As Butterbell found himself paired with Orochi, he closed his eyes and muttered, "Of all the people, why Orochi?" A frustrated sigh escaped his lips. "Well, at least I'm safe for now."
He tapped into his telepathic ability, reaching out to Creambell and Moonlight. "Creambell, your highness. Can anyone hear me?" He repeated the call several times, but the forest remained silent, confirming they were over 100 meters away.
"Stay close if you want to live," Orochi declared fearlessly as she advanced. "Yes, Ma'am," Butterbell responded promptly. Despite the unease of being alone with Orochi, he stuck close to her as they moved forward.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Creambell, Finn, and a lone bandit formed an unexpected trio.
Glancing at his odd group, Creambell remarked, "So, this is our team." His gaze settled on the bandit, and he questioned, "You don't seem like Crow."
"Because I'm not," the bandit replied, eyeing Finn. "Isn't this golem supposed to be with its master?"
"He already is," replied Creambell with a smile.
"I see," the bandit said, skepticism evident in his gaze as he observed Creambell and Finn. His thoughts echoed, "No strong individuals here. We'll have to keep a low profile."
Curiosity overcoming caution, Creambell inquired, "Have you been here before?"
The bandit shook his head. "No, and that's what worries me. Whenever a group ventured into these woods, only a handful returned. We need to steer clear of any wildlife."
Creambell swallowed nervously, fear gripping him at the ominous warning.
In another part of the forest, Kestrel and Crow were together. Although Kestrel recognized Crow, she still called out, "Crow?" just to confirm his presence.
"Yeah, it's me," replied Crow, offering reassurance.
Relieved, Kestrel shared, "This will be my second time here."
"I know," Crow responded.
"You were here last time too," Kestrel recalled. "You mentioned finding a safe route to the forest center. Where is it?" she inquired.
Crow paused, contemplating, then replied, "First, we need to determine which part of the forest we've teleported to."
Turning toward a colossal rocky wall adorned with untamed flora that encircled the forest, Crow advanced and meticulously inspected it. After a few minutes of foliage removal, a distinct marking emerged, revealing the designation "3."
"We're in the third sector of the crater," Crow informed.
The bandits and Kestrel were familiar with the forest and with the fact that it was in a crater. However, one lone individual lacked comprehensive knowledge of the surroundings—Moonlight. Alone and apprehensive, she grappled with the limited details Crow had provided.
Moonlight, isolated in her uncertainty, attempted to use her telepathic ability to connect with Butterbell and Creambell. Unfortunately, the 100-meter limitation rendered her efforts futile, and no pixie was within range.
Fear gripped her heart as she confronted the unsettling reality. The only assurance of safety lay in finding others. The forest's ominous allure beckoned her forward, and with trepidation, Moonlight ventured deeper into the mysterious and perilous woods, propelled by the knowledge that the forest's heart was the nexus drawing everyone closer.
Meanwhile, in Finn's group, the bandit discovered the marking on their stone wall, indicating they were in sector 5. Simultaneously, the trio of bandits discerned that they were positioned in sector 1. Each group began to grasp their bearings within the vast forest.
Within Finn's group, the bandit shared valuable information, saying, "There's a road called 'The Path of Flowers' near sector 1. As the name implies, the path is adorned with a spectrum of flowers, and strangely, no creature ventures there. We believe the creatures despise the scent of those flowers."
"Do they really smell that bad?" asked Creambell.
"Our noses can't detect the flowers; they're like paper to us. However, the forest creatures can smell them, and they steer clear. Although, the Path of Flowers won't lead us directly to the forest center. It stops a few hundred meters before the center, and we must exercise caution in that stretch because it's the territory of a lower beast," explained the bandit.
"So, where is the way to the path of flowers?" asked Creambell.
The bandit retrieved a folded, colored paper from his attire and unfolded it—a detailed map of the forest. The circular map featured labels from 1 to 5, corresponding to the five sectors where visitors spawned. Notable markings included the Path of Flowers and danger zones, areas prone to lower beast encounters. At the center lay their destination, the coveted artifact.
