chapter 7.3

Alcard's group continued deeper into the heart of the southern forest. The trees around them began to change, no longer resembling the usual forests they had seen outside the southern region. Their branches didn't grow straight upward but instead twisted at unnatural angles, as if warped by an invisible force. The leaves appeared wilted, their colors faded into unnatural hues—many had turned black or were coated in a sickly purple slime.

Alcard remained at the front, carefully watching every step. He knew they couldn't afford a single mistake in this place. Even the smallest error could mean death. Occasionally, he glanced back to ensure the group maintained a tight formation. In the suffocating silence, one of the novice Outcasts finally voiced his unease.

"Captain, why does the air here feel so heavy?" he asked nervously. "It's different… more oppressive than the past few days."

Alcard kept walking without slowing his pace, but his voice was clear when he responded. "Because we are getting closer to the source of the southern power," he said coldly. "The air here is filled with the dark energy emanating from Mount Orcal. That power seeps into the ground, into the trees, even into the water. Everything here is already contaminated."

He raised his hand and pointed at a massive tree beside the path. Its bark was blackened, wrinkled, and covered in long, sharp thorns that resembled the fangs of a beast. Some of its branches moved slightly despite the absence of wind, as if they possessed a consciousness of their own.

"Look at that tree," he continued. "In a normal forest, a tree like this would be lush and green. But here, they change. Never touch them. The resin that seeps from their bark can burn your skin and cause hallucinations if inhaled for too long."

The Outcasts immediately distanced themselves from the trees, growing more aware of how dangerous their surroundings had become.

Not long after, they reached the edge of a small river. Normally, rivers were a source of life—but not here. The water was murky, a thick greenish hue, and emitted a faintly pungent stench. Some of them stopped, staring at the river with unease.

"The rivers in this region are not a source of life," Alcard warned. "They are traps. Never attempt to drink from them, even if we run out of supplies."

One of the Outcasts swallowed dryly, feeling parched after their long journey. "But… what if we really run out of water?" he asked hesitantly.

Alcard lifted the water flask he carried. "We rely only on our own supplies," he said firmly. "If they run out, our only hope is finding a hidden oasis—and those are extremely rare."

He then added, "This water is not just poisonous. It is filled with tiny creatures you can't see, parasites that will invade your body and kill you slowly. One sip, and you will die in agony."

The group grew even more cautious. No one dared to go near the river again.

As they resumed their journey, Alcard began explaining more about their environment.

"This forest isn't just inhabited by monsters," he said, his voice low but alert. "Even the plants here can kill you."

He pointed at a striking red flower growing near a bush. It shimmered faintly under the dim light, but Alcard remained unimpressed.

"That is Crimson Wisp," he said. "Its petals contain a toxin that burns your skin upon contact. Even if just a speck of its pollen lands on you, the pain will be excruciating."

Then, he gestured toward a seemingly ordinary-looking shrub filled with tiny thorns.

"That is Thornveil," he continued. "Its thorns are sharp enough to pierce light armor and easily cut through skin. If you get scratched by it, the wound will continue bleeding without stopping."

One of the Outcasts, who had almost unknowingly brushed against a branch of the plant, quickly pulled his hand away, eyes widening in fear.

They moved forward with even greater caution than before. However, not long after, they saw something that made them even more tense.

In the distance, a large stag stood motionless. It simply stared at them with an unblinking gaze. Yet, something was disturbingly off about it. Its eyes glowed with an eerie red light, and its antlers were unnaturally long, curving backward like those of a demon.

An Outcast looked at it in confusion. "That's… a deer, right?" he asked softly.

Alcard raised his hand, signaling them not to move. "Don't be deceived," he said sharply. "That is no ordinary deer. That animal has already been corrupted."

The Outcasts froze in place, horrified by how the creature remained perfectly still, as if it was waiting for something.

Alcard continued in a cold voice, "In this region, even herbivores can become deadly predators. They have lost their fear of humans, and many have turned into hunters."

One of the group members looked even more anxious. "How do we know which ones are dangerous?" he asked, his voice shaking.

Alcard didn't answer immediately. He studied the stag for a moment, then said, "Trust your instincts. If something seems too calm or too aggressive, assume it's a threat."

For a moment, the air was thick with silence. Then, the stag finally moved, slowly walking away into the shadows of the trees. But the unsettling feeling remained.

Alcard turned to his group, looking at each of them with a serious expression.

"The closer we get to Mount Orcal, the more unnatural and dangerous things you will encounter," he said. "Here, nature is not our refuge. Here, nature is our enemy."

The Outcasts swallowed hard, now fully aware of how terrifying this journey had become.

Alcard then reinforced his orders. "Stay with the group. Never wander off alone. We have only one chance to complete this mission and make it back alive."

No one argued. They all knew that whatever lay ahead was far worse than anything they had ever faced before.

After giving them a brief moment to ensure everyone was ready, Alcard signaled them to move forward.

Their steps became even more cautious, barely making a sound. Yet, soft rustling noises echoed from various directions, as if something unseen was watching them from the darkness.

Mount Orcal loomed ever closer in the distance—but so did the dangers awaiting them at every turn.