James and his crew ventured deeper into the forest, the air growing cooler and more still with each step. The trees were denser here, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that dimmed the sunlight, casting long shadows over the ground. The tracks they were following—large, deep imprints in the earth—led them further into the heart of the forest, where an unsettling quiet prevailed.
The group moved carefully, each of them alert to the slightest sound. Sasha walked close to James, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, ready to act if necessary. Yori and Emilia attuned their senses to any shifts in the magical energies around them, while Cherry and Pippy brought up the rear, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
