The sound of cracking twigs came from every side, and Reith tried to expand his senses.
The best option for them was not to make any more sound. Even breathing felt risky at this moment.
"It's like something is advancing," Peter noted, and Reith gave a nod before turning to look at the bush that contained the herbs.
The herbs were very potent according to the readings of the Ralaxy Watch, and it felt like they had been kept there to gather Hana for a while.
The wheels in Reith's mind were turning. He would not be surprised if someone came over to check on their collection.
"Do you think we took what belonged to someone?" Reith whispered.
"That would mean that we stole." Peter looked at the cluster of bushes again. "That's be more trouble than I'd like because it means we were the trespassers."
Before Reith could say anything, a cluster of bushes in front of him parted and something jumped in. And it wasn't just one thing.
"Watch out," Reith called out, getting ready for an attack.
But it turned out the sound was simply made by many tiny pairs of paws on the ground. They moved quickly and surrounded the cluster of bushes, gnawing on the leaves speedily.
"Forest rabbits. We should have known." Peter chuckled in relief while Reith felt his knees relax from the tension.
"They are harmless, but do you not think something must have made them come running?" Reith suggested.
Peter thought about it. Maybe this dude had a point.
The forest rabbits were aware of the presence of the two humans, but they felt no hostility, so they proceeded to gnaw on the leaves that were scattered on the bushes.
The reason they had gathered themselves here was merely due to the Hana energy escaping from that bush. It was what would help them survive the incoming winter season, so they had to make haste.
Reith looked around, and when he saw that there was no other strange sound, he moved forward. "Let's go. We have less than thirty minutes to reach the final destination."
With a nod, Peter agreed with Reith, and they ran out of the place.
"You think they would question us about our group members?" Peter dropped a question casually, but his gaze remained sharp.
Reith thought about it. "We should look for them..." he muttered.
If something caused the appearance of that fog, then it would be dangerous for those four to fight it on their own. There would be more help when there was a larger number, especially in such a thick forest.
"That is a stupid decision after what they did to you." Peter rolled his eyes, but he did not stop talking as he pushed through the twisted branches.
"If it was on a normal day, I would have left you along with them." He admitted. "But I think coming back with your group would get us more marks. I do not want to lose marks."
"Do you know how to find them?" Peter looked at Reith suspiciously as they made a sharp turn in another direction.
Reith shook his head. "Not really, but at least I can try something."
"Sensing Hana?"
"Yes. I noticed a difference between the Hana lines in humans and the ones that flowed to the plants and beasts," Reith answered, moving his eyes to scan every direction he took.
If they were not careful, they would be lost in this large forest, and it would be even worse if they passed the safe border mistakenly.
"You are very useful." Peter let out a chuckle trying to lighten up the mood, but Reith did not say anything.
The forest was way too thick, and the Hana lines made the forest come alive before Reith's eyes in different colours.
The curled vines and the large branches were emitting different types of Hana lines, and Reith also saw the lines of various small insects and beasts.
Safe to say that this mirage of colours was very beautiful, but he had no time to admire them at this moment.
"Time is running out, Hana Boy." Reith heard Peter's voice behind him, and his frustration grew.
Anytime it looked like he had picked up one of the human lines, it would disconnect. Was it because he was running?
"Wait." He called out and came to a stop. He was going to use the method that helped him in finding Isho.
"Why are we stopping? There is no time." Peter was confused, and he raised his brows higher when he saw Reith taking a seat on the dirty floor.
Reith raised his hand in response. "Just trust me."
Peter scoffed and leaned on a nearby tree. Just trust me? That was basically asking too much, especially when they had just met, but now he had no choice.
Reith was his only option if he even wanted to get out of the forest, so he waited.
After a few minutes of snapping twigs and leaning on trees, Peter was fed up, and was about to complain when he saw Reith stand up.
"Follow me." In the next moment, Reith ran ahead.
"At least give me a break." Peter called out, but Reith was too focused on the Hana line he had captured to respond. He could not afford to let go of it because of a break in concentration.
"Found them."
After what seemed like hours of searching, Reith and Peter stopped in the middle of a large opening in the forest. The land was bare without the presence of trees or vines. There was no sign of life or growth. Worst of all, the air there was thin.
"This place is dangerous," Peter said with a low voice, and the next moment, a long sword appeared in his hand. "Are you sure this is where you think they are?" Peter asked, but he did not lower his guard as his eyes darted everywhere, but it seemed like the bushes had surrounded them in.
The entrance they had followed through was already sealed by bushes and vines.
Peter tried to find an opening, but it was fruitless. "We are trapped, and I do not see anybody here."
Reith nodded. "I know it is here. Hold on."
With his subconscious mind, Reith tugged at the Hana line he had gotten hold of, and he looked up.
A chill instantly rolled down his spine.
"That is not good." The words escaped his mouth, and Peter looked at him.
"What's new? Did you find anything?" Peter said quickly, tightening his hold on his weapon.
He did not like how every nerve in his brain was telling him to find an exit immediately.
Reith held his breath. His eyes locked on the scene above him. "Look up."