Withered Tree Stronghold, tree hollow space.
"Report—"
A scout hurried through the long, narrow, damp passage within the tree hollow, stumbling as he rushed into the core chamber at its deepest point.
At that moment, the tree hollow was filled with the thick stench of blood mixed with the moldy odor of rotting leaves, lingering unscattered in the sealed space. Yet the scout showed no reaction at all as he dropped to one knee before One Ear, the acting leader.
"What are you shouting about?"
"Reporting to the Second Boss, a huge fog has suddenly risen outside!"
One Ear frowned slightly. "This is swamp woodland. Fog is normal. Go back and stand watch."
"But..." The scout raised his head, his gaze anxious and troubled. "This fog is huge! Much bigger than usual! The First Boss once said that any change in the swamp woodland had to be reported..."
One Ear's expression turned stern. "I'm in charge here now!"
After saying that, One Ear vaguely sensed that the men around him seemed to be secretly watching him. He coughed lightly and reeled in some of the emotion in his words. "I told the Boss before that he was too overly cautious. Many things don't need to be handled with such excessive care."
"Besides, the more careful you are, the more likely people are to spot something amiss."
"Take that kid from the caravan earlier. Either you don't let him into the hollow, or, if you do let him in, act generous about it."
"But the Boss just had to show off his authority while cautiously keeping the other party from getting close. That was more likely to make him suspicious."
"Of course, that kid probably couldn't think that deeply. But what if a smart person comes next time?"
"Then this ruin