You decide not to respond, hoping that she'll lose interest and go away. The woman hesitates for a moment before kneeling down beside you. Her touch is surprisingly gentle as she begins to examine your wounds. "I could take care of these for you," she says, her voice softening. "But it will cost you something."

She pauses, waiting for your response.

"Very well, demiurge" the woman says with a shrug. "I suppose I can do that for free... but only if you promise me something in return." She pauses again, her eyes searching yours for any sign of agreement or disinterest.

"And remember," his father adds with a wink, "no matter what path you choose, always know that you will always have a place here with us." Rimuru grins sheepishly, feeling a wave of warmth wash over him at their words. Perhaps, he thinks to himself as he watches them together, there really is no need for him to leave after all...

The journey through the mountainous terrain is arduous, filled with rough climbs over jagged rocks and treacherous descents down icy slopes. Your group relies on each other for support and guidance as they navigate their way deeper into the mountains.

As you press onward, you begin to notice strange markings etched into the rock faces - runic symbols that seem out of place in this natural setting. The further you travel, the more numerous and elaborate these markings become.

Shion: "They look like ancient runes to me. Perhaps whoever or whatever is behind this has been leaving a trail for us to follow?"

Veldora scoffs, "Or maybe they're just trying to trick us into thinking that." He kicks at a nearby rock, sending it tumbling down the slope.

Hakuro studies the markings intently before offering his own theory. "They remind me of some of the runes I've seen in old scrolls back in our village.