The moment the barrier fell, Luke's brows pulled tight in disgust.
Something was rotting nearby. A corpse.
Inside the resting zone, he could hear voices and feel the air, but the smell had been sealed away. Maybe the system didn't want to give him the advantage of knowing how close he stood to a hunted carcass.
He gripped his knife and moved toward the source of the stench.
He had to start somewhere, and if it was a dead beast, there was a high chance scavengers would be lurking nearby.
Careful with every step, he advanced slowly. His nose burned, urging him to cover it, but he held back. His arms needed to stay ready, poised to strike or defend at any moment.
He couldn't afford to lower his guard. Not here.
Scruff
The bushes rustled faintly as he pushed through and peeked to the other side.
Just as he expected.
