"Bzz----"
Magic Particles quietly stirred in the air, and the invisible barrier that remained in motion swept through the forest.
There seemed to be some specially designed identification mechanism. A blue-feathered bird perched on a treetop nearby was completely unaffected, merely tilting its head in confusion.
But from the shrubs and tall grass below came bursts of unusual rustling.
Snakes, scorpions, mosquitoes, and other insects of various sizes and forms could be seen fleeing the invisible barrier as though escaping a disaster. Even the surrounding chirping of insects faded several degrees.
The forest fell silent.
Another ten seconds or so passed.
"Pat----pat----"
A series of light footsteps carrying an inexplicable sense of urgency suddenly came from the direction the barrier had passed through.
Bzz-
Green Magic Glare softly flickered atop the gray-white Magic Staff, which was inlaid with a transparent opal.
It seemed to contain a special power that compelled plants to move. The troublesome thorns blocking the way appeared to develop minds of their own, twisting and tangling before considerately parting to either side and leaving a path wide enough for one person.
Her dark chestnut high ponytail swayed lightly. Her petite leather boots never stopped as she hurried through the path the thorns and grass had deliberately opened for her, arriving at a small clearing in the forest.
Her crystalline eyes, brimming with exhaustion and weariness, looked up at the darkening sky visible through the dense canopy. She made a decision.
Without wasting even a second, she immediately began setting up her camp.
She gently waved her Magic Staff. Three layers of magical barriers, already prepared and covering concealment, scent masking, beast repulsion, and several other effects, rippled outward from the center of the clearing like waves on water, enveloping the entire area.
Of course, that was not