They followed the winding path deeper into the swamp, each step taking them further from the Bureau's dilapidated structure.
The phosphorescent fungi grew more abundant, casting everything in an unnatural blue glow that transformed familiar shapes into menacing silhouettes.
Massive cypress trees loomed overhead, their branches draped with thick curtains of moss.
The ground grew increasingly soggy, each footstep producing a wet sucking sound that echoed unnervingly in the darkness.
A distant howl cut through the night, followed by the splash of something large disturbing the water.
"Maybe it's not too late to go back?" Kee Kee suggested, his voice higher than usual. "We could sleep outside the Bureau."
Ran's jade aura brightened, casting gentle light across the twisted underbrush. "Don't worry, I'm sure we can face whatever is lurking here."
Rui rubbed her arms against the mist's chill. But she kept walking.
"Ran's right. Let's keep moving."
