The Trap

Undoubtedly, Floris Hospital is an enterprise of the Floris Family.

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

It felt as if their presence was everywhere in this world, always appearing in unexpected ways, giving off a sense of pervasive pressure.

Sean suspected the Floris Family was fishing.

Just as they used his novels to find potential Wizards, openly revealing the location of the Spring of Enlightenment to others was likely a trap.

For him, whether it was a trap or not didn't really matter. The Magic he gained from his dreams wasn't enough and wouldn't grow automatically. To learn Meditation and hold his fate in his own hands, he still needed to find the Spring of Enlightenment.

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

Although Sean couldn't be sure if there was a traitor in the group or where the enemy was hiding, the other party was definitely watching his every move. In other words, regardless of whether this was a trap or not, conflict was bound to erupt.

He had also said he would give Quill a surprise.

But Johnson and the others were different. So far, they were all still ordinary people without awakened perception. As long as they didn't touch the Spring of Enlightenment, they wouldn't get caught up in the Witch Hunt.

But if they did, even if they were so foolish as to be unable to gain Magic even with the Spring of Enlightenment's help, they still wouldn't have a good end.

The Spring of Enlightenment wasn't omnipotent, and failure to comprehend was indeed possible. But so what?

They say you are, and you are, even if you're not.

Looking at Johnson, who hadn't even left campus and was still naive, Sean asked, "Did your uncle only tell you that finding the spring would let you see the world's true form, but not what the consequences would be after seeing it?"

"What consequences could there be?" Johnson asked curiously. "A deeper understanding of this world, and then running for president?"

Sean warned him, "You might die."

Johnson: "Huh?"

He clearly hadn't considered it would be so serious. The word "die" was too distant for a young man not yet twenty. After a moment of stunned silence, Johnson quickly recovered and said dismissively, "You mean those strange beasts in the woods? Magic isn't a magic trick. With Magic, dealing with them would be a piece of cake, right? Bring one on, I'll roast it, hmph."

"Don't even talk about protected species. I'm already a Mage, why would I care about laws?"

There were so many ordinary people in this world; Wizards were the truly rare species. The law should protect him.

Conina rolled her eyes. This kid clearly hadn't been beaten by society yet. He'd get honest when he suffered a loss.

Sean didn't try to persuade him further, just saying enough to make his point. He didn't think he could convince him anyway; he just wanted to ease his conscience.

"Shall we head into the rainforest then?" Gennardo asked.

Wilson shrugged, "Whatever."

Neither of them believed Johnson. Wealth and secrets were indeed mostly held by capital, but that didn't mean they would share them with you. Like politicians, their greatest skill was spewing nonsense. If there were such good things, they would have kept them to themselves long ago, leaving none for others?

But regardless of belief, they were very much in favor of entering the Black Berry Rainforest sooner rather than later.

They had traveled a long way, driven for so long to reach this primeval forest, all for the thrill. The forest at night was the most thrilling, like hiding in a closet at a neighbor's house, constantly on edge. This was the true meaning of adventure.

"Let's go then." Conina winked at Sean. "I heard the moon in the forest is the most beautiful, perfect for a date."

Sean: "Heh."

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

After making their decision, everyone got back into the car and drove into the forest.

There was a short stretch of road leading into the outer area of the Black Berry Rainforest that cars could use, but only for a short distance. This spot was excellent for parking. It was surrounded by large trees called "needle-saw trees." Their leaves resembled banana leaves and emitted a pungent odor that could drive away some poisonous insects and beasts, protecting their car from attack while they were gone.

"It looks like someone's been here."

The air in the forest carried a dampness. It must have rained recently. The soil underfoot was soft and moist, bordering on muddy. Sean discovered some shallow footprints that hadn't been completely washed away by the rain. It looked like quite a few people had passed through.

"That's normal," Gennardo chuckled. "The Black Berry Rainforest is a popular adventure spot. We're definitely not the only group here. We might even run into others later."

