Rose pointed her index finger up and continued: 'Those are the fruits of the Legendary Burning Tree of the Underworld, the Scarlet Peaches. We cannot leave this hellish cave without them... Unfortunately, there is that thing out there…'
Their peculiar shape had already attracted his interest, and now, after hearing the girl's words, he was sure he had to take at least one of them, so he put the matter of the curse aside and asked: 'Were you able to figure out its strength more or less? What kind of creature do we have to face in case something happens?'
The young woman thought for a bit and then recounted everything she knew: 'Well... no. I didn't even see him. It's just that my instinct warned me of the danger coming from below the lava. Furthermore, I could move only a few from where I had appeared because there was an impenetrable layer caging me in place.'
'You just appeared here?!'
'Indeed, I used a Greater Teleportation Talisman to escape from a bunch of ruthless evil spirits and somehow ended up in this place. Actually, that barrier protected me for a couple of days, so I'm pretty lucky. As for the barrier, I don't know why or how it appeared here.'
Atlas had some thoughts about it, but he didn't explain and let her continue: 'Now that I think about it, how did you manage to get here without angering that creature?... How did you do it?'
Thinking back to her words, Atlas was a little terrified. He had crossed that bridge without knowing the existence of such a terrible enemy.
As for her question… well, he didn't know the answer.
So, he shook his head, somewhat confused: 'I don't know... in truth, I got this far without meeting anyone... it is definitely strange...'
'Hmm...' Rose scrutinized every inch of the young man's body but didn't find anything out of place: 'How strange... perhaps you have an Artifact that can hide your presence from the eyes of that creature?'
'I don't think so... Maybe that creature has fallen into a deep sleep. Anyway... who is the enemy?'
Clearly, Atlas didn't want to share his secret with a stranger, so he tried to change the subject immediately. Fortunately, Rose did not investigate further and described the creature: 'Well... I know it might be difficult to believe, but from its unique power, I think that creature is a sentient Fire Spirit!'
'A sentient spirit!!!'
The truth was too shocking. How could a sentient Fire Spirit exist in such a remote place?
Atlas looked toward the lake with a terrified look: 'Damn... What the fuck are we still doing here? If that abomination awakens, it will be the end of us!'
It was a normal reaction since they talked about a legendary creature who could control the fire decree as effortlessly as the Chaos Energy. It was the undisputed ruler of the primordial element, Fire.
An enemy beyond his capabilities, perhaps not even Drunkum, would be able to escape unharmed from that monster.
'If that creature is sleeping, it might be our only chance, but I can't leave this place without those fruits.'
The girl's words were insanity, but that stupid task forced him to help that madman.
'Rose... your father and Uncle Beard are very concerned for your safety. It makes no sense to risk so much for a fruit!'
'Then I had guessed right. That grip around your wrist must be my father's Soul Compass...' The young man's words made sense, but surprisingly, that girl was as stubborn as ever: 'But... That fruit... that fruit... is essential to me! I won't leave without it!'
'You are too irresponsible! Certainly, I won't help you foment your madness!' Atlas shouted in his mind.
'Then leave! As soon as I can walk, I'll get them by myself!'
'Crazy woman...' Atlas was speechless from her stubbornness, so she approached her very slowly: 'I don't know your real motives, but I can't leave you here...'
Perhaps Rose was still a little exhausted and could not avoid Atlas's actions.
In an instant, the blanket lying on the ground was wrapped so tightly around her that her arms and legs could not move.
'You idiot...let me go. NOW!'
Atlas was unyielding and, with a rope, tied the girl carefully.
'Stop it... If you are interested in the reward... take this...'
A huge bag filled with Chaos Stones fell to the ground.
Its load was so excessive that some coins fell to the ground, causing a frightening commotion.
The beast had not roused itself, but it had undoubtedly attracted the young man's attention. In fact, its mouth was one step away from dripping with drool.
'Take those as compensation and go away. I can survive by myself from now on. I am much stronger than you can imagine...'
The young man had to resist with all his willpower from catching that enchanting bag and finally shook his head with an unresigned expression: 'I can't... You will never convince me even with more treasures...'
Boom!
Atlas did not have time to finish the sentence, and another bag appeared out of nowhere.
'Oh, shit... Mid-Grade Chaos Stones... damn this woman.'
Atlas wanted so badly to take them, but he held that desire in check.
'You idiot... take those stones and leave! And don't think of asking me for more because this is all I own...'
The girl's actions had repeatedly shaken his will, but completing the task was more important: 'Damn you... stop it. I don't care about money. My only goal is to bring you home safely. So put them away, witch!'
Being called a witch was a bit unpleasant, but Rose maintained control, and when she found herself bound to the boy's body with her head a few inches from her captor's face, she began slamming her soft forehead against his: 'You idiot...let me go! If you try to descend this tree, I swear, I will bite you the whole time...'
Rose continued to hit the young man, trying to stop him with the only part of her body still free.
'Stop it... Crazy woman... What are you doing? You are still too tired, and all of this is useless.'
Atlas's head was definitely much more tenacious than hers. Indeed, those soft headbutts gave him just a little discomfort but nothing else.
'You idiot! Idiot! Put me down!'
Seeing that the warheads weren't working, Rose stared at him furiously for a while and then bit his cheeks like a ravenous beast, sinking her teeth in until they pierced his skin.
AH!!
That bite came too abruptly, and the sudden pain made him wince. Fortunately, it was Rose who sealed his mouth to stop his cry of pain.
'Let me go... otherwise, I will continue as long as I have the strength...'
The headbutts were still acceptable, but this... this was a bit much: 'Are you crazy? That was so close...'
'Let me go!'
'NO!' Atlas shook his head firmly, and the girl's response was brutal.
Rose sank her sharp teeth into his flesh for the second time.
This time, however, she had struck his nose without restraint, branding him with her canines.
'Are you out of your mind? Why are you so stubborn? There is no point in throwing away your life for stupid fruits...'
Rose sank her sharp teeth into his flesh for the third time, striking his still-healthy cheek.
'Let me go! I have my good reasons if I want to get those fruits. Let go of me!'
With his face battered by bites, Atlas stared at her angrily.
He was almost about to scold her once again when he noticed tears on her lovely face: 'Give me a good reason... But don't lie to me. Otherwise, I'll take you away from here even if you keep biting my face!'
Seeing that her bold actions had attracted the young man, Rose lowered her gaze and whispered a few words: 'I need them for...'