The following day, the atmosphere in the village was strangely calm. The scent of incense had vanished, and many villagers appeared bewildered and disoriented, unaware of what was unfolding around them. The owner of the tavern woke up Asukem and Gimp, feeling it was necessary to inform them about what had occurred. Asukem and Gimp read the letter, their eyes widening with fear. The message stated, "Dear Asukem and Gimp, I am determined to set things right. Although I am unfamiliar with the people of Woe, the village where you reside was affected by my wrongdoing. To atone for my sins, I will do everything within my capabilities to uncover the origin of this curse. Even if it costs me my life, I will strive to break this curse. I am grateful to both of you for your kindness."

Asukem and Gimp quickly got ready to leave as soon as they could. Asukem grumbled angrily, "What does he think he's doing!" Gimp responded anxiously, "I hope we're not too late." That's when the villager who had hit Grant approached Asukem and Gimp, his voice filled with anger, "So where did he go? Where is that thief!" Asukem, already furious, finally revealed his dark side as he snapped, "He's no thief! He just went to save all of you by sacrificing himself!" Asukem marched towards the village, grabbed the man's collar, and lifted him off the ground in a rage, threatening, "Go ahead, come up with another stupid theory!" He glared into the man's eyes, scaring him half to death.

The guy swallows hard, filled with fear, yet he manages to ask, his voice trembling with fear and confusion, "Asukem, why are you standing up for him?" As Asukem clenches his teeth, his anger intensifies as he replies, "Why wouldn't I? He did everything for everyone here." The guy remains perplexed as he finally questions, "Annerdu didn't do anything except cloud our minds with toxic lies!"

Asukem was completely surprised by the man's reply: "Hold on, what?" Asukem gently released his grip and carefully placed the man back on the ground. At that moment, he realized High Priest Annerdu's sacred incense had mysteriously disappeared from the village. Asukem anxiously scanned the village, worried about Grant, and shouted, "Does anyone know where the Wolverfang demons' lair is?" Suddenly, one of the men whom Asukem and Gimp had rescued stepped forward and confidently declared, "I can guide you there!" The man prepared himself, ready to reveal the location of the lair.

Asukem and Gimp followed the man they rescued to the lire, but while traveling, Grant was already there. Upon entering the cavern hideout, Grant noticed something was amiss - no guards or demons were present, yet incense filled the air. As he ventured further into the cavern, the dense incense began to affect him, causing him to feel drowsy. Despite the effects, Grant pressed on until he collapsed to the ground. Just before losing consciousness, he muttered, "I had a feeling this was a trap..." The last thing Grant glimpsed was the silhouette of a man approaching him amidst the swirling incense.

Asukem, Gimp, and the man guiding them to the lair of the Wolverfang demons reached their destination. Upon arrival, they were greeted with an unexpected sight. There were no demons or guards in sight. This caused Asukem and Gimp to become more cautious and prepare for any potential danger. The man leading them, sensing their unease, decided to distance himself from the situation and announced his intention to return to the village. Recognizing his fear, Asukem and Gimp advised him to go back to the safety of the village.

Asukem and Gimp stepped into the cavern and were immediately hit by the thick scent of incense. Asukem quickly covered his mouth and warned Gimp about the danger. "Hey, Gimp, watch out! This incense is no joke. Do you think you can do something about it?" Gimp coughed, feeling the intensity of the smell, but he nodded determinedly. "I'll give it a shot." Gimp opened his spell book, making sure not to breathe in the incense. He found the right page, then swiftly raised his hands in front of him. Magical runes encircled his wrists, and a symbol materialized in front of his palms, summoning a powerful gust of wind that blew away the incense.

They continued into the cavern once the incense was gone and the pathway was clear. On the other hand, Grant woke up tied up to a stake and still groggy from the incense. He overheard Annerdu and another person talking. The other person asked in a sinister, growling voice, "Annerdu, what is this? What is he doing here? This is not who we were after!" Annerdu swiftly answered in a shaking voice, still showing his age, "Bait, of course. he will lead Asukem here." that is when Grant started to get his vision back. He struggles but also gets Annerdu attention.

Annerdu greets Grant with a mischievous grin, "Oh, you're finally up, huh?" Grant's expression shifts to a mix of surprise and bewilderment as he grapples with the situation, exclaiming, "High priest? What's the deal here?" Annerdu shoots Grant a disappointed look before responding, "You couldn't just play along, could you? You had to swoop in and play the hero." Annerdu then shifts his gaze between Grant and the other individual.

The other person appeared to be a Wolverfang demon, resembling a werewolf. However, this demon had curved horns, and its fur appeared worn and tattered as if it had endured numerous battles. Its eyes emitted an eerie red glow while its tongue dangled from its mouth, drooling incessantly. The demon was adorned in armor and carried a weapon on its hip.

Annerdu circled around Grant, his voice filled with rage as he declared, "You know, Grant. I was in search of volunteers—volunteers who would sacrifice themselves for the dark lord." Still trying to break free, Grant widened his eyes in terror and asked, "What are you talking about?" Annerdu sighed sorrowfully and confessed, "I am fed up, Grant, tired of being kind. It's much more entertaining to inflict pain on those suffering." He cast a glance at the demon beside them, then turned back to Grant, "That's why I plan to put a curse on that village and witness the women and children endure agony as their loved ones tear them apart." Grant angrily fought against his restraints, shouting, "I won't allow it!"

Asukem and Gimp ventured further into the cave until they caught wind of Annerdu and Grant. At that moment, Grant's voice echoed, vehemently refusing to aid Annerdu or condone any wicked deeds. Gimp soared above the scene, concealing Annerdu and the demon from view. Nevertheless, Asukem responded to Grant with a resounding shout, "You nailed it, Grant!" The demon and Annerdu's focus shifted towards Asukem.

Gimp swooped down towards Grant and began to untie the ropes that held him captive. Grant shouted in frustration, "What the heck, Asukem? This is none of your business!" Asukem clenched his fists tightly and retorted, "When a Friend tries to take their own life, it becomes my business!" Finally, Gimp freed Grant from the restraints but added, "Yeah, you dummy! So better get used to it!"

Asukem looks piercingly at Gerant but keeps his eyes on Annerdu and the demon. "Hey, Grant, it doesn't matter if you're being used as bait or trying to make up for your past mistakes. You need to forgive yourself and reach out for assistance! No matter where you are or what kind of trouble you're facing, I'll be by your side, whatever it takes. Got it?"