Explaining the chemical principles of oxygen to people in this magical world was simply too difficult. Freyr brushed it off with a few words and quickly changed the subject: "We need to figure something out... Can you use your magic?"
Both witches shook their heads, extinguishing Freyr's last hope.
"So, what now?" Naya asked.
Over the past few days on the island, both women had unconsciously started to see the youngest among them, Freyr, as the group's leader. Even Naya found herself relying on the boy, who had consistently remained the most composed, devised escape plans, and found food and water, while also looking after the two women.
But now, what could they do?
Freyr truly had no idea. He wasn't a god. Stuck in this desolate, unresponsive place, what could he possibly do? He felt like he couldn't even muster a bitter smile. He wanted to shout to vent his frustration, but seeing the two women watching him, especially Lilith with her trusting gaze, he sighed.
Forcing a smile, Freyr tried to comfort them, "Don't worry... Since we've survived and ended up here, it means our fate isn't sealed yet. There's always a way out."
Freyr sighed inwardly as he walked to the cave wall and gently touched it. "We should rest first, regain some strength. Then..." Freyr hesitated, "Then, we'll figure something out... Hey, does anyone want to hear a story?"
Naya pursed her lips. Unlike the naïve Lilith, she sensed that Freyr was out of ideas. However, seeing Lilith shivering, she sighed and kept silent. If they were really going to die here, so be it. Maybe it would be a release from the burdens she had carried for so long.
Without speaking, Naya retreated into her thoughts. Meanwhile, Lilith, full of hope, stepped forward and looked at Freyr, "W-what story?"
"A story..." Freyr smiled slightly, "I once heard a story about a thief and a treasure. It's about a young man named Ali Baba..."
Freyr slowly recounted the famous tale of "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" from his previous world. When he finished, he smiled and pointed to the cave wall, "You see, maybe the gods will grant us a miracle too! Maybe if you touch the wall and shout 'Open Sesame,' a door will appear to let us out!"
Lilith thought for a moment, tears welling up in her eyes. "Freyr, are you just trying to comfort me?"
Freyr didn't respond. In this situation, all he could do was silently pat Lilith's head.
Lilith suddenly smiled, trying hard to be brave. "Freyr said there's a way out, so there must be a way! We can try everything! Let's start with 'Open Sesame'!"
With a cute smile on her tear-streaked face, Lilith really raised her hand and gently knocked on the wall, then recited in her sweet, clear voice:
"Open... Sesame..."
Freyr suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. Was this sweet girl really going to die here?
But then, as if the universe was playing along...
Before Freyr's tears could fall, and right as Lilith finished saying "Open Sesame"...
The cave wall gently rippled, as if it were made of water. A withered hand emerged from the wall, startling Freyr and the others. A weak, almost breathless voice came from within:
"Finally... guests have arrived... Please, come in..."
The hand was skeletal, covered in leathery, wrinkled skin, like a blackened old tree branch. It gestured for them to enter and then retreated into the wall.
Freyr was the first to gather his wits. He stepped forward and placed his hand on the rippling wall, feeling a soft, water-like sensation. He thought about it and his hand slipped inside the wall.
"It seems... we can go in," Freyr's voice was hoarse.
The two girls, holding each other's hands tightly, looked at him with apprehension.
"Should we go in?" Naya asked, nervous. "What if it's a trap?"
"The only other option is death here," Freyr said calmly. He then motioned for Lilith to come to him. She immediately went to his side.
"Do you trust me?" he asked.
Lilith nodded vigorously. Freyr took her hand, gave her a reassuring look, and stepped into the wall.
Lilith took a deep breath, praying silently: "Dear gods, protect little Lilith and Freyr... and my sister."
Seeing the two enter, Naya gritted her teeth and followed.
And so, Freyr led Lilith, who held Naya's hand, into the mysterious wall. It was an eerie sight, as three living people stepped into the solid rock.