Hiro sensed something was wrong the instant it happened.
At the first sign of the fog spreading, he immediately frowned, recognizing it as neither a tactical smoke screen nor an illusion technique.
The thread-like entities floating within the fog intertwined like spider eggs, swaying gently like uncut umbilical cords.
They were "living things."
"Retreat! Everyone! Evacuate the canyon!!" he roared, his voice tearing through his throat.
Hiro suddenly drew the dagger from his belt, slicing open his palm with a single stroke, blood gushing out.
He used the pain to keep his mind clear, but this resolve lasted only a few seconds, which was far from enough.
Meanwhile, the warriors around him turned pale, their expressions dazed, swaying as if drunk.
Some clutched their chests and fell to their knees, bleeding from their mouths and noses, gripping their heads tightly as if trying to expel something from their minds.
Then, one by one, they began to stand up slowly.
"Ssslah..."
