Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 192: The Forbidden Forest - Stop it with the Wolves Already!

The group moves closer to the Forbidden Forest, spotting an opening where the open field gradually darkens, turning into a dense and shadowy forest.

"I still don't think this is needed at all, Alex. Going into the forest with five players? It'll be hard to find enough to do, and then we even have to share our loot?" Tereza complains in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry, but if it's really like that, we can reevaluate. Let's just take a look first. Jumping in too quickly could be dangerous. Let's use this as an opportunity to evaluate the danger—and keep your eyes and ears open for other players," Alex says.

"Also, before I forget... take this as a last resort," Alex adds, handing each of his teammates an Annihilation Grenade lvl 4 he conjured after waking up.

As the group slowly enters the Forbidden Forest, the sunlight outside quickly diminishes. The dense canopy overhead blocks out most of the light, casting the forest into near darkness.

Alex takes out his [Sword of Pluto] and begins cutting away tall grass and plants in his path, refusing to walk through them and risk unnecessary danger.

"Perlah, stay in formation. Don't walk right next to me," Rishi says, glancing at Perlah, who had abandoned her position on the left side of the group.

"Why am I supposed to be on the left side? Roja gets to be the rearguard, while you're in the center of the group, that's unfair," Perlah says.

"Alex is the vanguard, and is he complaining? Shut up!" Tereza snaps.

Alex stops and turns to the group, whispering, "Be silent, please. First of all, we're so loud that anyone nearby could hear us and ambush us. Second, if we want to hunt anything, we'll need to pay attention and be quiet. This is serious."

The group nods in acknowledgment and continues their march in silence.

After a slow and careful ten-minute walk, Alex raises his hand, signaling the group to stop and pay attention. He points ahead at a small group of wolves. At first glance, they look like normal wolves, but Alex notices a faint dark fog surrounding their bodies, and their eyes glow with a sinister red light.

"These wolves appear to be corrupted," Alex whispers.

"Then it's time to kill them," Rishi says decisively.

"You guys split into pairs and attack from the sides," Alex orders. "Once you're in position, I'll openly engage them and draw their attention to me. This isn't just about killing them—it's more about preventing them from running away. Stop them from fleeing, and if they don't and attack me, then help me by flanking them."

Tereza casts the Disillusionment Charm and vanishes from sight. Rishi follows shortly after, approaching from the same side she disappeared to. Roja acts quickly as well, heading toward the opposite side with Perlah following close behind.

Alex watches as Roja draws a rapier-like weapon, while Perlah surprises him by pulling out a harp instead of a weapon.

Activating Zetsu, Alex suppresses his presence and waits patiently for his team to get into position. As he observes the wolves, he counts over a dozen of them, with more possibly hiding behind various trees and rocks.

This seems to be a small lair! All are corrupted, so we must cull them all!

Once his teammates are in position, Alex makes his move. He swiftly approaches the wolves, keeping himself low and quiet. Before they can detect him, he casts Blizzard lvl 4 using its AoE variant to slow them down.