[Anton's P.O.V]
I was overjoyed. Perhaps the person inside was Ellie—I had felt it distinctly. It seemed those people had established a base in this dense forest, though the exact location was still unknown, it must be nearby.
Ellie was already injured, and if she had escaped, she couldn't have gone too far, especially if she hadn't turned into a mutant werewolf. In this way, she might have been in the base, knowing more about the situation. Once I saw Ellie, we could work together to dismantle everything those people had built.
I relaxed my guard, ready to reveal myself and enter the abandoned house, my mind filled with the anticipation of seeing Ellie soon. However, just as I stood up, a hand suddenly pressed me down. My entire body tensed instantly, preparing to strike. However, as I was about to draw my gun, he spoke, "Anton, it's me."
