Maybe it was the effect of the mysterious energy, but the trees on the mountain were growing wild—thick trunks nearly two feet across were everywhere.
Before the apocalypse, trees like this existed, sure, but they were rare. Now, they were the norm.
And it wasn't just the trees. The underbrush had gone insane too. Some of the tall grass had grown over ten feet high, completely wrecking visibility and cranking the danger level up another notch.
As they moved deeper, they kept spotting mutant beasts—rabbits, squirrels, and the like.
None of them attacked. The moment they sensed the group, they bolted and vanished into the brush.
That was probably instinct—animals had a natural sense for danger. If Ethan's team had been weaker, those same beasts might've pounced instead of running.
But Ethan didn't go after them. This trip wasn't about hunting. Not yet. They were here to scout, to get a feel for what lived in these mountains.
