Abandon Illusions

On a mountain, a squad of Aus was observing their prey below.

Every path left traces, and to Aus hunters familiar with the area, the East Country People's attempts to conceal their tracks were riddled with flaws.

Besides the fact that most of them truly lacked professional "counter-surveillance personnel," the main reason was that the newcomers simply did not understand the local environment.

Some rocks would bear marks if stepped on. Some insects would be frightened to death by a "giant" passing by. Some patches of soil could not actually be walked on at all.

"They're right below us. Looks like five people. Another one died. It's about time to start Closing the Net."

The hunter looked at the Shining Footprints on the ground and nodded. The blindfolded bird-beast perched on his shoulder was also why they had tracked them here so easily.

Lu PingAn's long-standing guess had been correct. The Aus had operated here for more than a decade, and their development of and familiarity with the environment far exceeded anything outsiders could understand in a short time.

Escape? They could not escape. They would never know what had betrayed them—the scent on their bodies, eyes in the sky, or a plant they had passed by.

The Aus had scouting equipment adapted to the local environment and detailed terrain maps. They had nothing. How could they possibly run?

The only reason the Aus had not pounced immediately was that they thought they could take their time. There was no need to risk casualties to surround and kill a group of trapped beasts.

Let them go. Let them run. Without even a safe camp, with constant Invasions and harassment, hungry and wounded as they were, how long could they last?

All they needed was patience—patience to wait for the moment