Chapter 20

For several days, Elena couldn't find the whereabouts of Alice and Chiki. Where had they gone? Had they really left Vestinel territory?

Elena also always saw the intimacy between Sandy and Amora. They were always showing off in front of people. Until now, she still couldn't find any evidence.

"Elena, I still haven't found the whereabouts of Alice and Chiki. I don't know where they went for days like this. I'm worried about them too," said one of Elena's students.

"Well, thank you for working so hard to find them." Elena patted her student on the shoulder.

She let out a long breath and suddenly saw Amora, who was walking towards her. She was alone, usually with Sandy. Elena avoided Amora.

"Elena, wait!" called Amora while walking slowly.

"What's wrong?"

"Are you still looking for Alice's whereabouts? Why are you looking for her for days like this? She's probably dead out there." Amora laughed loudly in front of Elena.

"Nonsense! Watch what you say, or I might do something harsh to you." Elena was really emotional at the moment and was also thinking about Alice and Chiki, who were still missing.

Rather than continue to engage with Amora, Elena decided to leave her presence. Dealing with Amora was emotionally draining. Her heart was filled with deep concern for Alice and Chiki, who had disappeared without a trace. 

Elena's anxiety increased when she heard Amora's laughter, which she could still hear. She also prayed that Alice and Chiki would never be found again.

"What should I do now to find them?"

Elena thought of something and decided to visit this mysterious place that was outside of Vestinel territory. It was quite a distance from here. Maybe she could find their whereabouts there. The place was known as the Magical Forest Kingdom, a location that was said to have a connection with considerable magical power.

"I have to go there to find them."

***

As Elena entered the forest, the moist and fresh scent of wet leaves made her feel peaceful. In the depths of the forest, Elena felt something different, as if there was a strange energy enveloping her surroundings. She stopped for a moment to focus her mind.

Suddenly, the wind picked up, and a soft blue light appeared among the trees. There was an elf blocking his way.

"It turns out that you are from the healer clan, and what is the need to come here?

"I only came here to look for my two friends. After that, I will leave your territory," Elena replied.

"I am a Lorian fairy who guards the northern border of this Magical Forest Kingdom. I can help you find your two friends."

"I'm very grateful. Are there any clues as to where they might be?" Elena was relieved to hear the offer from the Lorian elf who wanted to help her.

The fairy Lorian nodded and flew a few meters ahead of Elena. She followed the fairy Lorian carefully, passing through increasingly tall and dense trees. The deeper they entered the forest, the more Elena felt as though she was surrounded by an inexplicable energy.

"In the Magic Forest Kingdom, there is a small wooden house," said the fairy Lorian. "That is where they are, Alice and Chiki."

Elena immediately nodded toward the fairy Lorian, as they were the ones she was currently searching for. Elena was mesmerized by the stunning view of a river guarded by a fairy in a white dress. They ventured deeper into the forest.

Elena followed the fairy Lorian attentively, flying past trees adorned with glowing leaves and flowers. The natural beauty of the Magic Forest Kingdom seemed endless.

After a while of traveling with the fairy Lorian, they arrived at a small wooden house standing in the midst of the forest. The house looked magnificent, surrounded by many flowers.

"This is where they live," said the fairy Lorian as they descended slowly with Elena.

As she was about to enter the house, a magical force blocked her way. Elena had to step back a few paces. She then looked at the fairy Lorian for an explanation.

"This house is guarded by a powerful being that maintains the balance of power here. It will not accept your presence easily," replied the fairy Lorian. "You must convince it if you wish to enter and meet Alice and Chiki."

Elena was prepared for any obstacles she might face, as long as she could meet Alice and Chiki inside the house. Suddenly, a soft voice emerged from the air, startling her slightly.

"Welcome, person from the healer clan. To prove your good intentions towards this Magic Forest Kingdom, you must first face a test from me."

The voice then vanished. From the front, three beings appeared simultaneously: a large man radiating dark light, a woman in a mystical gown surrounded by green light, and a giant bird with shimmering golden feathers.

The three beings attacked her suddenly, causing her great surprise. Elena tried to avoid them and did not want to resist, as she had come here with good intentions. She realized that all of this was just an illusion. Therefore, Elena focused her mind while closing her eyes. The images in her mind depicted Alice and Chiki waiting for her.

"Calm down, Elena; you must convince them to meet with them."

"Very well. Your heart is pure and full of compassion," said the soft voice in the air.

She opened her eyes briefly and felt the energy vibrations around her. Suddenly, the three mystical beings were no longer before her. She found only the fairy Lorian, who was smiling broadly at her.

"You have managed to convince the guardian."

Elena felt satisfied with the confidence she had in herself. "Really? Does that mean I can meet them inside?"

"Yes." The fairy Lorian then used her power to remove the barrier.

The house was intentionally protected by a mystical barrier to keep Alice and Chiki inside. Thanks to the guardianship of the fairies here, Elena no longer needed to worry about them. She walked slowly to the door and knocked.

Knock! Knock!

Alice appeared and opened the door. Elena was very relieved to see Alice and Chiki safe and well. She was warmly welcomed and invited inside.

"Alice, Chiki, why did you leave the Vestinel region? Everyone there has been worried and searching for you for days," Elena said, feeling slightly annoyed with them.

"Forgive me, Elena. It was I who tried to escape from Vestinel. From the beginning, I never intended for Chiki to come; she insisted on coming with me," Alice explained to Elena.

"Because I didn't want to be separated from Alice. I will always follow her wherever she goes."

Elena felt happy to see the strong friendship between Alice and Chiki. They needed each other, and her efforts to find them were not in vain.

"How did you manage to get here, Elena? Isn't this the hidden Magic Forest?"

"I was guided here by Fairy Lorian, but before meeting you, I had to undergo a test from her."

They were surprised and eager to hear Elena’s story. "Please, tell us."

As Elena was about to start her story, they suddenly heard footsteps approaching. They appeared on high alert.