Trap

There was no doubt about it: Floris Hospital belonged to the Floris Family.

Sean hadn't expected to hear that name from Johnson.

It seemed like their influence was everywhere in this world. They always showed up in unexpected ways, giving people the feeling that they were constantly being watched.

Sean suspected the Floris Family was fishing for something.

Just like they were using his novel to search for potential witches, openly telling people about the Spring of Enlightenment could very well be a trap.

Whether it was a trap didn't really matter to him. The magic he'd gained from his dreams wasn't enough, and it wouldn't grow on its own. If he wanted to learn meditation and take his fate into his own hands, he still needed to find the Spring of Enlightenment.

And if he did, Quill would definitely make a move against him.

Sean still couldn't be sure whether there was a mole in the group or where the enemy was hiding, but they were surely watching his every move. In other words, whether this was a trap or not, a clash was inevitable.

He'd also said he would give Quill a surprise.

But things were different for Johnson and the others. So far, they were still ordinary people and hadn't awakened their perception. As long as they stayed away from the Spring of Enlightenment, they wouldn't get caught up in the Witch Hunt.

But if they did go near it, even if they were too stupid for the Spring of Enlightenment to help them and still failed to gain magic, they would have little chance of a happy ending.

The Spring of Enlightenment wasn't omnipotent. It was entirely possible to fail to perceive anything—but so what?

If they said you were one, then even if you weren't, you were.

Looking at Johnson, who hadn't even left campus and was still inexperienced, Sean asked, "Did your uncle only tell you that finding the spring would let you see the world as it truly is? Did he tell you what happens after you do?"

"What could happen?" Johnson asked, puzzled. "I'd understand the world better, then run for president?"

Sean warned him, "You could die."

Johnson gaped. "Huh?"

He clearly hadn't expected things to be that serious. The word "death" felt impossibly remote to someone under twenty. Johnson froze for a moment, then quickly recovered and said nonchalantly, "You mean those weird beasts in the forest? Magic isn't a parlor trick. Once I've got magic, taking them down'll be easy. I'll roast every last one of them. Hmph."

"And don't tell me they're endangered. Once I'm a wizard, why should I care about the law?"

There were so many ordinary people in the world, while wizards were truly rare. The law ought to protect him.

Conina rolled her eyes. The kid clearly hadn't taken a beating from life yet. He'd learn his lesson once he got burned.

Sean didn't say any more. He'd made his point, and he hadn't expected to change Johnson's mind anyway. He'd only wanted to ease his conscience.

"Then should we head straight into the rainforest?" Gennardo asked.

Wilson said it made no difference to him. "Either way is fine."

Neither of them believed Johnson. Wealth and secrets might mostly be in the hands of capital, but that didn't mean those people would share them with you. Like politicians, they were best at spinning lies. If there really were such a good opportunity, they'd have kept it to themselves. Why would they let anyone else have it?

Still, whether they believed him or not, they were all in favor of getting into the Black Berry Rainforest sooner.

They'd made the long journey and driven all this way to a primeval forest for the sake of a thrill. And the forest was most thrilling at night. It was like hiding in the closet of the woman next door, scared out of your wits every second—that was what made an adventure worthwhile.

"Then let's go." Conina winked at Sean. "I hear the moon looks prettiest in the forest. It's perfect for a date."

Sean gave a dry laugh.

He didn't know if the moon was pretty, but he knew Conina was dreaming.

Once they'd made up their minds, they got back in the car and drove into the forest.

There was a short stretch of road along the edge of the Black Berry Rainforest, but that was all. The spot made a good place to park. The surrounding trees, known as "needle-saw trees," had banana-like leaves and gave off a pungent odor that repelled some poisonous insects and beasts. They could help keep the car safe from attacks while the group was away.

"Looks like someone's been here."

The air in the forest was damp. It must have rained recently, and the earth underfoot was still soft and wet, almost muddy. Sean spotted some faint footprints that the rain hadn't quite washed away. There seemed to be quite a few people.

"That's normal." Gennardo smiled. "The Black Berry Rainforest is a popular adventure spot. We can't be the only group here. We might even run into them later."

