(* attack..)
Sai slowly walked forward. He noticed a slight movement in the thicket a short distance ahead.
He gripped his sword tightly. As he moved further, the coldness in his body intensified, turning into a shiver. It wasn't out of fear, but rather a manifestation of his power, "Frost" a reaction to sensing another's presence.
[Crack!!]
A dry branch snapped.
Sai spun around, but there was no one there.
He was determined to find out what was hidden in the forest ahead. He walked toward it again, moving forward with every step carefully measured.
Reaching the edge of the brush, he slowly pushed the branches aside to look.
As expected, there was nothing.
He scanned the entire area, but it was empty.
"Hmm..."
Once Sai was certain no one was there, he slowly turned around to leave.
Suddenly!!!!!...
Something streaked past him with incredible speed. Startled, Sai spun around once again.
But there was absolutely nothing there. A small seed of fear began to sprout inside him, yet he felt too proud to let it show.
Sai walked toward the spot where that "something" had flown from it was another thicket of bushes. Despite the growing dread within him, he mustered his courage and pushed forward.
They only knew a fraction of the truth that this forest was a death trap. It was only because he didn't fully grasp the other secrets hidden within that he dared to venture further.
However, a doubt lingered in his mind. Usually, when a Zek tried to attack, his sword would vibrate intensely. But now, even though he sensed a presence, the blade remained still.
Clutching the sword tight, Sai approached the bushes. Finally reaching them, he used the tip of his blade to carefully probe the foliage.
Just as before, no one was there. The only thing in those bushes was that strange, foul-smelling liquid.
Though his mind was far from at ease, Sai slowly turned to leave when...!!!!!
"Aaaahhh!"
Sai was suddenly sent flying backward, crashing to the ground...