Gauss had entered the outskirts of the Emerald Forest many times.
The most memorable occasion was probably when he had still been a level 1 professional, fighting alongside Grayrock Town's Winter Hunt force against a tribe of level 8 Ogre Shamans.
The oppressive air of this forest had left a deep impression on him back then, but as time passed and his strength steadily grew, the feeling of being surrounded by danger in the wild had gradually faded.
No matter how much he reminded himself not to grow complacent, it was difficult to fully return to the state of constant vigilance he had maintained when he was weaker.
And now, though his strength was already extraordinarily formidable by an ordinary adventurer's standards, Gauss instantly raised his guard to the utmost upon entering this familiar yet unfamiliar forest.
The "atmosphere" of this forest had changed completely.
The air was steeped in the scent of slaughter.
It was as though an invisible, immense aura blanketed the skies above the entire vast forest.
Gauss took several deep breaths, then hurriedly lowered his head.
That immense aura belonged to the strongest being he had ever sensed.
It was flamboyant, majestic, utterly unrestrained—a mighty presence that seemed intent on making every living thing in the world bow before it.
Gauss could naturally guess the source of that aura. Barring any surprises, it should be the forest's master.
Only that adult green dragon could release her biological aura so recklessly.
Gauss swallowed, then resumed walking.
That aura was frightening merely to perceive, but its actual effect was not so terrifying. It was spread too thinly, so it served more as a warning and declaration.
Of course, if that entire aura were concentrated at a single point, it would likely be utterly horrifying—perhaps enough to leave even