110. A Demon's Heart [1].
"What the fuck?!" Logan's exclamation of frustration echoed through the dense forest as he realized his strike had failed to sever the balls as effortlessly as he had anticipated. Their stems proved sturdier than he desired.
"Kryaaan.!!! A guttural, beast-like voice resonated, emanating from the depths of the second layer of the forest, sending a shiver down Logan's spine.
"Lara!" Logan called out to his drowsy companion, rousing her from her half-awake state. Her role in their plan was crucial. She was to serve as a decoy, enabling Logan to gather the precious Arboreal Balls.
"On it!" Lara responded, her eyes gleaming with a drowsy determination as she flicked her wrists. In an instant, a stone golem materialized out of thin air, summoned by Lara's command. With a signal from her, the golem charged toward the tree that remained defiantly upright.
