The Second Layer

Chapter 84: The Second Layer

Akes stepped out of the stone door. The sight before him was completely different from the first layer. Dense vegetation blotted out the sky and sun. The trunks of giant trees were as thick as houses, their overlapping canopies completely blocking the sky overhead. Vines hung down from the canopy and wove into a massive net across the ground. Walking on it felt soft and springy, like stepping on a mattress.

The air was filled with the scent of rotting leaves and earth, along with a faint trace of blood. The roars of unknown magical beasts echoed from the distance—some low and deep, others sharp and piercing—rising and falling one after another, putting everyone on guard.

"Everyone, stay alert," Faen said in a low voice.

They had walked for less than half an hour when Akes suddenly felt his heart tighten.

"Stop," he said quietly.

Everyone halted and looked at him.

Akes's gaze swept across the surrounding canopy. On a large tree to the left, he spotted a flash of green. It blended almost perfectly with the leaves, but Akes had sharp eyes. He saw that it was a snake, as thick as a finger and emerald green from head to tail. It was coiled around a branch, poised to strike.

"Watch out for that snake." Akes pointed at the tree.

The moment he spoke, the little green snake shot out like an arrow loosed from a bow, flying toward Rutherford, who was closest to it. Rutherford reacted swiftly, raising an icy-blue barrier around his body while twisting aside. The snake crashed into the barrier, opening its mouth to reveal two tiny fangs. The instant the fangs pierced the barrier, a small hole appeared in it, and the icy-blue light dimmed for a moment. The