The Demonic Ants

"My hand... Can I get it back?"

Looking at Ava's face Leo had a sudden and unexpected urge to pinch her cheek. It was a strange impulse, one that he couldn't fully explain.

...

Leo felt the grip around his fingers loosen, and he couldn't help but wonder what Ava was thinking. He wanted to see her expression, but her long silver hair covered her eyes, obscuring her face from view.

"...Have you found the Demonic Ants?"

Not wanting to waste any more time standing in one place, Leo broke the momentary silence. There's no telling what kind of monsters they might encounter if we stay here for too long.

"Yes..."

Upon seeing Ava nod her head in agreement, Leo followed closely behind her as she led the way through the red forest. He opened the world map and saw that the surrounding area was covered in grey, indicating that it had yet to be explored by other players.