Chapter 701: Wrong Timing
The journey back toward the rocky outcrop was far slower than their earlier movements through the forest.
Not because Smoke lacked speed.
If anything, the shadow wolf could have crossed the distance in mere minutes if Liam had ordered it. But rushing through unfamiliar terrain while carrying water, preserved meat, and medicinal supplies would have been reckless. One wrong step, one hidden demon, or one unstable patch of ground could cost them everything they had spent hours gathering throughout the morning.
So instead, Liam had Smoke maintain a controlled pace through the forest while remaining within the heavier patches of shade whenever possible.
The shadow wolf moved with steady precision beneath the canopy, his massive paws barely making noise against the forest floor despite his size. Liam sat firmly on Smoke’s back with the makeshift water container secured carefully while his eyes continuously scanned their surroundings.
The forest itself had become noticeably more active compared to earlier.
The deeper silence that once lingered hours earlier was gradually fading away. Small wildlife could occasionally be heard moving through distant bushes, insects chirped within the undergrowth, and now and then Liam caught faint traces of demonic Myst drifting somewhere farther within the trees.
Still, he remained cautious.
Because calm environments in Nalim rarely stayed calm for long.
And unfortunately, that caution proved justified.
Even with all their careful movement, they were still attacked by a herd of Skivoks.
Horror-class demons.