Meanwhile.
Southwestern region of the forest.
Matthew felt that the humiliation he had suffered tonight might surpass everything he had experienced throughout the past several decades combined.
Both his legs had been broken, while his hands had been bound behind his back with magical chains Gabriel had found at the Veylor transport point. And now, Gabriel was carrying him over one shoulder like a piece of cargo while moving rapidly through the forest.
"Gabriel! Put me down!"
"Where exactly are you taking me?"
"If you want to obtain more information from me, then at the very least you should..."
"Shut up."
Gabriel finally spoke.
Matthew's expression stiffened.
"You..."
Gabriel suddenly stopped, which made Matthew fall silent as well because he felt it. Gabriel had not stopped because he was talking.
There was something ahead.
The dark forest was unusually quiet.
Gabriel stood atop a thick tree branch, his gaze slowly sweeping across the area ahead.
The next second...
