Afterwards, the three brothers realized that they were lost, so they wandered around the forest until they found a path.
The path led them to The Orphanage.
The brothers hurried as they wondered if the orphans were safe. As they rushed inside, they were surprised to find them in the building.
Some of the orphans were eating. Others were reading. A few of them were sparring and playing.
The three brothers were relieved when they found the orphans fine.
Inside, Pepe greeted them, and they rested. He reassured the brothers that he trained the orphans to protect themselves. He inquired if the mission went well.
Matteo revealed that their first mission was a success.
Pepe was proud.
Stark noticed that Pepe's lance was missing, and he asked him about it.
Pepe claimed that it disappeared when he last fell asleep. He admitted that he's been feeling down because of it.
Soon, Pepe gathered everyone in the living room. He explained to the orphans that the zombies have infiltrated the forest and that it was their duty to protect The Orphanage. They would have to protect each other and stay together.
One of the orphans asked about the description of the zombies.
Pepe explained that their skin was dead, and that they moved abnormally.
Pepi remarked that they should inform Linda.
The others agreed and left. They headed towards her room up the stairs.
As they went up the staircase, they witnessed blood splattered on the walls. Their faces turned pale.
Some of the orphans were scared and started to back off.
The others slowly continued to climb the staircase.
There were blood stains everywhere.
They hurried to the top. Scared, they knocked on the door.
Linda answered them to come in.
Pepe opened the door to a sickly Linda on her bed.
The orphans entered the room and surrounded the bed.
Pepe asked if she was going to be alright.
Linda, pale, reassured the kids that they would be fine.
The kids wept.
Pepe held his mother's hand.
Linda glanced at him. His tears fell down on her arm.
Pepe urged her not to leave him alone.
Linda clarified that he was not alone. She motioned him to look around.
The orphans glanced at them.
Linda requested them to protect The Orphanage and everyone in it.
Linda closed her eyes and reminisced of her life. She remembered how she started her business with Adelia's and Henry's donated money, how she funded a school for the kids, and how she took care of the orphans in the forest.
Though, all of her accomplishments wouldn't have started if it wasn't for her late husband, Otso.
Growing up, she was abandoned in The Sacred Forest, and she struggled to survive by herself.
While collecting berries, a strange boy approached her. He had blue hair and white eyes. He wore dirty clothing, and he also had pointy ears.
The boy greeted and introduced himself as Otso. He questioned if she was the girl of the forest. He noted that he was looking for her.
Linda turned to him. She claimed that he didn't have any business with an ordinary human.
Otso smiled and shook his head. He commented that she was not ordinary. He revealed that he was also an orphan, and he wanted her help.
Linda blinked in confusion. She wondered what Otso would need her for.
Time passed, and Otso and Linda worked together to survive.
Years later, Linda married Otso, and they built a small shelter. They had four kids, and they took care of other orphans, as well.
Unfortunately, her husband died in the incident with The Guild.
Linda's health also declined as she was only able to obtain enough food for the kids. As the shelter deteriorated, she started a business, and with the help of General Bobby, she renovated the shelter to an orphanage.
One day, she coughed and vomited blood in her room. Secretly, her health had declined more than before.
Now, she laid unresponsive in her death bed.
The children cried and mourned the death of Linda. That afternoon, they held a memorial for Linda outside The Orphanage. Her name was carved on the same monument as Henry and Adelia.
Afterwards, Pepe gave a speech for the orphans. He declared that Linda had taken care of them and loved them like her own children. He continued that it was time for them to take care of themselves. He proclaimed that he would lead them.
The orphans cheered and agreed.
Pepe encouraged the orphans to stay strong and not give up.
Later, he returned to his room. He silently cried in his bed. Both of his parents were dead. With The Guild gone, he was the sole protector of The Sacred Forest.
Suddenly, Pepe remembered the moment his mother passed away. Her final words to him. Pepe was not alone. At that moment, his eyes moved on instinct towards the three brothers.
The next day, Pepe and the brothers left to report back to Old Man Blacksmith.
When they arrived at the mancave, Old Man Blacksmith congratulated the brothers and revealed that Pepe failed his mission.
The brothers were surprised that Pepe, who was stronger than them, failed.
Pepe frowned and averted his gaze. He explained that he would have succeeded if a zombie bigger than his target didn't intervene. He continued that he was swatted into a nearby cliff when he was about to deliver his final blow. He sighed in relief and muttered that he was lucky enough to escape.
Matteo realized and pointed out that the queen of the zombies appeared.
Pepe also revealed that a large number of zombies were entering the forest.
Considering this, Old Man Blacksmith gave Pepe's mission to the three brothers, and he handed them elemental guns.
Matteo questioned Old Man Blacksmith about the guns.
Old Man Blacksmith explained that just like their swords, they must learn how to muster the gun's power. He continued that their next mission was to defeat the Baby Zombie Princess.
The three brothers bowed and accepted their next mission.