After a brief moment of shock, Clayton quickly calmed himself, careful not to make a sound. What lay before him demanded absolute silence.
Ahead was a large hollow within a tree. Inside it, a creature lay in deep slumber.
Judging by how relaxed the monster's body appeared and the steady rise and fall of its chest, Clayton could tell—it was sound asleep.
Since the noise he'd made earlier hadn't disturbed it, he exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.
The sleeping creature was none other than a mid-tier, one-star black bear monster.
At a glance, the bear looked almost cute in its sleeping position. But the ominous aura radiating from it, along with the bloodstains matted into its fur, sent a wave of unease through Clayton's chest.
There was no mistaking it—the creature was extremely dangerous.
Clayton knew it was best to leave immediately. He didn't want to invite any unnecessary trouble.
With that decision made, he slowly began backing away, moving as silently as possible.
