After listening to this, Roger and the others all fell into deep thought. They were considering how to handle this situation, as a single misstep could lead to the death of others.
Rayleigh sighed, "If we really can't stop those things, we can only retreat."
His response mirrored Whitebeard's; if the situation couldn't be contained, retreating would be the best option to avoid causing unnecessary casualties.
Even though it would be disappointing to leave at this point, the safety of the entire team was more important.
Roger remained silent. As the captain of a pirate crew, his priority had to be the safety of his members.
He wouldn't endanger the lives of his crew over something he desired. Although being a pirate meant living with danger and readiness to sacrifice, this didn't mean Roger would disregard their lives.
"Wait a minute."
At that moment, Gaban suddenly stopped and left Roger's side.
He scratched his head, saying, "I just thought of a way. If it doesn't work, let me lead everyone out first. If you stay, even if the black tide keeps spreading, you won't be able to do anything."
Roger shook his head. "No, you're underestimating the danger outside. You can't handle it alone."
Gaban sighed, realizing that Roger's words were true.
The outside layers were treacherous: shadows that assimilated those killed, resurrecting foes, and beasts that couldn't be slain.
Gaban believed he could leave safely and reach the ship on his own, but it would be different with the whole group. The spreading black tide meant there was little time left to regain physical strength, and a fatigued group would offer minimal help—if any. They could even hinder him.
Leading everyone out alone would be a difficult task for Gaban.
But if there was another person, it might change things.
Rayleigh glanced at Larson and pursed his lips. It wouldn't be possible for Gaban alone, but with Larson's assistance, it would be more manageable. Rayleigh decided to join Gaban in leaving while Larson remained to aid Roger and Whitebeard.
"Actually, not necessarily," Rayleigh was about to speak when Larson cut in.
Larson remarked, "If Gaban is alone, he shouldn't face much danger."
Roger, who was preparing to leave, paused, and both Rayleigh and Gaban listened intently.
Larson continued, "Remember the results of our earlier investigations. While it was dangerous traversing the first few levels of the forest, things are different now. We're no longer moving forward but instead retreating."
"What difference does that make?" Roger asked skeptically.
"Of course, it's different. When we first arrived, we followed the island's rules and the path it had set for us. From the moment we saw those beasts, we stayed on the route given to us. People killed by the beasts would resurrect at the second level, and those in the second level turned into shadows at the third level.
Every time we advanced, new dangers awaited. These black tides are merely the danger of this current level, similar to what the shadows mentioned at the third level.
But now, we're not advancing; we're leaving. This means that when Gaban returns to the third level, he won't encounter the shadows, and when he arrives at the second level, he won't face those who were resurrected, as they are all here with us now. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Rayleigh's eyes brightened, "I should have realized that sooner."
Roger let out a breath of relief.
Gaban grinned and said, "That's great news. I'll take care of things here so you all can move forward!"
"Not so fast…"
Larson stood up and looked towards the distance, where the black tide was still slowly spreading.
Larson suddenly frowned, "Did you notice that?"
"Huh?"
"Notice what?"
Everyone was puzzled by Larson's words.
"What do you mean?" Rayleigh asked.
Larson frowned, his eyes fixed on the spreading black tide, and said, "Do you feel like these dark waves have been following us?"
His gaze remained locked on the black tide. On the other sides, the black tides had stopped spreading, remaining still. But the one in front of them, which was directly facing their direction, kept advancing, almost as if it was reacting to their presence.
Roger and the others exchanged glances. Chasing them?
The idea seemed almost unbelievable. If true, this would imply that the black tide had some level of consciousness.
"And another thing," Larson added, "why didn't the black tide appear elsewhere first? Why did it only start spreading from where we are? If this black tide is simply a danger of this level, shouldn't it have started spreading directly throughout the entire area?"
Larson felt like there was a significant problem with this pattern.
Everyone pondered Larson's words, and suddenly, Rayleigh seemed to have a realization. He glanced at Larson, hesitated, and then spoke, unsure, "Do you think... if these black tides are made up of those shadows, then could they be seeking revenge? After all, we did kill so many shadows when we advanced to the next level."
A heavy silence fell over the group.
Larson smiled bitterly, "I never imagined one of my ideas would lead to this much trouble."
If he hadn't pursued and killed the shadows in the next level, maybe they wouldn't be facing this relentless black tide now.
Roger, however, shook his head. "You can't think like that. Consider it this way: we killed a lot of shadows, and in doing so, it turned into this terrifying black tide. But if we hadn't defeated them earlier, wouldn't we now be facing an even more dreadful black tide coming at us?"
Larson was taken aback, but Roger's words made sense, and he felt a bit more reassured.
"As expected of the Pirate King," Larson thought, his mood improving after hearing Roger's perspective.
"You're right," Larson admitted with a small nod. He silently accepted Roger's reasoning and agreed with it.
"Alright then, I'll go back and talk to them now," Gaban said, getting ready to leave.
"Wait," Larson stopped him.
"We shouldn't rush to leave just yet. Let's see if these black waves can really advance further or if they're being held in check."
"Good idea," Rayleigh agreed.
And so, everyone remained where they were, standing quietly and watching the ominous black tides for any signs of what they might do next.