Wizarding World, Winter Forest.
Matthew followed the exploration team assembled by the wealthy merchant Lady Jill into the Winter Forest.
The exploration team had a total of twenty-four people. Besides the three members of Link's team, the Court Wizards had sent two four-person squads, while the rest were from Lady Jill's Merchant Guild.
The Wizards all rode Chocobos, mounts capable of adapting to many different terrains.
In addition, the team brought several Two-legged Pack Beasts to carry supplies. These were modified creatures created by Wizards, possessing exceptional endurance and the ability to adapt to various terrains. They could even fly briefly.
The exploration team's leader was a somewhat rigid-looking Middle-aged Male Wizard. It was said that he was Lady Jill's capable assistant and also a supervisor of the merchant guild.
After entering the outer region of the Winter Forest, they spotted a massive Dragon Snake Ancient Tree in the distance. Its upward-curving branches formed a huge, orderly Inverted Umbrella-shaped Crown.
But upon closer inspection, the branches were covered in fleshy tumors. From afar, they looked like countless Giant Snakes covered in growths, twisting through the air.
Matthew had seen this giant tree before. The outer region of the Winter Forest was where he had first arrived after crossing over.
The outskirts of the Winter Forest were occupied by the Dragon Snake Tree Forest. This forest covered a vast area. Although the exploration team was not taking the route Matthew had traveled before, they still had to pass through the Dragon Snake Tree Forest.
Dragon Snake Trees fed on magic power. If Wizards or Magic Creatures approached them, they would be attacked. Once entangled, their magic power would quickly be drained dry by the branches.
When the exploration team arrived outside the Dragon Snake Tree Forest, the leader signaled for everyone