Pacs, Aelda, Callie, Ren, and Eerie were traversing a forest renowned for its extreme conditions and formidable monsters.
These creatures were so perilous that individuals from various regions dared not confront them.
Entry into this forbidden forest was strictly prohibited for all, regardless of their lineage—be they Demons, Angels, Dwarves, Elves, Beastkins, or Humans.
The sole exception was for specific guild activities, during which entry was permitted only as part of a group, never alone.
The forest presented an unusual landscape.
Initially dense, it transitioned into meadow-like clearings where trees were spaced sufficiently for a campfire.
Further in, the environment alternated between darker, shadowed sections and lighter, more open areas, creating an illusion that the forest was constantly ending, despite being a singular, continuous entity known as the forbidden forest.
At this point, Pacs and the others had reached the forest's middle, a lively and fresh area where the protagonist, Alric, had built his home and resided with his companions.
The Demon Lord confronted the Crystal Golem. The golem initiated its assault with a powerful, crushing swing of its massive arm, which the Demon Lord adeptly parried by raising both hands. A subsequent strike from the Crystal Golem targeted the Demon Lord's body.
Preoccupied with holding the initial blow, the Demon Lord was unable to evade the second attack and was sent flying a considerable distance, narrowly avoiding a collision with a tree.
Upon regaining his equilibrium, the Demon Lord charged at the Crystal Golem, delivering a flurry of strikes while flawlessly evading the golem's counter-swings.
Each of the Demon Lord's attacks landed without resistance, progressively slowing the Crystal Golem. As the golem's body began to vibrate vigorously, the Demon Lord momentarily assumed victory. However, the golem suddenly began to emit powerful shockwaves.
The Demon Lord's previous attacks were unexpectedly converted into outwardly propagating spherical shockwaves, radiating in a 10-meter radius and rhythmically blasting outwards. As the Demon Lord attempted to approach, he was repelled by the force of these shockwaves. Unable to advance, the Demon Lord made the decision to disengage and follow Pacs and others.
After emitting 10 shockwaves, the Crystal Golem returned to its inert state and settled back into the crystal ruin.
Alric was harvesting potatoes, cabbages, and tomatoes, assisted by Whitney and Vexanna. Meanwhile, Belle was stocking vegetables in the kitchen, and Stella was meticulously cataloging food and beverage resources. Helga, Kris, and Sion were engaged in their customary training behind the house.
Upon completing the harvest, Alric gathered numerous oranges and prepared watermelon to make juice. To his surprise, everyone else assumed the fruits were intended for eating. Kris, Sion, and Helga returned from training and went to the kitchen for water, seating themselves at the table. Observing Alric with the oranges and watermelon, Stella inquired about his activity.
Alric explained that he was preparing juice. Stella, clueless, asked if juice was a dish, a sentiment Belle echoed. Whitney shook her head, indicating she also didn't know what juice was. Helga exclaimed, "A juice!" as if she knew, only to admit her ignorance shortly after. Kris and Sion shared their curiosity, and Vexanna is eager to know about juice. Accustomed to diets rich in vegetables and grains like rice or wheat for bread, and having consumed fruits previously, none of them had ever experienced juice made from fruit.
As they sat around the table, eager and curious, Alric began preparing the juice. He extracted juice by squeezing oranges and grinding watermelon pieces using a mortar and pestle. He then separated the liquid from the pulp using a mesh sieve, which he promptly crafted on the spot as they did not possess one.
After adding sugar to taste, the juice was ready. Alric instructed Stella to create small ice balls, which he then added to the beverage. One by one, Alric served everyone the chilled juice. They all tasted it, finding it refreshingly delightful. They praised Alric, asking why he hadn't introduced it sooner, and thoroughly enjoyed the new drink.
Alric subsequently planned a barbecue, noting the ample supply of meat in the larder. Kris, Helga, and Sion retired to their rooms, reflecting on their first experience with juice and anticipating more training—and more juice—the following day. Belle, eager to learn the juice-making process, was taught by Alric, along with Whitney.
As Whitney, a cow beastkin, observed the orange juice preparation, she implied that her milk was also a form of juice by squeezing her breasts. Alric was momentarily taken aback, staring as she produced milk. Belle quickly closed Alric's eyes, preventing him from further viewing.
Belle, with a hint of embarrassment, admonished Alric for his intense gaze. Alric then decided to construct a workshop for forging weapons or tools. Meanwhile, Stella and Vexanna practiced new spells together. After making more juice, Belle brought some to Alric for his assessment.
Whitney, noticing Alric's swift construction of yet another building, realized his remarkable speed in crafting and building. This brought to mind previous requests for weapons from Alric, leaving her pondering how to ask for equipment.
She sighed, deciding against asking, as it felt embarrassing. Suddenly, Pacs and others emerged from the trees behind Belle, approaching steadily. Ren and Eerie recognized Belle, calling her name. Hearing her name, Belle turned to see Ren and Eerie, whom she hadn't seen since her escape from Ravenmark.
Eerie expressed relief, stating she had thought Belle was dead. Belle recounted her survival story. Upon seeing Pacs, Belle grew slightly uneasy and moved closer to Alric. Eerie explained that Pacs, despite being a demon, was a good individual. Belle attempted to compose herself and accept Pacs. She then invited them to the kitchen for juice, mentioning she had prepared a generous quantity.
Aelda regained consciousness, and Eerie gently set her down. Aelda questioned her whereabouts. Pacs explained their predicament, detailing their escape from the Demon Lord. Callie, having conversed with Ren during their journey, had returned to her normal state. Alric prepared a spot beneath nearby trees to discuss the Demon Lord further, keen to understand his powers and abilities.
However, first, Pacs, Aelda, Callie, Ren, and Eerie were offered the juice. It was refreshing, revitalizing them all. Pacs remarked on its exquisite taste, noting how it dispelled his weariness. Aelda mentioned she had never before tasted such a drink. Callie thoroughly enjoyed it, as did Ren and Eerie.
While they drank, Stella and Vexanna arrived after their training to partake in the juice. Pacs' gaze then met Vexanna's; both demons stared at each other. Stella, observing Aelda, felt a sense of familiarity. She then recalled and exclaimed, "You are Aelda, the Mother of all Elves!" Aelda confirmed this, much to the shock of Ren and Eerie, who realized they had been in the company of the highest-ranking elf all along as they were also Elfs.