***********
Ericka shook her head. "No. Unfortunately, the report didn't specify its name. But according to that particular Adventurer…" She hesitated, then spoke with greater emphasis. "Even in broad daylight, the forest looked unnaturally dark. As though the sunlight refused to enter."
A chill crawled up Scarlette's spine.
Ericka continued, her tone growing heavier with each word. "When the Adventurers questioned the villagers about it, most of them simply shook their heads. They said that anyone who dared to enter that forest would never come out alive." Her lips pressed into a thin line. "That's why there are warning signs. They even requested the assistance of someone well-versed in spellcraft to block the path properly—to prevent anyone else from becoming a victim."
Asterion's expression darkened immediately.
"Never come out alive?" His voice carried restrained disbelief. "Then why isn't there any formal report of this back in Crown Capital City?"
