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Chapter 37: The March of the Safari Family

After the warm family meal, the air grew tense once more as the looming shadow of the demon stronghold crept closer.

Safari cracked his neck, an eager grin spreading across his face.

Safari:
"Alright, time to show these demons who they’re messing with."

Zack pumped his fists in excitement, while Ian pretended to stretch dramatically.

Ian:
"The great Ian is ready for battle! The demons shall tremble before my charm!"

Olive (deadpan):
"That’s not how it works."

Jen giggled, though her gaze shifted toward Angeleva, who had been cheerful all along. The fairy warrior stepped forward, her usual grace evident as she spoke softly.

Angeleva:
"Safari, I know how reckless you are. Charging head-on is your specialty. But I have my own methods."

Safari raised an eyebrow.

Safari:
"Huh? What are you saying?"

Angeleva (calmly):
"I’ll take a different route. A sneak attack from within their ranks will disrupt their forces. You’ll get your grand entrance, and I’ll ensure their chaos."

Safari grinned.

Safari:
"Fine. Just don’t expect me to slow down."

Angeleva:
"I wouldn’t dream of it."

Before parting, she turned to Jen, her expression softening.

Angeleva:
"Thank you for the meal. It was… comforting."

Jen beamed.

Jen:
"Anytime! Come back safe, okay?"

Angeleva nodded and then, without another word, extended her wings and gracefully took to the sky, transforming. She soared away, disappearing into the dark mist that hung over the demon stronghold.

Safari watched her leave, his grin unfaltering.

Safari:
"That just means we get to cause even more trouble. Let’s go!"

Zack cheered.

Zack:
"Yeah! Big bro's gonna crush those generals!"

Jen:
"We’ll have your back!"

Olive (still cautious):
"I can’t believe you’re all this enthusiastic. This isn’t just some small-time enemy. You know that, right?"

Safari didn’t even glance back.

Safari (smirking):
"Doesn’t matter. Stronghold or not, generals or not — I’ll win. And this will prove how strong I am."

Olive felt a strange mix of frustration and admiration. His determination was unwavering. It was reckless, but undeniably inspiring.

Ian:
"And if anything goes wrong, I’ll heroically swoop in and—"

Before he could finish, Olive pushed him aside.

Olive (sarcastic):
"Save it for when we actually need you."

_ _ _

The Safari Family continued their march, each step bringing them closer to the towering gates of the demon fortress. Shadows slithered along the ground, ominous whispers echoing in the distance. But none of that mattered.

Safari’s eyes burned with anticipation.

Safari (grinning):
"Let’s give these demons a proper welcome."

The demon stronghold loomed ahead, a twisted fortress of jagged black stone. The air itself seemed to seethe with malice. Yet the Safari Family marched on, undeterred.

Safari led the charge, his Celestic Devil Hammer resting on his shoulder. Behind him, Zack, Jen, Olive, and Ian followed closely, each assuming their roles.

Ian, with his trusty camera, darted around dramatically, narrating their every move like a news anchor.

Ian (grinning):
"And here we see the mighty Safari big bro, muscles gleaming, hair blowing heroically in the cursed wind! Truly, the definition of a warrior! Ah, and our dear Olive, stoic and beautiful, defending us with her dazzling skill! Simply breathtaking!"

Olive (annoyed):
"You’re breath-taking my patience, Ian."

Despite her glare, Ian only smiled wider, snapping more pictures.

Safari (gruffly):
"Just don’t get in the way, Ian."

Zack:
"But we have to admit… it’s kinda funny. Like a battle documentary."

Jen:
"A family adventure! But with a lot more screaming."

Everyone shared a brief chuckle, but their moment of lightness was swiftly interrupted.

A rumbling echoed through the ground.

Suddenly, hundreds of demon soldiers emerged from the darkened mist. Massive, grotesque creatures snarled and roared, their glowing red eyes filled with bloodlust.

Zack (nervously):
"T-That’s a lot!"

Olive (raising her futuristic gun):
"Stay focused. I’ll cover you."

Safari (grinning wide):
"Perfect. Let’s see how long they last!"

Without hesitation, Safari charged forward as he transformed, his hammer swinging through the air with incredible force. The first wave of demons shattered upon impact, their monstrous forms crumbling like dust.

Safari (roaring):
"Who’s next?!"

More demons flooded toward him.

Olive carefully aimed her gun, firing precise energy shots that tore through the smaller enemies. While her blasts weren’t enough to stop the larger beasts, she slowed them, making it easier for Safari to crush them.

Ian (commenting dramatically):
"The beautiful gunslinger, striking fear into the demon ranks! And oh, our fearless leader—wait for it—BAM! Another demon down! Absolutely magnificent!"

Olive rolled her eyes but kept firing.

Zack remained near Safari, carefully monitoring his movements. Every time Safari showed even a hint of fatigue, Zack’s hands glowed with radiant energy, sending pulses of healing light.

Zack:
"Hang in there, big bro!"

Safari (grinning through exhaustion):
"I’m just getting started!"

But as the waves of enemies continued, even Safari’s strength wavered. His hammer strikes slowed, and sweat dripped deep inside his body.

Jen, ever prepared, reached into her bag.

Jen:
"Cookie time!"

She tossed a handful of her homemade cookies to Zack, who gleefully grabbed them.

Zack (mouth full):
"Best. Battle. Snack. Ever!"

With renewed energy, he resumed his healing, his hands glowing even brighter.

Safari (feeling the strength return):
"You’re the best, Jen!"

Jen (grinning):
"Anything for my family!"

Despite the relentless waves of demons, the Safari Family fought together, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

Olive’s protective instincts kicked in as she covered Ian when a stray demon lunged toward him.

Olive (firing precisely):
"Watch it, idiot!"

Ian (grinning, clinging to her side):
"My heroine! I knew you cared!"

Olive:
"I will shoot you."

Even Safari, lost in the thrill of battle, felt something unfamiliar yet comforting—a warmth that rivaled his fiery determination. It wasn’t just the rush of combat. It was the unwavering presence of his family.

Every glance at Zack, every smile from Jen, every sarcastic retort from Olive, and even Ian’s ridiculous commentary reminded him of that warmth.

Safari (thinking):
"They’re chaos. But… they’re my chaos."

With a renewed roar, Safari smashed his hammer down, sending a shockwave that scattered the remaining demons. For now, the endless waves had ceased.

The Safari Family stood tall, victorious yet weary.

Safari (panting, but grinning):
"Not bad. But we’re not done yet."

Zack:
"Ready when you are, big bro!"

Jen:
"Let’s keep going! We’ve got this!"

Olive:
"Just try not to die."

Ian (laughing):
"And the legend continues! Stay tuned, dear viewers!"

With their spirits high and their family bonds unshaken, the Safari Family pressed on, ready to face whatever awaited them within the depths of the demon stronghold.