As Daniel followed Zero, they reached the river near the training grounds — the same river Daniel had crossed earlier.
Back then, Daniel had turned right after crossing it.
Zero, however, continued straight along the riverbank, following the current.
From the training grounds' perspective, he was heading left — the opposite direction Daniel had taken.
…
*Crack-Puff!~*
Shit!
Without realizing it, Daniel stepped on a yellowish ball like mushroom called Puffer mushroom. The poisonous fungus burst open with a popping sound — just loud enough for someone nearby to notice.
Daniel froze and darted behind the nearest tree.
Ahead, Zero came to a stop.
The moon shone through the canopy, casting his long shadow across the forest floor.
Suddenly, footsteps approached from ahead, drawing closer to Daniel.
Zero sprinted toward the source of the noise, but to his surprise, he found no one.
