Elsewhere, several days later.
In a lush forest.
Bang!
With a soft sound, Annie jumped down from midair and landed on both feet. Then, sensing something, she looked around and saw one sturdy beast after another emerging from the grass and between the trees, their eyes gleaming as they stared at her.
Even knowing that these beasts were on the same side as her and would not attack, Annie's body still tensed instinctively under their countless gazes, and the mana within her began to stir.
Just then, with a rustle, a tall Gray Wolf leaped out and stopped in front of her.
Awoo!
With a single howl, all the beasts retreated.
The Gray Wolf turned and headed toward the front left. After walking for a while, it stopped and looked back at her. Its meaning was obvious: follow.
Annie let out a soft breath and, without saying anything more, followed the Gray Wolf onward.
The wolf and the girl ventured deeper into the forest. After more than ten minutes, the Gray Wolf stopped, turned to give Annie a low growl, and quickly ran off to the side, disappearing from sight within seconds.
Annie focused, knowing she had arrived.
Sure enough, rustling sounds soon rang out. More than a dozen vines stretched forth and pushed a heavy Lead Box before her.
Annie stepped forward, grabbed the Lead Box, and turned to leave.
But she suddenly felt her foot catch. Looking down, she discovered that vines had somehow wrapped around her ankle.
The vines clearly meant no harm. The moment Annie noticed the anomaly, they loosened on their own and withdrew.
Annie raised an eyebrow, guessing something as she looked toward the dense trees directly ahead.
The next moment, a strong wind blew toward her, carrying a deep, hoarse voice. "Wait a