The small boat was low in the water and hard to spot.
As they approached the reef area, they slowed down and carefully avoided the hidden rocks.
The reefs were covered in slippery moss, and some spots hid little crabs that made faint noises. The two guards took turns rowing, their eyes watchfully scanning the surroundings.
The four disembarked, quietly climbed ashore, hid behind a large boulder, and used binoculars to observe the island.
There were few trees on the island, mostly low shrubs. Several crude stone houses stood in the middle. A few people dressed in black patrolled around them with spears in hand, occasionally glancing out at the sea.
"Look over there." Aron pointed behind the houses as he spoke to Lin Taichu.
Lin Taichu followed the direction of Aron's finger and saw a huge enclosure behind the houses. It was made of thick iron chains, tall and wrapped with thorny vines.
Vague, massive shadows moved within the enclosure. They were most likely the modified sea beasts.
There was also a small house beside the enclosure, with two guards standing at its door. Security looked tight. Lin Taichu guessed that it was where Snake Woman stored her potions and conducted her experiments.
"Check for traps too," Lin Taichu said. The four slowly shifted position and carefully examined the ground and surrounding area.
Sure enough, several patches of ground along the path to the houses were a different color from the rest, as though they had been turned over. They were probably traps.
A few shrubs also revealed faint metallic glints, possibly the tips of poisoned arrows.
"Gray Rat was right. There really are a lot of traps on the island," Aron said in a low voice. "And there are plenty of patrols. It'll be hard to charge straight