Chapter 52: Herbs and Bugs
After leaving the Emberfruit grove, we kept moving, following the stream deeper into the forest. The tension from the standoff with Victor’s group hadn’t completely faded, but we had other things to focus on.
Like the next item on our list—the Thunderhorn Beetle Carapace.
Wallace walked ahead, checking his notes. "These things like damp, rotting logs. They nest in clusters, usually near mana-rich soil."
Felix shuddered. "Right, but let’s not forget the important part—they explode."
Leo groaned. "Why do we keep picking up death traps?"
Mira smirked. "Because life is more fun when it’s trying to kill you."
Julien laughed. "I think that’s just you."
I ignored their banter and scanned the area. The forest here was thick, the air carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying wood. It was a perfect breeding ground for Thunderhorn Beetles.
Wallace suddenly stopped and pointed. "There."
A fallen log stretched across a patch of soft, mossy ground. At first glance, it looked like any other decaying tree—until I noticed the faint blue glow pulsing beneath the bark.
Julien whistled. "Yeah, that’s definitely a nest."