"Should we follow these footprints?" Johnson's girlfriend, Jenny, suggested.

She was studying the map. The compass showed that the other group had gone in the same direction they planned to take. It was as if someone had gone ahead to clear the way for them. Following behind would help them avoid a lot of trouble. They might not even have to detour around dangerous areas, which would save them plenty of time.

"Let's go, let's go." Johnson had already put on his specialized jacket and strapped on his headlamp, eager to get going.

The invention of batteries had made life easier in all kinds of fields, including outdoor adventuring. Battery-powered flashlights and headlamps were undoubtedly safer and more convenient than torches, especially in a forest where fires could break out easily. Still, they needed a torch, since many nocturnal animals feared fire but not light. Light only irritated them, and relying on flashlights alone could easily get the group surrounded.

"Since you know how to play with fire, you can take the torch. Make sure it doesn't go out," Jim said jokingly to Sean.

Other than Sean, the men were all longtime club members. They had more experience than him with using shotguns and bows to hunt or fend off attacks. Jim would actually have preferred to let Sean do nothing, but since he was a man, Jim figured he might take offense, so he found him a task.

"Sure." Sean had no objections.

He'd joined the group for protection. On his own, it would be difficult to reach that small grove safely. Until he found the Spring of Enlightenment, he was just a frail ordinary person, so he might as well follow instructions.

Carrying a torch wasn't bad. It would give him a chance to practice controlling his magic with the flames.

"Stay close to one another," Gennardo said, going over the rules as usual before they set out. "If you get separated, don't run off or start shouting. Unless you're in danger, stay where you are and contact us by phone or smoke signal. We'll come find you as quickly as we can."

"And don't take off your protective jackets lightly, no matter how hot you get. There are lots of poisonous insects in the Black Berry Rainforest. If you don't want to come down with a fever for no reason, go into shock, or catch some bizarre disease, try to put up with it. Our route includes three 'safe points.' Once we reach one, you can rest however you like."

"Don't worry," Johnson said. "We know all that."

Jim had already gathered his gear. "Shall we get going?"

"Johnson, can you help me with this bag? It's so heavy..." Jenny pleaded from beside the car's trunk.

"Of course, sweetheart. I've got it!" Johnson immediately sprang into action.

She grinned and kissed him on the cheek. "You're the best, Johnson!"

Johnson looked as happy as a two-hundred-pound man. "You bet!"

The young couple were all over each other the whole way.

Conina's bag wasn't light, either.

Seeing her getting along with Sean, Wilson put on airs and started criticizing him. "Look at Johnson. You couldn't even offer to carry Miss Conina's bag?"

At that, Conina looked at Sean expectantly.

But Sean rejected her without a second thought. "No."

He wasn't interested in Conina, so why should he help her?

Conina was the one who wanted to sleep with him. If anyone was going to carry a bag, she could carry his.

Wilson gave a loud snort. "You're not gentlemanly at all."

"If you won't help her, I will!"

"Hmph."

Sean was speechless.

So that was what this was about?

Gennardo laughed and shook his head. He picked up the backpack and headed into the forest.

"Let's go. Everyone, follow me."

"Coming!"

It was only nine in the evening. If all went well, they should find a suitable campsite before three in the morning.

As team leader, Gennardo walked at the front, clearing the way. Johnson and Jenny followed, then Sean and Conina. Jim and Wilson brought up the rear to prevent beasts from tracking and ambushing the group.

Moonlight spread through the thick darkness, draping the Black Berry Rainforest in a hazy veil. The seven of them carried flashlights and torches and hauled a few little carts, officially beginning their adventure in the beautiful primeval forest.

After they had left,

a group of shadows appeared without a sound.

They hadn't turned on any lights, so their faces were impossible to make out, but their heels were visible.

A size-nine-and-a-half shoe stepped into a footprint Sean had spotted earlier, fitting it as perfectly as a plug in a socket.

Crows perched on their shoulders, their feathers black as ink and almost blending into the night. Only their pale red eyes could be seen, like blood diluted with water.

The net had been cast. Now all they had to do was wait and gather it in.