Tora was truly a master of reconnaissance. He darted here and there undetected by the enemy, his speed and strength proving invaluable in stealth.
But seeing so many children kidnapped filled him with rage. He wanted to strike, but he was alone and outnumbered by the overwhelming number of Kalanak demons. Given that they had already awakened their powers, their strength was formidable.
So Tora waited until the truck started moving, escorted by four Kalanak demons. They flew low, circling the truck while laughing with terrifying voices. Tora quickly followed the truck from a distance, leaping across rooftops and trees.
After traveling several kilometers, the truck turned into a coastal tourist area. The truck had destroyed or burned every house or building along its path. Debris littered the roads.
Eventually, the truck stopped in front of a house. A beautiful woman immediately came out to greet them — it was Sora. She looked pleased to see the children arriving. Sora took the children into the house one by one.
Tora moved closer, jumping into the trees like a monkey. He was now so close that he could peek inside.
"Who is that woman? She seems like the leader of these demons," Tora muttered as he watched Sora smile happily at the children's arrival.
But Tora was confused. The children were being treated well — not like they had been kidnapped. They received food, snacks, and sweet drinks upon their arrival. The children received toys, and those who sustained injuries received immediate medical attention.
But after tending to them, Sora stepped out of the house. She went looking for her subordinates who had delivered the children.
"Why are those children injured? Do you want to die?" Sora snapped angrily. Six of her subordinates stood before her — they were the ones who had brought the children.
"I... I don't know!" one of them stammered in fear.
"Remind your comrades —don't let the kidnapped children get hurt!" Sora shouted.
Her minions ran off, clearly terrified of her. It looked like they were returning to the city to fetch more children.
But Sora's anger hadn't subsided. Her demonic aura was terrifying. Tora continued observing from a distance. Suddenly, Sora turned her gaze sharply toward him.
"Ah, she spotted me!" Tora muttered.
In a flash, Sora leapt high and appeared right in front of Tora. The woman, wielding the power of the Weigow demon, launched a powerful kick. Tora attempted to block it, but it sent him flying, crashing into trees.
Tora groaned softly as his body slammed hard into the ground, creating a hole between the roots of a large tree. It took him a few seconds to stand again. Dust filled the air, leaves fell, and the chorus of insects suddenly fell silent.
Sora gracefully descended, her sharp eyes akin to a hawk seizing its prey. Although she appeared to be a beautiful woman with a charming smile, the dark aura surrounding her made the air feel suffocating.
"I hate spies," Sora said coldly. "They always know too much."
"Impressive. You sensed me?" Tora replied.
"This is my power. I can sense everything within a 500-meter radius. I've known you were here for a while, but I was busy treating my children," Sora said.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Tora. I just wanted to find out where you're taking the kids," Tora replied casually.
The commotion drew Kalanak and Poccog soldiers. There were dozens of them, and all had awakened their powers. Their transformations were terrifying!
"Fighting them alone would be a nightmare," Tora muttered.
Standing among the shattered trees, Tora's breath grew erratic. His body ached — Sora's kick may have cracked some of his bones. But his mind stayed sharp. Only one conclusion emerged: I need to run. Right now.
The Kalanak and Poccog demons were closing in from every direction. Tora felt the pressure of their power like waves crashing from all sides. This was especially true after the demons' transformation, as their muscular bodies and horrific faces made it clear that there would be no second chance.
Even so, Tora was not one to be easily frightened. He wasn't a coward. But he wasn't a fool, either.
"Sorry, Sora. I don't have time to play today," Tora said softly.
Suddenly, his body shifted as swiftly as a lightning bolt. Only the sound of rushing wind remained where Tora had stood. In a blink, he slipped between two Poccog demons. They didn't even have an opportunity to react as a sharp gust of wind sliced past their faces.
"Get him!" Sora shouted, frowning.
But Tora's speed wasn't something brute strength could counter. He ran through the trees, leaping from branch to roof, cutting through the night like a flash of lightning.
The demons tried to chase him, but Tora was too quick. He didn't run in a straight line — he zigzagged, looped, then vanished from sight like a shadow no light could catch.
Tora knew he couldn't go back the same way. He changed direction toward a small hill to the north, then circled wide to avoid being detected. Every step was precise, every breath controlled.
Minutes later, he arrived at the edge of the forest where the hiding cave was located.
Using all his remaining strength, he ventured into the familiar, dark cave. Inside, Yamile was tending to her brother Zhao, who was still lying weak. Uncle Marco kept watch, tending a small fire to warm the space.
Tora collapsed, his back against the stone wall.
"You're hurt!" Yamile cried, rushing to him.
"I'm fine... just... exhausted," Tora said weakly, then turned to Marco. "We have a big problem."
"What did you find?" Marco asked seriously.
"I left your car in the city," Tora said.
Marco's expression grew serious. "What? You know that the car is full of memories for me. How could you leave it?"
"Relax! I had no choice," Tora replied.
Tora took a deep breath, then told them everything — about the truck full of children, the powerful woman who appeared to be their leader, and, most shocking of all, Sora's kind treatment of the children.
"That woman must be Sora!" Marco exclaimed.
Yamile furrowed her brow. "Kind treatment? They kidnap children and treat them like guests? That's suspicious."
"Exactly," Marco agreed. "Demons never act kindly without a reason."
"I don't understand why she's kidnapping kids, but she's powerful. I fought her. And that place is hell — so many demons, all fully awakened," Tora said again.
"This won't be an easy war. Get ready."
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