The tunnel they had come from was narrower, and the air was even heavier here. The smell of damp earth was mixed with something faintly sweet, a lingering trace of mana that seemed to pulse faintly through the ground. It was a scent similar to the one he had sensed near the first pool of Holy Nectar.
'So that's where they're guarding it,' Max thought. His movements were quick but cautious. He stepped carefully around the faint traces of the ants' trails, avoiding any sudden sounds that could alert the hive.
Minutes passed as he advanced deeper through the twisting passage. The faint golden light began to appear again, glowing softly from somewhere ahead. His senses sharpened. The air was warm now, almost stifling.
