A few days had passed since the prisoners had been released by Verc, and finally, after days of hardship—
"W-WE'RE OUT OF THE FOREST!"
They were able to step outside the forest.
The dense, suffocating canopy that had loomed over them for weeks finally broke apart, revealing the wide, open sky of the plains. The air here was thin, but it didn't carry the oppressive, heavy mana that had plagued their every breath inside the Cursed Forest.
"F-Finally...!"
"We're saved!"
"WE'RE FREE!!!"
The happiness on their faces was evident, they weren't even trying to hide it. They collapsed onto the grass, some sobbing, others laughing hysterically, while a few simply stared up at the sun with glazed, teary eyes. The reality of their survival felt like a dream.
Well, after all, when they were released a few days back—they were immediately ambushed by a horde of monsters!
