal generously opens up about her personal journey, recounting not only her experiences but also delving into the captivating tale of how fate intertwined her path with those sibling. As the narrative unfolds, she vividly describes the pivotal moments that led to their serendipitous meeting, creating a rich tapestry of connections and shared adventures.

Now, as they embark on their journey back to the cave, the bonds forged through these shared stories and experiences deepen, creating a stronger sense of camaraderie among the two.

***

As Andy and Anna slowly woke up in the cave, a new, formidable presence was unmistakable. Alarmed, they hurriedly emerged from the cave, their eyes fixed on the mysterious newcomer.

Before them stood a young woman with raven-black hair. Behind her is Shantal 

With a sense of caution, Andy spoke up, "Who are you?" Their readiness to defend themselves was palpable.

Eva descended from the sky, landing gracefully, and offered a reassuring response, "Don't worry, Anna and Andy. I'm not your enemy." The siblings were perplexed, and Anna couldn't help but ask, "How do you know our names?"

Eva smirked knowingly. "Of course, I know both of you quite well, for I am the first and only guardian of Shantal" The revelation left Andy and Anna astonished, as they tried to comprehend the connection between this newfound presence and the world of magic they had just entered.

And then also Shantal descending slowly from the sky, landing gracefully, Santal asserted her dominance, declaring, "Both of you will obediently follow me, and any resistance will result in the immediate demise of both Andy and Anna." Faced with this ominous ultimatum, Andy and Anna reluctantly acquiesced, compelled to join Shantal on her journey against their will.afterter that, As Eva continued to explain their journey to the north, Shantal cast her wind flight magic, allowing Eva and the siblings to soar above the forest canopy.

The towering trees surrounded them, their branches and leaves creating a mesmerizing, green expanse.

As they glided through the lush forest, an unexpected obstruction blocked their path. A group of long-legged monkeys, each adorned with distinctive fur, posed a curious sight. These monkeys were unique with fur in varying colors and lengths, signifying their strength and hierarchy.

The monkeys, standing at heights between 100 to 120 cm, had red fur on their legs, indicating their relative weakness. Some perched on the branches of the tall trees, while others stood on the tree's edges, gazing down with keen interest. Those with steel-like leg fur represented the middle tier of strength, with 15 of them in this category. And then, the most powerful monkeys, five in total, had leg fur that shimmered with a majestic golden hue.

In total, a group of 20 long-legged monkeys had blocked the path, their hierarchical structure evident in the varying colors of their leg fur. It was a fascinating and potentially challenging encounter for Eva, Shantal, and the siblings as they considered how to navigate this unique obstacle in their journey north.

With a swiftness that took everyone by surprise, the nine long-legged monkeys lunged at Eva, Shantal, and the siblings. Their movement was lightning-fast, as if they had been waiting for this moment to test their skills.

The four monkeys with silvery leg fur adopted a striking posture, using their powerful legs to deliver precise, high-velocity kicks aimed at the intruders. In contrast, the five monkeys with fiery red leg fur assumed a punching stance, launching their relentless offensive with a series of fierce punches. It was clear that these long-legged monkeys were formidable adversaries, and their combined strength made them a force to be reckoned with.

Eva, visibly annoyed by this sudden confrontation, couldn't hide her frustration. "Tsk! So annoying. How could these lowly creatures dare to block our path?"

With a quick incantation, Eva summoned a multitude of small leaves, creating a protective shield that enveloped her, Shantal, and the siblings.

The approaching monkeys were met with a resounding "Bang!" as they collided with the leaves shield. To their surprise, the shield remained undamaged, effectively repelling the forceful attacks and pushing the monkeys back. The confrontation had taken an unexpected turn, and the long-legged monkeys paused, assessing the situation and planning their next move.

With a burst of magic, Eva conjured numerous light spears, each encased in a swirling whirlwind of wind. She released this formidable attack swiftly, and the five long-legged monkeys with red leg fur had no time to defend themselves. The powerful combination of light and wind proved deadly, and the five monkeys were swiftly defeated.

The four monkeys with silvery leg fur managed to evade the attack, leaping out of harm's way. However, upon witnessing the fall of their five comrades, they realized the gravity of the situation. Their opponents were not to be underestimated.

In response, the eleven remaining long-legged monkeys began to coordinate their movements, moving in unison to surround Eva, Andy, Anna, and Shantal. The four silvery-furred monkeys positioned themselves as well, creating a formidable barrier, trapping the group in the center.