Temporary goodbye

In the morning, the two of you make your way back to the clearing, and you find Bast and Daigo waiting for you. Bast smiles. “Now, I would like to spend some time instructing Ruka on her duties as a goddess, but I know Josh has a lot going on, so I’ll show you this trick first. As a goddess, you can open a path for others using your power. For you, that means the path of the trees.”

You nod. “I remember something like that. Clarissa used the stone roads to get to us when we first met her.”

“Yes, the Forgefather, as god of stone and metal, has a similar power.”

Bast approaches Ruka, pressing a finger to her forehead. “I can’t teach everything like this, but this is an easy one.”

Ruka gasps. “I…ow, I have a headache now…”

Bast chuckles. “Sorry. Side effect of direct knowledge transfer. But now you know how to open a path for Josh to return. You will need to stay here, for now at least.”

You nod. “She can visit occasionally, right?”

Bast laughs. “Of course! I just need to instruct her. It wouldn’t be right to give Ruka this responsibility and power without teaching her how to use it.”

Daigo chuckles. “And in the end, I think you got your alliance.”

Ruka nods. “Of course! As soon as Bast has finished teaching me, I’ll gather the forest to aid us, Josh.”

You look at Bast. “Any idea how long that will take? I want to start our campaign before the demon lord can organize his defense.”

Bast thinks for a moment. “A week at most. Ruka is smart, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but there’s a lot to learn. You’ll understand one day.”

Daigo nods. “I will stay here as well. I will join Ruka when the campaign begins, and meet up with you later. I’d tell you to take care of my daughter, but we both know she can take care of herself.”

You both laugh as Ruka places a hand on a nearby tree, concentrating. A glow comes from her hand, slowly growing to form a greenish portal. Bast nods. “Very good, Ruka. For a single person, transport will be instant. Good luck, Josh. I likely will not see you again until your victory or defeat. You have everything you need, but it will still be a difficult fight. I offer only this advice; your family is your strength.”

You smile. “More cryptic messages. Wonderful. Ruka, take care of yourself, we’ll miss you.”

Ruka hugs you, smiling. “I’ll see you soon. Give everyone hugs and kisses from me!”

You nod, and turn to the tree-portal. You take a breath, and walk through.