Equipped with knowledge and maps, the bandits and their companions navigated along the forest's edge, converging towards the Path of Flowers in sector 1.
The trio of bandits, already positioned in sector 1, were the closest to the path. Finn's group, in sector 5, followed as the second closest, while the duo of Crow and Kestrel, situated in sector 3, made up the third-closest group to the central destination. The intricate dance of the groups unfolded, each step bringing them nearer to the mysterious heart of the forest.
In the heart of the unfamiliar forest, Orochi, Butterbell, and Moonlight forged ahead towards the center. Orochi unleashed her aura, causing the forest's creatures to cower in the shadows. Butterbell, walking behind her, maintained his composure despite the palpable tension in the air. Observing the creatures retreating into hiding spots—bushes, burrows, and trees—Butterbell couldn't help but acknowledge the intimidating presence walking before him.
"The most dangerous creature in this forest is right in front of me," Butterbell mused, casting a wary glance at Orochi.
However, Orochi's aura was a double-edged sword. While it scared away most inhabitants, it also drew the attention of certain creatures seeking a challenge. Instead of avoiding Orochi's path, some creatures ventured forth, confronting the formidable duo.
As they continued their journey, a sharp screech pierced through the forest, originating a few hundred meters away from Orochi. The chilling sound resonated throughout the entire woodland, prompting Orochi and Butterbell to halt in their tracks.
Orochi's smirk betrayed a hint of amusement. "Seems there are some creatures here who aren't afraid of me."
Butterbell, his fear concealed beneath a veneer of composure, unsheathed his sword, scanning the surroundings in anticipation of an impending attack. "An attack from lower beasts was just a matter of time. At least, this will divert their attention from wherever the queen is," he thought, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings. The echoing screech had introduced an unsettling shift in the forest's rhythm, and the duo stood prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
While Moonlight grew more cautious after the unsettling screech, she marked trees to maintain her sense of direction. On the other side, the various groups were momentarily distracted by the eerie sound, their attention drawn toward its origin.
"What was that?" Creambell inquired.
"A lower beast. It must have been agitated by something…or someone," replied the bandit.
Creambell and Finn exchanged glances, their thoughts mirroring each other—Orochi.
As non-aggressive creatures visible to Orochi and Butterbell fled, rustling noises emanated from the front of Orochi, signaling an imminent confrontation.
"Try not to die," Orochi declared, her gaze fixed ahead.
"What!" exclaimed Butterbell. "You were the one who unnecessarily challenged whatever creature is coming toward us."
Fearful but bold, Butterbell pointed out Orochi's mistake. "Do you really think these pests can ever threaten me?" Orochi asserted dominantly.
"No, Ma'am," Butterbell hastily replied, concealing his internal frustration. "Why am I always surrounded by monsters!"
The rustling noises unveiled the source—a horde of cat-sized tarantulas advancing through the bushes. Orochi stood poised, while Butterbell gripped his sword tightly. When the tarantulas stopped a few meters away, all eight eyes fixed on Orochi and Butterbell, but none assumed an attacking stance.
In the ensuing silence, Butterbell whispered, "What's happening?"
"I guess they are waiting for their queen's order," Orochi speculated.
"And where is their queen?" asked Butterbell.
"Where is their queen?" Butterbell asked, but before Orochi could respond, the rustling noises resumed, this time from above.
Looking up, they witnessed branches and leaves shaking vigorously. A colossal spider, the size of at least two elephants, descended with a thread from its rear like a regular spider. Thorny and covered in moss, the spider landed near the tarantula horde, fixing its eight eyes on Orochi.
A momentary silence ended abruptly when the giant spider emitted a deafening screech. As the echoes subsided, the horde charged at Orochi and Butterbell. The forest air became charged with tension as the impending clash unfolded in the heart of the mysterious woods.