Chapter 485: A Boss in the making
With a final look back at the two ’sleeping’ figures, Kellen, Gwen and Bree made their way into the denser forest. Kellen was prepared for when the density of the poison hit his clothes, his suit and his mask but he could tell that the girls tied to him from behind struggled a bit.
They had decided on a flipped formation since Kellen knew this area better compared to Gwen and Bree. They were also quite tight to each other, unlike before. Gwen was just supposed to get through this, as was Bree.
Kellen was fairly certain that once they got through the forest they would be able to breathe with relative ease. He was viewing the forest itself as a deterrent from coming into this area. The ’rough terrain’ before a boss battle.
The first little bit while everyone adjusted to how to breathe and what had to be the new normal was rough, but after about an hour of walking through the eerie silence, everyone adjusted.
Bree was quiet, reserved. Kellen kept glancing at her to make sure she was still there as Kellen could pick out Gwen’s stomps from anywhere. He was worried that she’d either cut herself free or disappear on him, even though he knew the second thought wasn’t possible with how they were tied.
He just chalked it up to the poison that was filling his system and moved on.
By hour two, they were still following Kellen’s marks but they were getting near to where he had to stop the day before. The breathing behind him was becoming more laboured, but there was nothing Kellen could do. They could turn around, but Kellen just knew that they were getting close to the end. Still, as a good leader, he turned and offered them the choice.
Turn back, or keep going.
The girls both got this determined look on their face and declared that they were continuing. Kellen didn’t ask again.
He marked every third tree as they continued on, slowing down their progress but he was fast, efficient. Kellen could tell by the way that Bree watched him do it that she was a bit envious of his speed, but that came with years and years of practice. She would get there eventually.
It was at the four hour mark that the forest began to thin out for the first time. Kellen went onto high alert. He turned to the girls, who were stumbling over their feet, their gazes a little distant. He needed to speak to them before they continued.
"We are getting to an edge." Kellen told them and they straightened immediately at hearing that.