The group walked in silence, following the footprints deeper.
The Hero crouched again, touching the ground. "They keep going… further inside."
The Mage tightened her grip on her staff."The ether here is thicker. Even my barrier is starting to strain."
The Beastman growled, his skin steaming from the corrosive air. "Hrr. This is not natural. Even I feel it burning."
The Cultivator looked ahead, his eyes narrowing. "If we continue, the pressure will rise. We are scouts, not hunters."
The four stopped. The air was heavier, biting at their skin.
The Hero exhaled, lowering his hand from his sword. "We've seen enough."
"There are people inside the Core. Cultivators, maybe. If the devils' numbers are falling, it may be connected to them."
The Mage nodded slowly. "Yes. That much is clear. Better to report this than throw our lives away."
The Beastman rolled his shoulders, reluctant. "Tch. I don't like turning back with no fight… but fine."
