"Maybe. They are." Max nodded and then turned to Belen and sternly said, "Belen, we will have to use the sparrow if we want to avoid unnecessary trouble."
They should've used the sparrow after reaching the periphery of the forest to travel ahead, but Belen requested to wait until tomorrow morning because it hadn't recovered enough to fly after burning its blood essence to resist the slave seal yesterday.
Belen sighed and nodded, "Alright." She also knew they had to use the sparrow if they wanted to 'bandits' laying in wait in the valley.
Although she hadn't noticed them herself, she had no doubt that they were indeed there. Why was she sure, you ask? It's because she trusted Max wholeheartedly and knew he wouldn't speak carelessly.
She sent a strand of Mana into her pet storage ring and took out the crimson colour sparrow that had its eyes closed, seemingly asleep.