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Chapter 325: Trapped in the Forest
Chapter 325: Trapped in the Forest
"What do we do in a situation like this?" Wicknar complained, expressing his frustration with their current predicament.
Upon closer observation, one could see the youth's eyes trembling with fear beneath his complaining tone.
It was difficult for an ordinary person not to be terrified by the forest's anomalies surrounding their fleet.
Lindsey observed this scene closely.
He used his fire power to heat up the chicken in his hand and then handed it to Wicknar, saying:
"Don't worry, the forest's anomalies will eventually come to an end."
"Lord Muen has called on everyone to explore the forest, so he won't turn a blind eye to this."
Hearing Lindsey's reassurance, Wicknar nodded vigorously.
He took the chicken and took a big bite, his complexion improving.
The hot food not only provided nutrition and warmth but also calmed his sensitive nerves from earlier.
"Sigh..."
Seeing Wicknar's condition improve, Lindsey sighed and walked alone to the edge of the camp.
They were currently on a clearing by the Echo Ancient River, with their ships tied up nearby, serving as a temporary camp.
The forest's anomalies had made the river even more dangerous.
Rayze was an experienced explorer.
He knew the consequences of recklessly moving forward in such a perilous environment.
So, when the forest began to act strangely, Rayze quickly decided to halt their journey, and everyone disembarked, waiting on this rare clearing for an opportunity to arise.
Based on past experiences, it was a common understanding among the people of Forest Courtyard that the forest's anomalies would subside after a while.
But now, that sense of security was fading.
Because the fleet had been resting in this clearing for an entire day, and it was now the second day.
The forest's anomalies, which should have subsided by now, had not ended today either!
Lindsey shook her head slightly.
In the past, even if the forest's anomalies persisted for a while, they would generally be resolved within a day.
Something significant must have happened in Nine Bays City.
At the very least, it was a major event that kept Lord Mullenahue occupied, preventing him from calming the forest's anomalies.
This seven-stage organizer, even if he had thoughts of leaving, would not abandon his responsibilities at such a critical moment.
With these thoughts in mind, Lindsey walked alone to the edge of the camp, where he touched the surface of a twisted plant.
[Longevity Ironwood]
[An ordinary plant, but due to the damaged earth pulse, the forest's will is now in a state of anger.]
[A common plant in the forest, of moderate value.]
Lindsey recalled the description from the last time he checked.
- The earth pulse was attacked, causing the forest's will to be anxious.
- Now, the earth pulse is damaged, and the forest's will is in a state of anger.
"The situation is getting worse," Lindsey frowned, sensing someone's gaze upon him.
He turned to see Rayze, the leader of the fleet, approaching with a serious expression.
"Mr. Drake," Rayze greeted him.
Lindsey nodded in response, "Is there something wrong?"
Rayze was concise, first stating the dilemma without exaggeration or false hope:
"It's unwise to rush forward in this situation. But even if we turn back along the river, we might damage the ships and still end up stranded, or worse, encounter more dangers..."
Lindsey, already aware of these possibilities, interrupted Rayze, "So, we stay in the forest?"
Understanding Lindsey's impatience, Rayze spoke directly, "I plan to create a safe area large enough for us to hold out until we get rescued or the forest's anomalies subside."
Lindsey looked around.
Their current location was just a small clearing along the river.
Neither the awakened nor the ordinary people wanted to get close to the forest, making this already small clearing even more crowded, with people standing shoulder to shoulder.
Even in the face of danger, there was no safe space to retreat to.
"No problem," Lindsey assured, understanding Rayze's concern and nodding in agreement.
"I can help, but my left hand is a bit of a hindrance, so I can only fight with one hand."
Rayze continued his inquiry, "What about other tasks besides combat?"
"Simple reconnaissance work is also within my capabilities," Lindsey replied.
Rayze had significant responsibilities and, after confirming Lindsey's abilities, prepared to leave.
Before departing, he asked one last question, "By the way, I haven't asked about your skills yet..."
Lindsey responded directly, "I know some hunter techniques."
Rayze's eyes lit up, and his steps momentarily halted.
He recalled the previous encounter with the giant python attack.
Lindsey had immediately noticed the python's abnormal state, and now, mentioning hunter techniques, Rayze had little doubt and chose to trust him.
"So, you're a... Forest Dweller?" Rayze asked, almost without hesitation.
Lindsey shook his head, "Just an ordinary Awakener at the Third Stage."
Rayze's expression fell slightly, but he quickly made a request, "Mr. Drake, our supplies are currently sufficient, but as a precaution, could you lead us into the forest for hunting?"
Lindsey, of course, wouldn't refuse such a request.
"Sure, but it would be best to assign me a few helpers, preferably Awakened ones."
Rayze fully agreed with Lindsey's request, "Alright, this can't wait. I'll arrange for people to assist immediately."
The explorer was efficient and quick to act.
He turned to continue organizing tasks and communicate with other Awakened individuals, and soon, others expressed their agreement.
Wicknar, standing beside Lindsey, witnessed the entire conversation.
At this moment, he looked at Lindsey with a mix of respect and concern, as everyone was aware of the dangers within the forest, "Mr. Drake, the forest is extremely dangerous right now. Perhaps you should..."
Lindsey shook his head, his tone calm and reassuring, "It's fine. I have some means of self-defense."
"You stay at the camp. With the protection of the Awakened, there shouldn't be any major troubles."
Wicknar nodded, remaining silent.
Despite being an expedition deep into the forest, aside from Rayze and his group, there were only about a dozen other Awakened individuals.
On the ship, Lindsey had demonstrated his knowledge of animals, earning the trust of the others. He became the temporary leader, guiding the hunters into the forest.
With his map and compass, Lindsey was confident he wouldn't get lost in the chaotic forest, and his other abilities allowed him to quickly locate prey within the forest.
As they ventured together, the hunting difficulty was not significantly different from usual.
The only thing that caused tension was the constantly changing forest around them.
They were aware of the potential dangers, even witnessing them firsthand, but couldn't pinpoint when an attack might occur.
The psychological pressure affected everyone, Awakened or not.
After a few hours, their companions had gathered a substantial amount of prey, and Lindsey decided to return to the camp.
However, upon reaching the riverbank, they noticed something amiss.
"..."
"Mr. Drake, there seem to be more people at the camp," an Awakened individual whispered behind Lindsey.
Rayze directed the others to clear space, and the camp appeared well-organized.
But since they had left, the number of people had doubled.
Even the boats tied to the riverbank had increased.
"Don't panic," Lindsey said, giving a slight nod to calm the others.
After a morning of hunting, these Awakened individuals had come to trust Lindsey.
As someone with hunting skills, he was a crucial member of the team.
Lindsey glanced at the map, confirming the absence of red danger markers at the camp, then waved his hand, leading the group towards the camp, "It's fine. They don't seem hostile, let's go up and ask about the situation first."
(End of Chapter)
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