Daylight had fully broken, and the morning mist dispersed through the mountain forest.
Another day began as usual at the Tsukasa Empire's camp. Amid the scattered tents, people rose one after another, ready to begin their daily activities.
But quite a few clutched their backs or held their stomachs, their faces pale and their bodies utterly listless.
The victims of Li Xiang's dirty trick had appeared!
Nakahara Daisuke was among those hit hardest.
For days, he had suffered recurring stomach cramps and diarrhea. His body was terribly weak, he could barely eat or sleep properly, and the ordeal had left him exhausted in both body and mind.
He had only just woken that morning when the familiar cramps seized his gut again, followed by a wave of churning discomfort.
Gritting his teeth and furrowing his brow, Nakahara Daisuke bent over with a hand on his stomach, intending to hurry into the woods to relieve himself as he had countless times before.
He walked hurriedly, consumed by his physical misery, and completely failed to notice the shadow silently closing in behind him.
The instant he left the tents behind and stepped into the deserted woods, a nimble figure lunged at him.
A hand clamped precisely over his mouth and nose, swift and firm, leaving him no chance to make a sound.
The sudden restraint made Nakahara Daisuke stiffen, and his limbs instinctively struggled.
But his weakened body could muster no strength at all. Every attempt to struggle was stifled, and not a single sound escaped his throat.
Kohaku straightened in the shadows, turned toward a concealed spot, and gave a hand signal, issuing a quiet order.
"Chrome, do it. Tie him up and take him away."
Chrome immediately hurried forward with several others. With practiced, efficient movements, they wound layer after