The troll burst forward.
Despite its hulking frame, it shot ahead like a loosed arrow.
It closed the distance in an instant, raising both hands to crush this puny insect with brute force.
Death descended in a blur.
Caspian didn't flinch.
He stood perfectly still, breathing evenly, as if waiting for the exact moment to act.
Kala's heart leapt into her throat.
She tried to call out, but the words died when she saw him finally move.
Caspian took the blow head-on—not out of desperation, but curiosity.
Dragons were known for powerful physiques.
His, however, was something beyond that.
A wish-forged body that transcended race—perhaps even the limits of this world.
The troll's strike landed.
His muscles tensed, but no strain followed.
Instead, a surge of predatory dominance flooded his veins.
He wasn't barely surviving.
He was comfortable.
His feet sank into the cracked stone beneath him.
A smirk formed as he silently thanked the mysterious being who had granted his wishes.
With a guttural roar, he thrust his arms upward.
The force didn't just block the attack—it reversed its momentum, throwing the troll off balance. Its bloodshot eyes widened in shock.
It roared in fury.
"Alright, enough. You're disappointing."
Caspian sounded bored.
He slid between the troll's tree-trunk legs, blade slicing cleanly through its ligaments.
The monster crashed to its knees, shaking the chamber.
Before its regeneration could activate, Caspian vaulted onto its back and drove his sword into its thick hide.
Blood sprayed.
The troll thrashed wildly, nearly throwing him off.
Caspian ripped the blade free and used the creature's body as a springboard.
He launched himself skyward.
Then dropped.
One swift strike.
His blade cut through skin and bone alike, severing the head in a brutal arc.
The massive head hit the ground with a sickening thud.
The troll's fading eyes still burned with rage—unaware it was already dead.
[Ding!]
[Successfully defeated a troll mini boss.]
[500 SP rewarded!]
Caspian flicked blood from his sword—only to meet Kala's stunned gaze.
"Shall we?" he smirked.
Still dazed, she nodded and followed him onward.
_______
They soon found themselves suspended above a sea of lava.
Heat pressed in from all sides as they navigated a deadly path.
"Grab my hand!"
Kala hesitated, flustered.
Then reached out.
Caspian pulled her just in time as a spiked log whipped past.
They moved forward quickly.
Ahead lay a cracked molten bridge.
Massive flaming steel balls rolled down it, ready to crush anything in their path.
Still holding Kala's hand, Caspian timed their movement carefully.
They dashed forward.
Flaming arrows streaked past.
False tiles gave way underfoot.
One misstep meant death.
Then—
Kala slipped while dodging a trap.
She hit the ground hard.
Her hand tore free from his grasp.
Pain shot through her ankle.
"Shit!"
A flaming steel ball thundered toward them.
Without hesitation, Caspian sprinted back.
He reached her in a heartbeat.
"Leave me!" Kala pleaded. "I'm only slowing you down!"
Ignoring her, Caspian scooped her into a princess carry, earning a startled squeak.
The fiery ball bore down on them.
He chose instantly—retreat.
They made it back to safety as the blazing sphere roared past.
Kala buried her face into his broad chest and mumbled,
"Why do you care so much about me? I don't get it…"
Shaking his head at her antics, Caspian put her down and removed her boot, revealing her small foot in his large hands.
He spoke honestly,
"I don't know why I do so much either. I don't fully understand it myself yet."
His voice was quieter now.
"But what I do know is that since meeting you, I've felt a strong connection. I don't know—it might sound ridiculous. Actually, now that I'm saying it out loud, it does sound that way…"
His eyes shifted from playful to serious as they met hers.
"I want you to know, I will never let anything bad happen to you again, Kala."
Gathering courage, she whispered,
"It's not ridiculous… I felt it too."
Her face burned red.
Caspian smiled softly.
A rare calm settled between them.
While he examined her injury, Kala found herself stunned by his sincerity.
A prince caring about her felt unreal.
Still… her mind wandered.
In those stories… they end up together… and if we—
Her thoughts overheated.
What am I thinking?!
She shook her head.
He probably didn't mean it… right?
His voice pulled her back.
"Hold still. This might sting."
Warmth spread through her foot.
Pain vanished.
Surprised, she said,
"I didn't think a spell so ruthless could feel so gentle."
He helped her put her boot back on and offered a hand.
She took it.
They crossed the bridge together, dodging traps until they reached solid ground.
Ahead stood the grand doors to the final area.
But before reaching them, a vast rocky field stretched out.
Caspian sensed danger.
He opened his mouth to warn Kala—
The sky darkened.
Projectiles filled the air.
Thousands descended, casting a shadow of doom over them both.