The forest seemed darker as Azazel, Xian Lin, and Wei Xianer pressed onward, the canopy above thick with interwoven branches. The charged energy from the convergence point still lingered in Azazel's mind, along with the cryptic words of the spectral figure. It was the first clear hint of the Iron Soul System's origin, but it also left him grappling with deeper questions.
"We should've stayed in that clearing," Wei Xianer said, her tone half-joking. "If anyone was dumb enough to follow us, they'd have to deal with whatever ghostly nonsense you stirred up."
Azazel smirked, but his eyes were sharp, scanning the forest ahead. "Better to keep moving. The system said activating the convergence point might attract attention. I don't want to test what kind."
Xian Lin's expression was grim. "We're not alone anymore. I've noticed tracks—small, but deliberate—following our trail since this morning."
Wei Xianer frowned, her blade already half-drawn. "Bandits? Hunters? Or something worse?"
"Hard to say," Xian Lin replied. "But whoever they are, they're cautious. They're keeping just enough distance to avoid being spotted."
Azazel tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. The Iron Soul's presence within him hummed faintly, a reminder that he was never truly unarmed.
"System," Azazel murmured, keeping his voice low. "Any insight on who's following us?"
"No immediate threats detected within a 20-meter radius," the system replied. "Tracking patterns suggest minimal hostilities. Tactical suggestion: Ambush to assess intentions."
"An ambush, huh?" Azazel muttered. "Not bad advice for once."
Wei Xianer caught his tone. "System whispering sweet nothings to you again?"
"It suggests setting a trap," Azazel said, glancing at the trail ahead. "There's a tight bend up there. We can use the trees to get the drop on whoever's following us."
Xian Lin nodded. "Good. Let's see who's been so interested in our trail."
The plan was simple: Xian Lin would double back to flank their pursuers while Azazel and Wei Xianer set up a visible camp. They scattered twigs and leaves around the clearing, mimicking carelessness. Once everything was in place, they settled in to wait.
Azazel leaned back against a tree, his sword resting across his knees. Wei Xianer sat beside him, casually sharpening her blade.
"You're surprisingly calm for someone playing bait," Azazel remarked.
She grinned. "Please. If this is the worst thing we've faced today, I'll call it a victory."
The two shared a quiet chuckle, but their laughter quickly faded as the rustling of leaves signaled the arrival of their pursuers. Azazel's senses sharpened, and he activated the system's scanning function.
"Two lifeforms detected. Both armed. Hostile intent: uncertain."
The figures emerged slowly, stepping into the clearing with cautious precision. They wore rough, patchwork clothing that blended into the forest—a mixture of hunters' gear and scavenged armor. Both carried short blades, their eyes darting warily between Azazel and Wei Xianer.
"Easy there," Azazel called out, raising his hands in a show of peace. "No need to rush into anything you'll regret."
The taller of the two men sneered. "You're a long way from any village. Travelers like you don't last long out here unless you've got something worth protecting."
"And you think you're the ones to take it?" Wei Xianer said, her blade still resting on her lap. Her tone was light, but her eyes gleamed with a dangerous edge.
The second man shifted nervously, his grip tightening on his weapon. "We don't want trouble," he said, though his stance suggested otherwise.
"Then you should've stayed out of the forest," Xian Lin's voice came from behind them, low and sharp. His bow was drawn, an arrow aimed squarely at the taller man's back.
The two men froze, their bravado melting away.
"Let's try this again," Azazel said, his voice calm but firm. "Why are you following us?"
The taller man hesitated before speaking. "We were scouting. This area's dangerous, and we don't like strangers wandering too close to our territory."
"Scouting?" Wei Xianer raised an eyebrow. "That's a generous term for lurking in the shadows with knives."
"We thought you might be from the village," the second man said quickly. "They've been expanding their patrols lately—clearing out anyone they think doesn't belong."
Azazel exchanged a glance with Xian Lin. The village they were heading toward had seemed peaceful from a distance, but if these men were telling the truth, there was more to it than met the eye.
"We're not with the village," Azazel said, sheathing his sword. "We're just passing through. If you're not here to fight, there's no need for this to go any further."
The taller man nodded reluctantly, lowering his blade. "Fine. But a word of advice—stay out of the village if you value your lives. Outsiders aren't welcome there anymore."
With that, the two men retreated into the forest, disappearing as quickly as they had appeared.
As the group resumed their journey, Wei Xianer broke the silence. "Think they were telling the truth?"
"Partially," Xian Lin said. "They weren't skilled enough to lie convincingly, but they're clearly hiding something."
Azazel nodded. "We'll find out soon enough. If the village is as hostile as they say, we need to approach carefully."
The system chimed in unexpectedly. "Host has encountered new entities. Data logged for future analysis. Mission update: Investigate potential threats in the village."
Azazel sighed. "The system's practically screaming for us to dive headfirst into danger."
Wei Xianer smirked. "Sounds like a typical day for us."
By evening, the forest thinned, revealing the village in the distance. Its wooden palisades were tall and sturdy, but there was an unusual quiet about the place. No guards patrolled the gates, and the smoke rising from chimneys seemed muted.
The trio stopped just outside the treeline, their instincts on high alert.
"Something's wrong," Xian Lin said, his voice barely above a whisper. "A village this size should be bustling at this hour."
Azazel's eyes narrowed. "Then let's find out what's going on. Stay close—and be ready for anything."
With that, they began their cautious approach, shadows creeping behind them as the village awaited.