Bloodshadow at the Fortress

The sign was crude, made from branches, vines, and a wooden board picked up at random.

The writing on the board was not sloppy. It was actually quite neat, but the sign had been hastily erected before the writing dried, letting the bright red liquid run down its surface.

The letters immediately became blurred and hideous.

They resembled a mangled, bloody maw.

"It's not blood."

"It should be some kind of berry juice."

"And whoever did this was in a hurry. They dipped their fingers straight into the juice to write the warning. Their fingers were tough and powerful, leaving deep impressions in the wood. An ordinary person couldn't do that!"

After confirming there were no traps nearby, Qin Ran approached and examined the writing on the sign.

The sour, astringent scent in his nose told him where the bright red liquid had come from.

He could not determine which particular berry it was, however.

Although his basic [Potion-making] skill let him memorize the effects of the roots, stems, and leaves of over a hundred plants, that was barely a drop in the ocean compared to all the plants in nature.

Being able to identify it as berry juice already showed how diligently Qin Ran had studied basic [Potion-making].

Straightening up, Qin Ran scanned his surroundings for more traces and continued, "This sign wasn't here before I left!"

"Whoever put it up did so after I left!"

"And they were certain we would come!"

"More importantly, they left no traces nearby, not even footprints or fingerprints!"

"Does this way of coming and going without a trace seem familiar to you, Herbert?"

As he spoke, Qin Ran looked toward the old scholar.

The old man nodded.

"The Guardians!"

"The Guardians of Aesop Ancient City!"

That was the old scholar's answer.

"Those