The Outergod's Avatar-Chapter 38: Journey to the Maw Forest

They continued working on the straight road until it met another, running perpendicular to it—forming a T-junction. Dust swirled around their boots with every step, and the midday sun beat down relentlessly, baking the newly-laid path.

Izikel consulted the worn map in his mind. He’d studied it carefully before they set out.

"If we turn left here," he muttered aloud, "we’ll end up deep in the cities and villages of the Lunar Kingdom... then finally, the White Kingdom."

He paused, glancing at the right turn.

"And if we go right and cross the Wildlands, we’ll eventually reach the Bloodmoon Kingdom."

Felvin, walking a few paces ahead, heard him and gave a small nod without turning.

"But we’re not heading in either direction," Izikel said, furrowing his brow. "So... where are we going?"

He looked ahead. A vast forest loomed in the distance like a green wall at the edge of the world. Thick treetops formed an almost impenetrable canopy that cast long shadows across the earth. It looked ancient, as if it had stood since time immemorial.

"That," Felvin replied with a glance over his shoulder, "is the Maw Forest."

Izikel stared at it for a moment, then pulled out the map from his satchel to confirm. At the heart of the forest, a dark spot stained the parchment like a permanent ink blot—unnamed by nature, but labeled in bold, chilling letters: Hollow Depths.

"Is that where the heretics are hiding? Inside the forest?" he asked Felvin.

Felvin gave a soft chuckle, his expression unreadable. "No, no one survives in the Maw Forest. It’s teeming with beasts powerful enough to make legends look tame. If anyone dares go too deep... well, we never hear from them again."

Izikel blinked. "Then why are we heading straight for it?"

Felvin smiled, as if anticipating the question. "Because we’re going around it, into the Wildlands. That’s where the heretics usually gather. The forest is just in our way."

"Oh." Izikel fell silent, eyes still fixed on the looming woods ahead. "Tell me more about the Hollow Depths."

"There’s not much to tell," Felvin said with a shrug. "No one truly knows what lies there. It’s said to be a massive chasm, a hole so deep it reaches the roots of the continent. Only few who’ve seen it lived to speak of it. The real size is unknown. Some say it has no bottom."

"That’s... terrifying," Izikel muttered.

"It should be," Felvin replied. "Some believe the Almighty Creator made it. Others say it’s a gateway to the underworld. And then there are the theories that it was created by beings like us—humans with power they couldn’t control."

Lyzah, walking beside them, shivered. "That sounds so scary," she whispered, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

Izikel grinned and turned to her. "Why are you crying like a baby? I thought you weren’t afraid of anything."

Her face flushed immediately. "I’m not scared," she said defensively. "I just thought it sounded... dangerous."

He laughed. "Liar. You’re scared. Admit it."

"No, I’m not!" she snapped, crossing her arms as if holding back tears. "Take that back!"

Izikel found her reaction oddly entertaining. It was rare to see her caught off-guard. ’Who knew the mighty Lyzah could be afraid of fairy tale monsters,’ he thought smugly. ’Then again, maybe I should be more afraid too...’

His eyes drifted to the forest once again. Truth be told, he had no idea what the beasts in the Maw Forest looked like. He’d only seen crude sketches in old books beasts with glowing eyes and jagged claws. Nothing concrete. His imagination filled the gaps with things far worse than the drawings ever depicted.

The only animals he’d seen so far were ordinary: birds, small critters, and the occasional predator at a distance. Although, he had to admit, the horses pulling the wagons behind them looked bulkier than any he’d seen on Earth. They were muscular, bred for war and labor.

"Lord Izikel?" a soft voice called behind him.

He turned and saw Sophia,

"Are you tired?" she asked gently. "If you want, you can rest in one of the wagons. They’re empty right now."

Izikel blinked. He hadn’t even realized he’d been staring at them.

’I thought she was locked in, I didn’t know she was also watching me. I guess I was right to leave my life in hands’

He smiled. "Thank you, Sophia. But I’m fine, really."

She returned the smile. "That’s good. Just hold on until we reach the forest. We’ll take a break there."

Before he could respond, Lyzah chimed in again. "Izikel, don’t tell me you’re tired already. We haven’t even started."

"Of course not," he said with an exaggerated scoff. "I could run to the forest if I wanted to."

From where they were, the forest didn’t seem all that far. The trees looked close—close enough, at least.

"Okay then," Lyzah said with a smirk, "let’s see who gives up first."

"Why does everything have to be a competition with you?"

"Don’t tell me you’re scared..." she teased, echoing his earlier words.

"Fine. You’re on." He puffed his chest and picked up his pace.

The sun continued its ascent, now directly overhead. Sweat clung to his brow. Hours passed, and the forest seemed to inch closer at a snail’s pace.

Izikel was surprised he’d lasted this long. He took a swig from his flask, water dribbling down his chin. His heart was racing, but his body... his body was holding up. All those grueling morning workouts were finally paying off. He clenched his fist in quiet triumph.

"I can do this," he whispered to himself.

...

’I can’t do this.’

Izikel dragged one foot in front of the other, each step heavier than the last. His breaths came in ragged gasps, his legs screaming in protest.

To make it worse, he was at the front of the marching column. If he slowed, the entire formation would follow suit. That pressure alone kept him moving.

But his strength was fading.

"Why the hell am I putting myself through this torture?" he muttered bitterly under his breath.

As if the gods had heard his suffering, Sophia returned. With a knowing look, she motioned for both him and Lyzah to get into one of the wagons.

"I insist," she said, her tone soft but firm.

They didn’t argue.

Moments later, they were both seated inside the comfort of the shaded wagon, the rhythmic clop of hooves beneath them a lullaby to tired muscles.

"Thank goodness," Izikel sighed, reclining against the wooden wall.

"Don’t tell me you were tired," Lyzah teased.

"O-of course not," he said quickly. "But Sophia said we were slowing everyone down, so... nothing I can do about it."

"I think she meant just you."

"That’s not true! I could’ve made it to the forest."

"You’re right," she said sarcastically, stifling a smirk.

He rolled his eyes. "It’s not like you were fighting to stay on your feet. And besides, why bring wagons if no one’s going to use them?"

"They’re for hauling divine minerals and loot back," Lyzah replied. "Not for passengers. No one actually rides them."

Izikel thought for a moment. "That’s dumb. What’s the point of keeping them empty when we could save energy this way? Thank the gods someone like me is here to take advantage."

Lyzah smirked. "Enjoy it while it lasts. The wagons don’t follow us into the forest."

"I don’t care. Just wake me when we get there."

He pulled a cloth over his eyes, letting the steady rocking of the wagon lull him into sleep. As the sun cast golden light over the trail and the forest loomed ever closer, Izikel finally gave in to exhaustion—if only for a little while.