However, after scanning the surroundings, Ash ultimately decided against it.
The area was dense with shrubs, and her visibility was extremely limited.
If she recklessly built a fire to warm herself, the noise could easily attract unwanted attention from the Spirit Beasts or wild animals living in the dense forest.
If any wild ferocious animal or Spirit Beast were drawn to her, considering her current state and the thick vegetation around her, there was no way she'd be able to escape.
So, Ash decided to stick with her original plan and leave this place for an area with a better vantage point.
Making up her mind, Ash took out her compass from her backpack, relying on the faint memory of yesterday's path, and headed toward the direction of the creek.
Not long after she left, several dark figures silently emerged from the grass.
They arrived at the spot where Ash had been earlier, swiping their claws over the soil and leaves dusted with Insectum Golden Spray, then crouching down to sniff the ground carefully.
After a moment, excitement appeared on their faces.
They exchanged glances, then turned around and ran together into the depths of the forest.
...
Whoosh!
The water splashed against the surface of the rocks, sending up sparkling droplets.
Ash walked out of the dense forest, gazing at the gently flowing creek in front of her.
She felt the cool breeze pass by her, and couldn't help but reflect deeply.
"Finally out..." Ash let out a long breath, feeling much lighter.
After wandering through the forest for so long, despite not encountering any dangers, it still left her feeling unsettled.
Especially in a state of exhaustion, thirst, and heightened nerves, every step she took felt like walking on thin ice.
But now, things have improved.
Ash had finally gotten back on the right path.
Taking a deep breath, Ash adjusted her breathing and then stepped toward the creek, cupping her hands to scoop up a handful of cool water and splash it on her face.
The cold sensation immediately cleared her somewhat groggy mind.
She instinctively closed her eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, as if sensing something, Ash snapped her eyes open, her expression turning serious.
Something was rapidly approaching her location.
Ash could distinctly hear the buzzing sound coming from the depths of the forest.
It was familiar, yet strange.
It sounded like... the vibration of bee wings!
Ash's pupils constricted.
Immediately, she reached behind her into her backpack and grabbed an Insectum Golden Spray.
Then, using the momentum from her turn, she hurled the Insectum Golden Spray toward the direction she had come from.
Whoosh—
The Insectum Golden Spray let out a sharp whistle as it flew through the air, tracing a graceful arc.
Ash took the opportunity to crouch down, wrapping her arms around her head.
"Boom!"
With a muffled sound, the Insectum Golden Spray exploded in midair.
The powder spilled out and began to spread between the forest and the creek.