Bloodstained Path Forward

The mountain path wound ahead, strewn with rocks, while a faint trace of blood still lingered in the air. The group advanced slowly, every step feeling as though they were walking on the edge of a blade. The slightest mistake could make them collapse.

Ryan walked at the front, his twin blades strapped at his waist, one hand never leaving a hilt. The wound at his shoulder had already gone numb, and the blood had long since coagulated into a layer of black scab. His chest rose and fell with each breath, and the pain made every step feel like a needle driven into him. Yet his gaze remained cold and sharp, without the slightest slackening.

The Lead Hunter followed close behind. The broken spear in his hand had become a burden, but he still gripped it tightly. The Greatsword Hunter's steps were heavy, and blood kept seeping from the wound on his shoulder. He pressed down hard on it, gritting his teeth as he held on. The Archer Hunter carried his broken bow on his back, his gaze cautious as he glanced behind them from time to time.

"We won't last long if we keep going like this," the Greatsword Hunter said in a low voice, trembling from the pain.

"But we have to keep moving," the Lead Hunter replied heavily, without a hint of hesitation. "The message has to get out. Otherwise, everything we've done will have been for nothing."

The Archer Hunter raised his head and looked at Ryan's back. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke. "Ryan, what do you think? Will the Association take these traces seriously?"

Ryan did not slow down. His eyes remained fixed on the mountain path ahead. His voice was low, but carried an undeniable firmness. "It will. Because this