The trees began to close in around us as we ventured deeper into the forest.
According to Wiz, the Fang Demon's castle was right in the center. It didn't take me long to realize why they called it "The Forest of Doom."
A thick, mist-like gas spread throughout the entire place, significantly reducing my field of vision. To the point if I looked down, I could barely see my own feet. So, it wasn't surprising that people got lost easily here.
In fact, I was sure that if Aqua or I strayed too far from each other, it would be really hard to find one another again.
It didn't seem like normal fog, so I assumed it must be some kind of defensive mechanism the demon used to hide his castle. Something similar to the famous barrier protecting the Demon King's domain.
I just hope it's not toxic.
"Ah, my feet are killing me!" I heard Aqua complaining behind me, as if we were on a picnic. "Why don't we take a break?"
I turned to look at her and, after carefully considering her words, said:
"You're right. Between the darkness and this stupid fog, it's going to take us twice as long to find the castle."
"Ah, you meant that?"
"Well yeah, what else would I mean?"
"In that case, what do you say we camp here?" the girl suggested.
"Well, the idea of camping here without knowing what might come out of the fog doesn't appeal to me much."
"Oh, I see. Should we look for a hotel then?"
"Haha, very funny."
"Come on, I'm just trying to lighten the mood a bit! You've been serious for a while now," the goddess looked uneasy, watching me with her blue eyes. "Don't tell me you're still mad?"
"I'm not mad."
"Then why do you have that unfriendly face? Ah! I know! How about I show you one of my party tricks? That's sure to cheer you up!"
"I don't think that's neces—"
But before I could finish the sentence, Aqua spread both arms out to the sides. When I looked at her hands, she was already holding a fan in each one. Streams of water began shooting out of them like two mini fountains.
"Nature's Beauty!" the goddess exclaimed, balancing on one leg and tilting her body slightly forward. Then she shifted her weight, jumping onto her other foot. There was even a fan attached to her raised boot. How was that even possible?
"So? What did you think?" she asked expectantly after finishing her little show.
"I guess it wasn't bad. At least it shows you have really good body control."
"Right? Doesn't it, Kaizer? Doesn't it?" Aqua repeated proudly. "Let me tell you, in Axel I'm known as the best adventurer when it comes to party tricks!"
Being an adventurer myself, I'm not sure that's something I'd be proud of.
"So, what are we going to do?" she asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"We'll set up the tent here," I finally answered.
"Huh? I thought you didn't like the idea of camping in the middle of the forest."
"And that's true. That's exactly why I've decided we'll set up a guard system. I think that's the only way we'll be able to sleep more peacefully."
"EEEH!? You've been dragging me through this forest for hours and now you want me to stay up on watch!?" She started stomping like a little girl throwing a tantrum. "No, no, and no! I refuse! Gods need rest too, you know!"
"There's no need to get so worked up," I told her. "You rest and I'll take the first watch, okay?"
"R-Really?"
"Absolutely."
"Just so you know, if you regret it in the middle of the night, I'm not switching with you."
"Don't worry, I won't."
Once we set up the tent, I took care of making a small campfire. We ate an improvised dinner sitting on a log big enough for both of us, and once she was full—having emptied an entire bottle of wine by herself—the archpriest went to sleep.
The night passed with such tranquility that the only thing I could hear was the crackling of the flames.
I was sitting with my eyes closed when I suddenly heard Aqua's voice calling me from the entrance of the tent.
"Hey."
"Mm?"
"Are you really not coming to sleep?" she asked, poking her head out.
"No, I'm fine. You can keep sleeping."
"Huh? You're not going to sleep? Are you crazy?"
"I'm not crazy. I'm just not tired."
"How do you plan to defeat the Fang Demon if you don't recover your energy?"
I shrugged.
"Ah, I'll be fine. In any case, I can take a mana potion and that'll be that. Seriously, don't worry."
"B-But…"
"What's wrong? Now you're the one acting strange."
"What did you say!? Who's acting strange!?"
"You," I smirked. "Could it be that you feel lonely inside that tent and want me to keep you company?"
"As if!"
"What's the matter, tsundere goddess?" I continued. "Do you need your paladin to come hug you so you can sleep more peacefully?"
"Why would I want a hug from a virgin idiot hikiNEET like you!?"
Then Aqua's head disappeared back into the tent, and she yanked the zipper shut.