Sergash was carefully clearing a small, clean area to prepare for meditation.
She looked up and said comfortingly, "Sister, I've already completed the trials of 'Nature' and 'Ice Scale.' Please believe me, Sergash has grown up. I'm not a child who shrinks back from every difficulty."
"That's exactly why I'm worried."
She sighed, knowing it was useless to try and dissuade her. She could only walk to the door and silently stand guard over her younger sister with her tall frame. "I'll watch over you," she said in a low voice. "If anything feels wrong, stop immediately."
"Okay!" Sergash nodded forcefully.
She sat down cross-legged, took a few deep breaths, and began to pray in a low voice.
"Putu, Lord Emissary, please protect me from the Evil God's harm..."
As she recited the prayer, she recalled that warm night in the swamp. The memory of that round figure calmed her heart, and some of her anxiety faded.
