Chapter 102: what we know so far

If someone is killed by those beasts on the first level, that is, the outer area of the island, their body will be copied by some mysterious force. No one knows why this happens.

These clones won't realize they are dead. Instead, they'll continue to explore the depths of the forest, driven by the memories in their minds.

During this process, they appear to be real, living people. However, the key to all this is that they remain unaware of their own death.

Once someone tells them they are dead, they fall into a state of confusion, descending into madness. When they come across their own body, they completely vanish.

This is the information about Yerug Island that Larson gathered through his analysis.

In other words, this is just the information about the outer areas of Yerug Island. No one knows what might lie deeper within the island.

The beasts seem to be the first trial on Yerug Island, meant to eliminate those who are weak or incompetent.

The second level of the island is faced with the souls of those who were killed by these wild beasts.

Naturally, anyone strong enough to reach the second level won't fear the revenants of those who died on the first level.

Returning to the present moment, after listening to Larson's analysis, everyone admired him inwardly.

Who else could analyze so much about Yerug Island in such a short time?

"If my guess is correct, we'll likely encounter many people we've met before as we move forward," Larson said.

Everyone understood what he meant. Not everyone would remember every person they had encountered.

When those who enter the second area are indifferent to the dead, the revenants might keep moving forward as if nothing happened.

Rayleigh hesitated and asked, "I have a question. Should we kill them when we encounter them next?"

After speaking, he looked at Larson, and everyone else's eyes turned toward him as well.

Larson sighed, "It doesn't really matter whether we kill them or not since they're already dead. They pose no threat to us.

But have you considered this: Could it be that Yerug Island's second level doesn't simply resurrect those killed by wild beasts, allowing them to relive the excitement of searching for treasure?"

He looked around, and as everyone pondered, he continued, "I suspect these dead souls may not change much in the second level, but when we reach the third or fourth levels, they will become our greatest obstacle."

Everyone agreed with Larson's reasoning. After all, when they first faced the beasts, they never imagined the souls of the dead would linger afterward.

So they hadn't considered whether these dead souls would undergo further changes on the third or fourth levels.

"So," Larson paused for a moment, "it would be best if we dealt with these dead souls now and solved any potential trouble ahead of time.

They're already dead, after all, so we're just helping them find peace."

"Alright, I'll follow your lead and do just that!" Rayleigh responded.

Everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Larson's suggestion was indeed the wisest course of action.

"Then let's move out."

Though they had walked a considerable distance, Larson could tell they were still far from the island's center. If they kept walking, it would likely take them half a day to reach it.

But considering how many strange occurrences had happened already, with more surely awaiting them, Larson couldn't help but feel a bit excited.

The unkillable beasts, the ability to resurrect the souls of the dead—everything indicated that this island was no ordinary place. So, what force was behind all of this? What could be affecting and changing everything?

Larson was eager to uncover that mystery. Not because he necessarily wanted to possess whatever it was, but because he simply wanted to see it with his own eyes.

The thick canopy overhead blocked out the sunlight, leaving the forest below in deep shadow, creating a gloomy atmosphere.

Above the forest's gloom, several strange birds of unknown origin circled the sky. They seemed like the island's sentinels, watching how many people were on the island, where they were, and how strong they might be.

As dusk approached, the dark forest became even more ominous.

Of course, such fears were insignificant in the face of true strength.

Take Marco, for example. Standing among the group, he gazed at the backs of his companions and felt entirely secure.

Suddenly, the group stopped moving.

It was Larson who had halted them.

"Everyone's hungry. Let's take a break," Larson said.

They had walked for a long time, and Larson wasn't sure if they had even reached the third level of Yerug Island yet. So, they decided to stop, rest, and gather their strength before moving forward.

The team settled down and built two fires.

Due to the large number of people, a single fire wasn't enough to accommodate everyone.

They sat around the fires, their faces illuminated by the flames, casting a warm red glow.

At this moment, Gaban was holding a few pieces of dry cake, roasting them over the fire. As he did, he grumbled, "If I had known, I would've brought some meat from the ship. Now we're stuck eating this dry stuff."

"It's good to have some. Why are you complaining?" Rayleigh remarked, sitting beside Gaban.

Gaban shot him a glare. "Then why don't you roast it yourself? Why am I the only one doing it for all of you? Even if you're gathering wool, you can't shear just one sheep forever!"

Rayleigh chuckled, "It's called hard work for those who can handle it."

Meanwhile, Larson was looking up at the strange birds circling above. "If you want meat, I might have an idea," he said, drawing everyone's attention. After all, who wouldn't prefer meat over dry rations?

Larson pointed to the sky. "Isn't that ready-made?"

"Hey, Marco!" Gaban turned to Marco with a grin. "This one's for you!"

Marco stood up, rolling up his sleeves. "Leave it to me!"

With that, Marco leapt into the sky, ready to catch the birds flying above. Just as he was about to break through the dense leaves, something unexpected happened.

A dark shadow suddenly descended from the sky, crashing into Marco and knocking him down instantly.

"Who is that?!" Marco shouted, stunned.

At the same time, Larson shot into the air, his scarlet eyes gleaming with tension as he scanned the night sky. Fear flickered in his gaze as he realized the gravity of the situation.