The snake that was struck by Zankus’ arrow vanished into the swampy forest, leaving behind only a trail of its red blood. Crockta and his companions stared at the spot where the snake crawled away from, then looked up at each other. On top of the eeriness of the swampy forest, the air was as humid as it could be, provoking a sense of discomfort.1

"Are we going or what?" Tiyo asked.1

"… Do we really have to?"0

"Maybe we should call the Thunderbird again..."0

“Squaaaawk…”0

“…”0

With a hesitant cough, Crockta stepped forward. He took a step to test the ground, and his boots sank slightly into the mushy, slippery mud but it was still passable.1

"I think we should be able to walk over this ground," he said to his group.0

Crockta and his companions put their full weight onto their feet and walked into the forest.0

“It doesn’t feel very nice, but…”0

The air was damp. It was so damp that it felt like toxic insects could emerge at any moment. Crockta swatted away at the air as they advanced.0

They inspected the area where the snake had been. Its blood was still visible, along with the corroded bark and foliage it had touched. It was a nasty venom.1

"It’s a venomous snake," Crockta noted, looking back at his companions.0

"We have to pass through anyway, so let's make it quick. Be careful."0

Their faces,...0