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

She was looking at a map. The compass showed that the direction the others had left was the same as their intended direction. Essentially, someone was clearing the path ahead for them. Following behind could help them avoid a lot of trouble. Dangerous areas they would have had to detour around might not need detouring now, saving a lot of time.

"Let's go, let's go!" Johnson had already eagerly put on his specialized jacket and strapped on his headlamp.

The invention of batteries had brought considerable convenience to all industries, and outdoor adventures were one of them. Battery-powered flashlights and headlamps were undoubtedly safer and more convenient than torches, especially in forests prone to fires. However, they still needed a torch, as many nocturnal animals feared fire but not light. Light would only agitate them, and relying solely on flashlights could easily lead to being surrounded.

"Since you're good with fire, the important task of carrying the torch will fall to you. Be careful not to let it go out," Jim said to Sean in a joking tone.

The men here, apart from Sean, were all old members of the club. They had more experience than Sean in hunting or defending against attacks with shotguns and bows and arrows. Jim personally leaned towards letting Sean be idle, but considering Sean was a man, he might feel slighted, so he casually found something for him to do.

"Okay." Sean naturally had no objections.

His purpose in joining the group was to seek "protection." Otherwise, relying on himself, it would be difficult for him to safely reach that small grove. Until he found the Spring of Enlightenment, he was just a weak ordinary person. He would just follow the arrangements obediently.

Holding the torch was also good. He could use the flames to practice controlling his Magic.

"Everyone stick close together in a moment," Gennardo reiterated the precautions as usual before officially setting off. "If you accidentally fall behind, don't wander off or shout. Unless there's danger, stay put and contact us by phone or smoke signal. We'll come find you as quickly as possible."

"Also, don't take off your protective jackets easily, no matter how hot it gets. There are many poisonous insects in the Black Berry Rainforest. If you don't want to inexplicably develop a fever, pass out, or contract strange illnesses, try to endure it. Our route includes three 'safe points.' Once we reach them, you can rest however you like."

"Don't worry," Johnson said. "We understand all this."

Jim had already packed his tools. "Shall we set off then?"

"Ah Qiang, can you help me with this bag? It's so heavy..." Jenny pleaded pitifully next to the car's trunk.

"No problem, my dear, leave it to me!" Johnson immediately showed off his boyfriend strength.

The girl giggled and kissed him on the cheek. "You're amazing, Johnson!"

Johnson beamed, happier than a fat man with a hundred pounds of candy. "Of course!"

The young couple was very affectionate all the way.

Conina's bag wasn't light either.

Seeing her walking close to Sean, Wilson couldn't help but strike a pose and point. "Look at Johnson, why don't you help Miss Conina with her bag?"

Hearing this, Conina looked at Sean with an expectant expression.

To her surprise, Sean refused without a second thought. "No."

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

If Conina wanted to sleep with him, she could help him carry his bag.

Wilson snorted heavily. "Not a gentleman at all."

"If you don't help me, I will!"

"Hmph."

Sean: "..."

What are they waiting for here?

Gennardo chuckled and shook his head, picked up his backpack, and walked into the forest.

"Let's go, everyone keep up."

"Coming!"

It was only nine o'clock now. If all went well, they should be able to find a suitable campsite before three in the morning.

As the captain, Gennardo led the way, followed by Johnson and Jenny, then Sean and Conina. Jim and Wilson walked at the rear, preventing the team from being tracked and ambushed by wild beasts.

The moonlight diffused through the dense night, draping the Black Berry Rainforest in a hazy cloak. The seven of them, carrying flashlights and torches and pulling small carts, officially began their adventure in this beautiful, primitive forest.

And after they left.

A group of dark figures appeared silently.

They didn't turn on any lights, so their faces were unclear, but their heels were visible.

Size 9.5 feet stepped onto a shoe print that Sean had discovered earlier, fitting it perfectly like a hole and a rivet.

Crows perched on their shoulders, their feathers as black as ink, blending almost completely into the night. Only their shallow red eyes were visible, like diluted blood.

The net was already cast, and now they just had to wait for the catch.