According to Medusa, they were alone.
The spiders she had summoned had scattered in every direction, yet their return brought back nothing good.
"After this clearing lies a vast ice forest," she said, her tone tightening. "It's crawling with monsters… strong ones. I couldn't track them all, but one was powerful enough to take out one of my scouts easily."
She bit her lip hard, the tips of her fangs peeking through.
The thought clearly unsettled her, not many beasts could manage.
"It's like the forest itself is interfering with my senses. I can't reach far. I can't see clearly. I… I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."
Azel stepped closer, his expression calm despite the unease that gnawed at him.
He raised a hand and patted her head gently.
The gesture caught her off-guard, and she let out an involuntary, low purr, like a cat leaning into warmth.
"Thanks, Meda," he said quietly. "You've already done more than enough."
