The Young Demon Lord and her Maid-Knight

The trio is now guided by Levy and is heading south through the forest.

"Tell me, Levy, how did you find us so quickly?" Lilith asked.

"Well, you see, I can use teleportation magic. When the goddess told me where you were, I could teleport close by. With my magic sense, I could feel your presence in the forest," Levy explained.

"I see, that seems reasonable. But why don't you just teleport us to the sapling, or can you only teleport yourself?" Ella chimed in, her curiosity evident in her voice.

Levy sighed dramatically before answering, "Well, well. This stupid goddess tasked me with guarding the sapling. I thought, why not put up a barrier to protect it? You see, it gets boring just staying in one place without something or someone else there. Because of this barrier, I used a lot of magic and still do to sustain it. So, at the moment, I can only make a portal big enough for me. Maybe I could sustain it so Ella could join me, but nothing else. That's why we will take waypoints," Levy explained, her wings fluttering as she spoke.

Ella nodded thoughtfully, processing the explanation. "I see," Elara murmured, thinking of the goddess who had set them on this journey. She wondered why the goddess hadn't provided more help.

Lilith's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Wow, that is amazing," she said, her admiration for Levy evident in her tone.

"Yes, I am amazing," Levy said proudly, puffing out her chest as she flew around Lilith in small, graceful circles. "But this incompetent goddess should have taught you teleportation magic. It would have been so easy."

Lilith tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "Well, can't you teach us, Levy?" she asked.

Levy hesitated, a sheepish smile spreading across her face. "I could, maybe. Not sure. Never taught anything to anyone," she admitted, her confidence wavering for a moment.

Then, the necklace around Lilith's neck glowed softly, and a serene voice could be heard emanating from it. "Children, this fae can teach you, but it will take years for you to understand it," Aurora said in a low, calming voice. "And I am not sure if you can learn it. Well, Elara cannot learn it, I am sure, since she is bound. You see, children, teleportation magic is a special form of magic. If you learn it, you can use it not only to teleport around the world but also to other planes and realms, like the goddess realm of this world."

Lilith looked down at her glowing necklace, awe in her eyes. "Aurora, why can't Elara learn it?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Aurora's voice responded gently, "Elara is bound by a different kind of magic, one that restricts her ability to harness certain powers. It is a complex and ancient binding."

Elara's face showed a mix of understanding and resignation. "I see. So, it's not something I can overcome," she murmured, thinking about the limitations placed upon her.

Levy fluttered closer, her expression serious. "Well, even if it's difficult, we can still try. Maybe there are other ways to help you on your journey," she said, her determination evident.

Lilith clapped her hands together, a broad smile on her face. "Thank you, Levy! Even if it's just a little bit, it would help us a lot," she said.

Levy nodded, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie with her new friends. "Alright, let's see what we can do," she said, determination in her voice as they continued their journey through the forest.

The group moved forward with renewed purpose, each step taking them closer to their destination and the secrets that awaited them.

"It's getting late now. Let's set up camp in this area," Elara said with a calm voice.

"That is a good idea," Levy said with a smile. "And I can try to teach Lilith and Ella teleportation."

"You can teach them after they are done setting up camp," Elara's voice was a little stern.

"Don't worry. Where do you want this camp?" Levy asked, then snapped her fingers. A small barrier surrounded them in a 10-meter area, shimmering faintly in the fading light.

Lilith and Ella looked around, feeling a sense of security within the barrier. "This spot looks perfect," Ella said, pointing to a clear area where they could lay out their supplies and build a fire.

"Great! Let's get started," Lilith said, rolling up her sleeves and beginning to unpack her bag. Ella joined her, and together they set up their tents and gathered firewood.

As they worked, Elara kept watch, her eyes scanning the forest for any signs of danger. The barrier provided a comforting glow, but she knew they couldn't be too careful.

After the camp was set up, the group gathered around the fire, its warmth driving away the chill of the night. Levy fluttered to the center, her wings reflecting the firelight. "Alright, let's start with the basics of teleportation magic," she said, her voice taking on a more serious tone.

Lilith and Ella listened intently, their eyes wide with anticipation. Levy began to explain the fundamental principles, using simple terms and gestures. "Teleportation magic is all about visualizing your destination clearly and channeling your energy to create a portal. It requires a lot of focus and practice."

As Levy spoke, Elara watched quietly, her thoughts drifting back to Aurora's words. She wondered if there might be a way to help Elara overcome her bindings in the future. For now, though, she was content to support her friends and learn what she could.

Levy demonstrated by creating a small, shimmering portal that flickered in the air before disappearing. "Now, you try," she encouraged Lilith and Ella.

Lilith closed her eyes, concentrating hard. She envisioned a spot just a few feet away and attempted to channel her energy. A faint glimmer appeared but quickly faded. Ella tried next, managing to hold the flicker for a moment longer.

"Good start!" Levy praised. "It takes time and a lot of practice, but you'll get there."

The night grew deeper, and the lessons continued until fatigue began to set in. "We should rest now," Elara suggested gently. "We can continue some other time."

"Agreed," Levy said, stifling a yawn. "You both did great for your first try."

The group settled into their tents, the barrier providing a sense of security. As they drifted off to sleep, the forest around them remained peaceful, the night filled with the soft sounds of nature. 

Their journey continued south, and Elara had a nagging feeling of familiarity as they moved through the forest. "Levy," she asked, "is there a bridge when we get out of this forest?"

"Yes, there is," Levy answered with a smile. "And a city too. I guess you might have been there before."

"A city?" Elara questioned. "If it's where I think it is, there were only a bridge and a small village last time. But I guess a lot can happen in 600 years. By the way, Levy, how old are you? You look really young and seem to be the same age as Ella, but Ella is only about 10 months old."

Levy thought hard, her expression serious. "Hmmmm. Well, it took me more or less 5,000 years to make the barrier for the sapling. And I was alive when the old world tree was disappearing. So maybe 12,000 years, give or take."

"12,000 years?" The trio gasped in shock.

Elara, recovering from her surprise, asked, "Can you tell me why this world seems to be so much behind in technology?"

"Oh, that is easy to answer," Levy said with a smile. "It's because of the balance. This world is bound to have demon lords and heroes. And the demon lords just seem to be arrogant and destroy everything. So the technology just keeps getting reset."

Elara nodded, digesting the information. "I see. That explains a lot about the cyclical nature of our world."

Lilith, still amazed by Levy's age, asked, "Levy, what was it like when the old world tree was around?"

Levy's eyes grew distant as she recalled the ancient past. "It was a time of great magic and harmony. The world tree connected various realms, and the balance was much easier to maintain. But with its disappearance, much was lost, including knowledge and technology."

Ella, intrigued by the history, asked, "Do you think we can ever reach that level of harmony again?"

Levy's expression softened. "It's possible, but it will take a lot of effort and cooperation. Heroes and leaders must rise who understand the importance of balance and work towards it, rather than seeking power for themselves."

As they walked, the forest began to thin, and they could see the outline of a bridge in the distance. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

"There it is," Levy said, pointing ahead. "The bridge and the city beyond it. It's grown quite a bit since you were last here, Elara."

Elara gazed at the city, her mind filled with memories of the past and hope for the future. "A lot can change in 600 years," she murmured.

"Let's make camp here," Elara said with a smile, looking at the city in the distance. "It's getting late, and it will take time to find an inn to stay at. The gate to the city might be closed before we get there."

And so they began to set up camp once more. Levy snapped her fingers, and a barrier formed around them. Now sitting around the campfire, they started talking and telling stories, the warm glow of the fire illuminating their faces as the night grew darker.