"Tap..."
The faint sound of halted footsteps echoed through the dark clearing in the forest.
"What is it, Anna?"
Hearing that, Long Yan, who was walking ahead, turned back and looked at Hada Anna, who had suddenly stopped. Her shoulders were slightly raised, and her entire body was almost rigid. He asked over his shoulder.
His tone carried traces of tension, concern, and a faint hint of guilt.
"Long Yan, is this... really okay?"
Hada Anna took a small breath, seemingly calming herself before speaking hoarsely.
As she spoke, she looked around at the dark surroundings.
It had been half an hour since they had left Hada Ichiba behind, and they had already traveled quite a distance in a certain direction.
With that glance, Hada Anna gained a clear understanding of the terrain.
Though she was still young, this much was within her ability.
This spot lay between four giant trees. The four enormous trees around it blocked out all the light, making it especially dim. It was not so dark that one could not see a hand in front of one's face, but it was darker than an overcast day.
The clearing was also quite large. Proportionally speaking, in an ordinary forest, this space would only have room for one person. But considering the scale of the giant trees in the Death Forest, it was a clearing that could accommodate around thirty people.
It was rather spacious.
And it connected in all directions. Although the giant trees enclosed this place, the gaps between the branches high above were wide enough for several people to pass through at once. It was not a sealed space.
It was a place where they could move or flee.
Otherwise, she would not have stopped Long Yan at this moment.
"Don't worry. I'll protect