Some time later, in front of them appeared a waterfall lake; instead of grass, under their feet came the ground made of a lot of round gray, brown, and black rocks.

Victor’s gaze roamed everywhere, but he didn’t see anything dangerous; just a beautiful view, the clean water reflecting the uneven reflection of the dancing moon and the whole lake bathed in the glow of moonlight.

He didn’t see any animals. If something was hidden from his eyes, then he had no idea; maybe some animal was sitting quietly to ambush, and his ears wouldn’t pick up small movements.

Since all he could hear was the loud sound of the water falling into the lake.

There were some fruit trees.

Well, let’s see...

Victor looked at the girl; finally, she stopped crying, but she didn’t say anything, except once he asked her name. ’’ Are you hungry or thrusty?.’’ He tried to be as gentle as he could; he never took care of anyone in his life, not even a pet, so he just became more cautious.

She shook her head.

Of course she was going to say no; why even am I asking? As an ultra introvert in my past life, I should know better. I understand your problem, little lady; no one can understand better than me.

He turned around.

"Well, I’m hungry and thirsty too," he said, and looked for a safe spot for her. He saw a big rock; he took her to it, and he walked around it, while Norah followed him, holding his hand.

Victor didn’t see any danger.

Yeah, nothing is hiding. He made her stand in front of the rock, her face facing the lake. The rock would provide cover from behind, and from here she could see him, so she won’t be too afraid. And simply turning around, he can also see her, and come to help if something happened- most probably nothing would happen here- he should be worried about himself. He was going to bring water.

"Stay here, okay?.’’

She nodded. " hm"

aa? He looked at his hand; she was still holding it. He gently, with only a little bit of force, freed himself.

"I bring water for you... don’t worry, I’m not leaving you here."

– – 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Norah doesn’t like the feeling when he lets go of her hand.

She stopped herself from crying, at least she tried; she wanted to become brave as he called her, but Mama and Papa never met her again. Thinking that she couldn’t stop crying.

He said it would stop hurting, but it doesn’t hurt; she is not hurt anywhere; just her chest felt weird from inside. She just doesn’t like it; she hates everything.

But when he held her hand, she liked it, felt better, seeing him holding her hand.

Would he leave me later, when we leave this forest? She doesn’t want that; she doesn’t want him to leave her behind. She doesn’t know his name, but she knows he would leave; she doesn’t know why, but he would leave her. What would I do if he left me..I.

Still holding her tears, she looked at his back.

He moved toward the waterfall lake, slowly looking around; he changed direction, and he moved right toward the tree

Then he took big Taro leaves and changed them into a bowl shape, then walking closer to the lake, he stopped at the edge. stood there looking into the water. He just stood there still as if something was inside, catching his eye.

She felt worried, scared? But with quick movement, he filled the bowl with water; she felt revived. Moving a little away from the lake, he drank the water. After finishing it, he threw his leaf on the ground.

He shaped the second leaf in the bowl. Was he bringing water for me in that leaf? Why? I can drink from the same one.

He again moved to the edge of the river and quickly filled the bowl.

"--VOOSH!.."

"Thud!.."

"Ahhh!..." She screamed. Something from the water jumped on him.

Fortunately, he was safe. He easily ducked it, but scared, she shouted. " Come back! Come back! Please, I don’t want water!.."

In the moonlight, she saw the big black crocodile, which quickly moved back to the lake. That attacked him!.

The boy was laughing as he walked toward her. He raised his hand, showing a leaf bowl filled with water. " I already got it... Hey, why are you crying again?"

She just looked at him, while in her mind.

Dummy!Dummy!Dummy!Dummy!Dummy!....

"Here"

—

He makes her drink some water. Slowly, she drinks it all. She lets out a cute relieved breath; she looks satisfied.

Victor smiled. "Do you want more?"

She grabbed his arm and strongly shook her head. Yep, crocodiles are not likable; good thing he was evolved, or he would be its food by now, or maybe not; he won’t even be traveling then.

"Want some Barries?"

Again, she shook her head. Ignoring her, Victor brought her along to the nearest plants of pawpaw and mulberry.

He plucked some Barries. And ate some before giving them to Norah.

"Here, it’s yummy!’’

The girl took it from his hand, looked at him eating in front of her; she also followed and started eating.

One berry with three bites.

___

After filling their tummies and getting some rest. They decided to keep moving.

It’s dark; he knows she is scared of the dark, "sigh." He also didn’t like to travel at night. He was planning to stay at that village and take a good nap, but those stupid bandits ruined all the plans.

Now it is better to keep moving at a normal pace. His vision is good anyway; the first evolution really helps a lot..., but it’s not enough; he wants to become op.

"-–GROAR!GROARrr!!.."

They hadn’t even left the waterfall lake when they heard an earsplitting roar

He turned toward the terrifying sound and saw it walk out from the woods.