"Be careful. I can feel it—the atmosphere around us has changed."
Liao Ye walked at the very front of the group, his expression growing vigilant.
The dense forest around them had fallen silent. Only the footsteps of their party still echoed.
Liao Ye led the way, Zi Juan walked at the rear while leading Jujube Steed, and Mash stayed close to Fujimaru Ritsuka's side, doing everything she could to ensure his safety.
"Is it because of the large number of Ugal that the other creatures in the forest have hidden or fled?" Fujimaru Ritsuka sensed the silence around them, his brow tightly furrowed.
"More likely, they're dead." Ushiwakamaru kept one hand on the hilt of the blade at her waist, her expression solemn.
"These beasts."
Benkei echoed Ushiwakamaru's words, but where no one could see, the hand gripping his naginata trembled faintly.
Ugal. Lions capable of wielding the wind—Demonic Beasts like that were terrifying just to hear about.
But.
At the very least, he had to fight this time.
Benkei bit his upper lip and pulled himself together.
No matter what, he no longer had the right to run away. This time, the Master saving the world and Lord Yoshitsune were both here.
He could no longer bring shame upon the name "Musashibō Benkei"!
ROAR
Suddenly, a low roar reached everyone's ears, and every body tensed in an instant.
"Doctor, how many magical energy signatures are there?"
Fujimaru Ritsuka asked Roman through the communicator.
"The exact number still needs to be counted, but for now, there are at least a hundred Ugal signatures within the radar range centered on you."
"Ritsuka, Lawrence isn't by your side right now. Be careful with everything you do."
Cold sweat beaded on his face as he issued the grave reminder.
"I understand."
Nodding, Fujimaru