The following days continued to pass hopelessly and uneventfully. Prisoners were still being dragged out by mercenaries and sold to various buyers. The number of people in Leon's cage was gradually decreasing; he knew that sooner or later, his turn would come.

One day, as Leon was carving the sixth mark on the ground out of boredom, he noticed two mercenaries approaching his cage, speaking in a language he didn't understand. One looked delighted, while the other seemed dejected.

They pointed at Leon, Lohak, and Azerion, indicating for them to come out. Although Leon couldn't understand their words, he recognized their gestures and the familiar rude tone. As he stood up, Leon glanced at his companions. Noticing the anger in Lohak's eyes, he quietly warned him, "It's not the time. If we act rashly, we'll all die." Lohak frowned but eventually nodded.

The mercenaries chained the three of them together and led them out of the camp. As they walked through the heavily guarded mercenary camp, Leon realized this might be their chance to escape. Outside the camp, only one mercenary escorted them, and their hands were bound by shackles linked with a chain.

Assessing the situation, Leon noted that the mercenary was fully armed and armored, while they were weak from imprisonment and hunger. Challenging him directly seemed suicidal. However, as they continued, Leon suddenly felt his shackles loosen. A soft, melodic voice echoed faintly in his mind: "...Only one chance... Remember this sigil, Issa's Arrow; aim it at your enemy..." In astonishment, he saw a vision of glowing hands tracing a set of gestures.

Realizing his shackles were unlocked, Leon seized the opportunity. He subtly communicated with his companions, who were ready to act. Gathering his courage, Leon suddenly turned and shouted, "Now!" He charged at the mercenary, attracting his attention, while Lohak and Azerion moved in from behind.

The mercenary, though surprised, quickly drew his sword. As he was about to strike Lohak, Leon replicated the mysterious hand gesture. Energy surged through him, and a beam of light shot from his hand, striking the mercenary and severing his arm. The mercenary screamed in agony. Leon, overwhelmed by dizziness from the exertion, collapsed unconscious.

Lohak and Azerion engaged the wounded mercenary. Despite his injury, the mercenary fought fiercely. Lohak struggled to defend himself, but Azerion retrieved the fallen sword and, together, they managed to overwhelm the mercenary. After ensuring he was no longer a threat, they freed themselves from the shackles and tended to Leon.

When Leon awoke, he found himself in a cave with his companions. They had escaped and were safe for the moment. They discussed their next steps. Lohak was determined to find and rescue his sister, who had been sold to a Kantadar noble. Azerion suggested heading north to the Aurand Kingdom, where they might find safety and opportunities. Leon agreed, and they set off northward.

During their journey, they faced many hardships: lack of food, injuries, and difficult terrain. Relying on Leon's hunting skills, they managed to survive by catching small animals and foraging. One day, they came across an abandoned village. Hoping to find supplies, they searched the houses but discovered distressing signs of violence—homes were ransacked, and there were indications of brutal attacks.

Disturbed by the grim scene, they gathered what supplies they could—clothing, food, and simple tools—and left the village quickly. As they continued, they noticed increased military activity nearby. Realizing that the Kantadar army was on the move, possibly engaged in war with the Aurand Kingdom, they decided to avoid main roads and moved deeper into the forest to stay hidden.

One afternoon, from a cliff's edge, they witnessed a massive battle unfolding in the valley below. Two armies clashed—the Kantadar forces and what appeared to be the Aurand army. Understanding the dangers, they adjusted their route to steer clear of the battle zones.

They pressed westward, discussing their plans. Lohak remained determined to rescue his sister, hoping to earn money or gain resources to achieve his goal. Azerion planned to use his education to find work with a noble or lord in Aurand. Leon was uncertain about his own future but focused on surviving the journey.

One night, while camped in the woods, Leon was on watch when he noticed flickering lights in the darkness—eyes reflecting their campfire. Realizing they were surrounded by creatures, he alerted his companions. A group of wild, humanoid creatures wielding crude weapons emerged from the shadows. Azerion identified them as "Wild Gremlins," dangerous beings that hunted in packs.

With no choice but to fight, the three prepared to defend themselves. Azerion explained that these creatures were sensitive to sunlight; if they could hold out until dawn, the Gremlins would retreat. The Gremlins attacked fiercely. Leon, Lohak, and Azerion fought bravely, using their limited weapons—a sword, a shield, a pitchfork, and makeshift torches.

Throughout the night, they defended themselves against the relentless assaults. The Gremlins tried to overwhelm them with numbers, but the trio held their ground, standing back to back. As dawn approached, the creatures began to retreat, unable to withstand the coming sunlight. Exhausted but alive, the three companions survived the night.

Realizing the increasing dangers in the area, they decided to continue their journey with even greater caution. They skirted battlefields, avoided patrols, and navigated through the dense forest. Along the way, they witnessed the horrors of war—burned villages, displaced people, and evidence of brutal conflicts. Their bond strengthened as they relied on each other for survival.

Despite the challenges, they were determined to reach Aurand. Each step brought them closer to safety and the hope of rebuilding their lives. Together, they pressed on toward an uncertain future, but with newfound resilience and a shared commitment to overcoming the hardships ahead.