Rhodes wasn't interested in young girls, mainly because they both had the surname "Luo," making it feel like they were family from five hundred years ago (not really).
Bringing some dry food and sugar reserves before leaving on a mission, just in case of a food crisis, was completely normal. It definitely wasn't meant to bribe a little girl.
Jimmy looked at the chocolate in front of her, then looked at the big brother who was smiling warmly while holding Hunter, and finally looked at the "manly" Elfman and the beasts fighting fiercely around them. She burst into tears.
She was terrified.
She thought she was going to be eaten by the Labon, and her brother too.
"There, there, it's alright... Are you cold? Hungry? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Rhodes was at a loss—he wasn't very good at comforting children.
"Stay here, be good, I'll be right back." Rhodes put Hunter beside her, then summoned Worm to act as a heater for the siblings.
"Partial Takeover: Stone Beetle Arm!"
To save magic, Rhodes only used a partial takeover, covering his arms with stone-like gauntlets, joining the battlefield personally.
The crab form lacked offensive power, and the wolf and beakbird forms were too gory for battle; the stone beetle was more suitable.
He punched the Labon in the stomach, creating ripples, then struck its head, sending it into a peaceful sleep.
In terms of combat efficiency, he was much better than the wild beasts tearing and biting, or Elfman using single-arm takeovers.
It was mainly about reducing the enemy numbers effectively.
"Manly!"
"I suggest you keep it down—if there's an avalanche, it'll be hard to run with the two kids."
"Manly! (quietly)"
Rhodes couldn't help but laugh as he fought—sometimes Elfman was actually kind of cute.
After a chaotic battle, the Labons attacking them lay scattered across the ground.
This kind of combat power and numbers would have been tough for an ordinary wizard to handle.
The main issue was being outnumbered—using magic strong enough to injure Labons would drain one's energy, and fighting several at once would exhaust their magic.
Even Elfman was panting. "These rabbits... really pack a punch. Manly."
Rhodes said, "No time to rest—let's take the kids down the mountain quickly. Who knows how many more are around."
"But we haven't found the herb yet."
"We'll come back later; we can't keep climbing with them."
Jimmy hugged Worm tightly, and with a timid voice said, "Uh, big brother, I already found the herb."
It was no wonder Rhodes sometimes thought his social skills were worse than Pororo's. In such a short time, Worm and Jimmy had gotten along so well that Worm was nuzzling her like she was its owner.
Of course, it could also be because Jimmy hadn't eaten the chocolate he had given her yet.
"Already found it?" Rhodes was surprised.
Jimmy nodded vigorously. "Yes!"
"Little girl! You are truly... manly!"
Jimmy made a face. What "manly"? I'm not Hunter.
"Alright, all the more reason to hurry down the mountain." Rhodes picked up Hunter and had Elfman carry Jimmy.
Jimmy was a bit scared of Elfman, but after being carried for a while and feeling his firm muscles through his clothes, she started to feel safe.
As for Worm, it walked on its own. It showed no discomfort in the snow, moving freely as if it were at home.
It even used its rich experience to help find the way down.
The other summoned beasts had been sent back, and Rhodes relied on his senses to keep watch around them.
Fortunately, they didn't encounter any trouble on the way down. When Rhodes had recovered enough magic, he summoned the Treant again and gave the kids an Ashen Crown before sending it away.
Hunter's face grew rosier while Rhodes' face paled slightly.
"Hey, are you alright?" Elfman asked, worried.
"I'm fine, just need a little rest."
When magic power was depleted, even his resistance to the cold seemed to drop. Rhodes was glad he was prepared and wore enough clothing.
By the time they were nearing the village, some color had returned to Rhodes' face, and Hunter opened his eyes.
"Sis! Run!"
Jimmy's nose stung, but she forced a smile and scolded, "Idiot Hunter! It's alright now."
"Huh?" Hunter looked around in confusion. He remembered being hit...
Did the Labon hit him all the way down the mountain?
"We were saved by the big brothers!"
Once he realized they were safe, Hunter started crying loudly.
He had been so scared—he didn't even know how he had found the courage to push his sister away.
"Idiot, say thank you!"
"Th-thank you, big brothers... sob..."
"You're welcome, but..." Rhodes paused, deciding that the scolding should be left to their mother. "But don't wipe your snot on my clothes. Winter clothes are hard to wash. Right, Elfman... Elfman?"
"Huh? Oh. I'm just glad you two are okay."
Elfman's absent response seemed like he was reminded of something from his past, seeing the brother and sister. Rhodes asked, "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing." Elfman carried Jimmy, walking silently.
It was Hunter's actions that reminded him of himself.
He, too, had taken in the Beast King to protect his sisters, disregarding everything.
When he regained consciousness, his first reaction was also to tell them to run.
Unfortunately...
The same recklessness and courage, but completely different outcomes.
Still, these two kids were lucky—that was a good thing.
Jimmy was stunned. The older brother, who looked so intimidating, could smile so gently?
"Big brother."
"Hm?"
"Thank you for protecting me." Jimmy smiled sweetly.
"Elf... Brother..."
Before Elfman's eyes, a familiar figure appeared. "Lisanna..."
"Huh?" Jimmy was puzzled.
"Nothing." Elfman adjusted his hold on her and patted her head gently. "Don't do dangerous things like this again. Your mom worries, and your brother too."
Jimmy lowered her head in guilt. "I understand..."
Elfman smiled—at least this time, he was able to protect someone.
So that's how it was... Rhodes looked at Elfman's expression, thinking he finally understood.
If it was truly as he thought...
Then there was hope for this kid!
And for Mira too!
No, he couldn't jump to conclusions—he needed to have a proper conversation with Elfman on the way back to be sure.
Also, finding missions like this one, where everything fit so well, wasn't that easy...
They needed more escort or healing missions—sooner or later, they'd run into similar situations again.
Even if it only helped a little each time, that would be enough.
Of course, he had to make sure it wouldn't further hurt him. There was a lot to consider.
Could his guilt and pain, stemming from his inner gentleness and kindness, ultimately be healed by the same tenderness?
At last, there was a glimmer of a solution.