It was almost 6 P.M.
They moved deeper into the forbidden zone, no clear path beneath their feet.
A strange, heavy energy pressed against them from all directions.
Once again, screams echoed through the forest—people crying, begging for help.
This time, Akaimo didn't move.
He stood still.
After several minutes of careful searching, they finally saw it—
A small pond filled with dark purple liquid.
But it wasn't unguarded.
Deadly snakes surrounded the pond, coiled and motionless, their eyes fixed on the group.
Waku:
"Some of them may be illusions created by the pond itself to protect its properties."
"Let me confirm."
Waku stepped forward, carefully scanning the area.
Waku:
"…Some of the snakes are real."
"And some are fake."
Shino:
"Jeisuke, give us small bamboo weapons."
"If they charge, we defend."
Jeisuke activated his eye and spawned several sharp, lightweight bamboo spears.
As the group moved closer, snakes suddenly lunged from the ground.
Thanks to Jeisuke's quick reaction and the bamboo weapons, everyone managed to fend them off.
For a moment—it worked.
But then—
From a nearby tree branch, a snake struck at extreme speed.
Its target—
Akaimo.
It was one of the most venomous snakes in the region.
A single bite had killed countless people before.
Its fangs flashed toward Akaimo's neck—
It was almost over for Akaimo.
But then—