The group took a detour, just as Mikhailis had suggested, avoiding the treacherous territory of the Skorak. The path they chose was narrow and winding, with steep cliffs rising to one side and sudden drop-offs plunging into unknown depths on the other. The forest canopy above grew denser the further they traveled, blocking out the sun and creating an eerie, twilight-like atmosphere even though it was still midday. The air grew colder, and strange sounds echoed from the depths of the forest—low rustlings, distant growls, and whispers carried by the wind.