Chapter 609: [Bonus Chapter] First Fight Within The Dreaded Grounds Part 1

--AN: Bonus Chapter 2/8--

"Why are you here?" Kana asked as she stared at the old man. She never knew what he would do next.

"I just wanted to inform you of two things. First, I let your loved ones on your ship know that you are fine and it will be a long time before you return. I also told them not to try to enter this world. I explained everything to them, so you have no need to worry there." The old man explained.

When Kana heard this, she was relieved. She had been worried that Bell or one of the others might try to come down to the planet only to get stuck like her. "What's the second thing?"

"Your sister and sister and law's souls have been found. When you are strong enough, you can bring them back." The old man answered but quickly regretted saying anything when he saw tears flooding out of Kana's eyes. 

"Ceilie's soul was found!?" Kana's voice trembled. She was so happy she was at a loss for words. She could bring her sister back to life! Such a thing. She had thought Ceilie's soul had been destroyed. It took her a few minutes to finally compose herself as she looked up at the old man who was patiently waiting. "How strong do I need to be to revive them?" 

"A higher angel. Once you become a higher angel, you will have the power to revive her and your sister in law." The old man answered. He would do it himself and truly make Kana grateful towards him, but he knew it would be best for her to do it on her own. It would give her another goal to reach new strengths even after she is reunited with her family.

"A higher angel, huh? Then I guess I will need to work harder. Thanks for letting me know." Kana bowed her head. She was grateful that he had notified her about Ceilie and Nergal as well as telling her family she was fine. This meant a lot to her.

"It's fine. I just figured since I got you into this mess, I should at least do what I can without hindering your progress. I will no longer hang around. I still have many things to do. I wish you good luck. This planet will help you grow much stronger than you can ever imagine." The old man waved at Kana before disappearing. His words made Kana's heart feel much lighter. Not only could she bring back her sister and her sister in law but her family now knew she was fine and not to come down to the planet.

A few hours later, Liu Na woke up and switched places with Kana. Kana decided to get some sleep instead of cultivating until they reached the bottom of the mountain and were in a better position to survive. But she planned to make use of this place to grow as strong as possible. 

She now more than ever wanted to grow stronger more quickly. Not only to be with her babies and her handsome husband but also so she could revive her sister and sister in law. She was not dumb. She knew the old man could do it if he so wished and that he was using this as motivation for her. Although she was a little angered by this fact she also did not mind using it as motivation either. It would allow her to continue forward no matter what.

When morning came, the girls were quick in getting back on their journey down the mountain. With a few slips and slides here and there, it was around midday that they had finally reached the base of the mountain. The ground under the tree tops were only lightly coated with snow that made it past the tree leaves. But just because they got off the mountain did not mean they were safe in any way. 

As soon as they entered the forest, Kana could already sense quite a few monsters around them, some of which were making their way towards them. "Liu Na, we got incoming. It looks like we will not get any rest just yet."

"Kana, just call me Nana, like Senior Sister Yu. No need to say my whole name." Liu Na felt being called by her first name made them sound distant when they had already gone through so much together. 

"Then Nana, let's get ready," Kana said with a smile. She readied her sword and stood at Liu Na's side. 

Moments later, two large rock covered tiger looking demonic beasts came through the tree line. These were rock tigers and stood two Kana's tall. They were heavy in defenses and had long sharp claws that could easily cleave a human in two. Kana looked at Liu Na, who seemed a bit nervous. Although these demonic beasts were only ranked one demonic beasts, they were still very strong and terrifying. 

"Will you be okay?" Kana asked.

Liu Na slowly nodded her head as she gritted her teeth. "I will not hold you back."

Liu Na did not come with Kana to only be killed off as soon as they met their first demonic beast. She would not allow Kana's goodwill to be in vain. Kana had almost given up her right to come here just for her, so she refused to give up so quickly. She would shake off any fear she had and fight the dangers in front of her head on.

"Then I will take the left. Whoever kills their first will help the other, okay?" Kana laid out her plan. She did not know how well she would do, so she did not plan to say, trust me, we will get through this. Such false claims would not be good. She would only make such claims if she knew for a fact that she could easily win.

"Mmm… Let's do this." Liu Na had mustered up all her courage as she charged at the rock lion to her right.