Chapter 23: Chapter 23 Safe Return

Ego's mind raced. He was fighting not only for their freedom but also to save Lysandra from a terrible fate. With every punch and kick, he channeled his fear and anger into his strikes.

The two female goblins who had come to their aid proved to be instrumental. They worked seamlessly with Ego, a well-coordinated team, exploiting the weaknesses of their male counterparts. Their combined efforts sent a clear message—the female goblins would not be underestimated.

With a final, well-aimed blow, Ego incapacitated the last of the male goblins. The goblin leader, who had been observing the fight, realized the tables had turned. He knew that their dominance was slipping away.

"Enough!" the goblin leader bellowed, stepping forward with his weapon lowered. "Stop this madness."

Ego and the female goblins hesitated, ready to defend themselves should the goblins attempt treachery. Lysandra, watching the chaos, breathed a sigh of relief, her hope rekindled.

"We surrender," the goblin leader conceded, a glimmer of defeat in his eyes. "You've proven your strength. Spare us, and we will let you leave this place unharmed."

The smoke gradually cleared as Ego and the female goblins cautiously withdrew, their weapons still at the ready. The battle-weary male goblins, defeated and bloodied, retreated in surrender.

Ego turned to Lysandra, offering a reassuring smile before going to her side. Together, they watched as the male goblins retreated, allowing them to regain their freedom.

With the goblin threat quelled and their freedom reclaimed, Ego and Lysandra found themselves escorted by the four female goblins. Together, they retraced their steps through the mysterious cave.

The tension that had once gripped the cave had now been replaced with an uneasy truce. Ego and Lysandra, having shown their strength and determination, earned begrudging respect from their goblin companions.

Amidst the winding tunnels, their female guides skillfully navigated the passages, leading Ego and Lysandra back to the portal that would return them to their school.

Ego and Lysandra exchanged a few words of gratitude with their unexpected allies, offering their thanks for the goblins' assistance in rescuing Lysandra.

"Master! Are we ever going to see you again? Or ever have a taste of your juice?" one of the goblins asked.

"Hopefully we will just stay safe," Ego replied.

"I don't still understand why they call you master, but what juice are they talking about? Because I'm sure you don't make juice," Lysandar whispered to Ego.

"If only she knew what kind of juice they were talking about and what I'm capable of," Ego thought to himself before replying to Lysandar. "It's a long story, don't look too closely at it, and we have to move fast."

The four female goblins took their leave, returning to the depths of the cave they called home. Ego and Lysandra, apprehensive yet relieved, stepped through the portal. The world they had been pulled into had been a place of danger and mystery, but it was now behind them.

As Ego and Lysandra crossed back into their school, the world they had once taken for granted surrounded them. Students and fellow elves rushed to their aid, concerned about their well-being after the harrowing experience they had just endured. Lysandra clung tightly to Ego, her refuge amidst the chaotic homecoming.

Several of Lysandra's friends approached, their faces etched with worry, but she retreated further behind Ego, avoiding their questions and concerned glances. They could only watch as she sought safety in the presence of the young man who had ventured into the unknown to rescue her.

One of their teachers, recognizing Lysandra's state, approached Ego with understanding in her eyes. "It seems she's traumatized by the ordeal," she commented. "She only feels safe with you, Ego."

Ego nodded, his concern for Lysandra evident. "I can't even begin to fathom what they might have done to her."

The teacher offered guidance. "Take her to her room so she can clean up and get some rest. She'll need time to recover."

Ego did as the teacher advised, leading Lysandra towards her room. However, as they reached her door, she hesitated and refused to enter. Instead, she uttered a simple request, "I want to stay in your room."

Ego, understanding her need for reassurance and comfort, agreed. "Alright, if that's what you want."

Together, they walked to his room, where Lysandra could find solace amidst the familiar. She still clung to him, her grip serving as a reminder of the terrors they had faced.

Once inside Ego's room, Lysandra expressed her desire to bathe, and Ego nodded. He proceeded to the bathroom, ensuring that everything was prepared for her. His thoughts were heavy with the weight of their shared experiences, the goblin-infested world, and the trauma Lysandra had endured. Yet, amidst it all, a bond had formed between them that transcended their previous friendship.

As the water ran in the bathroom, Ego couldn't help but reflect on the strange circumstances they had faced.

Just then, Ego had Lysandar call for him. He rushed to the bathroom and stood at the back of the door. "Are you alright? Do you need something? I heard you call for me."

"Why are you standing behind the door? Please come in, I really need your help," She requested.