I advanced with the rest of my team under Alyssa's supervision, trying to keep calm despite the tension twisting my stomach. The forest ahead of us stretched endlessly, its trees towering and casting deep shadows, while the air carried the soft rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of water. Every step filled me with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, as if we were sinking deeper into a world unfamiliar to reality.
Alyssa moved lightly, exuding confidence, then raised her hand and said in a calm yet firm voice:
"Everyone, stop."
We all froze, confusion and hesitation written clearly on their faces. As for me, I felt no shock—I had already known she would use her special ability, so there was nothing particularly surprising.
But Drak couldn't contain himself. He raised his voice, asking:
"I… I don't feel anything. Does anyone else feel something in front of us?"
He looked to the rest of the team, then continued:
"It seems they don't feel anything like I do."
