The forest seemed to tighten around them as the trio moved deeper into its heart. The mana grew thicker, almost suffocating, and the eerie silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. The air carried a faint hum, a reminder of the powerful demons that thrived in the dense, mana-rich environment.
Orian walked with his blade, Ravager's Edge, resting lightly on his shoulder. Beside him, Luna clung to his arm, pressing it tightly against her chest as if anchoring herself to him. Her pink hair shimmered faintly in the dim light, and her pink eyes darted nervously around, searching for any signs of movement.
"Onii-sama," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "This place feels even worse than before. I don't like it."
"Don't worry, Luna," Orian said, his tone calm and reassuring. "I'm here."