----
I continued walking because they might just be hunters brave enough to venture into the depths of this forest. This place was part of the southern division, where many hunters roam, looking for adventure or rare monsters.
So it wouldn't be unusual for some hunters to end up here, hoping to make a fortune by selling monster parts, because there's always a high demand, whether for alchemy ingredients, potion-making materials, or the monster cores that are valuable for strengthening weapons.
"Hey, McKinley! Help me here!"
I froze.
The voice wasn't loud, but it was unmistakable.
McKinley? As in that arrogant McKinley I know?
It couldn't be him, could it? I stopped for a moment to listen for more, but the forest had fallen eerily quiet. No other voices followed, only the distant rustling of leaves.
