Boss Monster:
"Release her. Send her back the way you brought her."
The monsters threw Shizuku away.
She staggered forward, forcing her broken body to move. Running was impossible—
so she walked… step by step… dragging herself through the forest.
At last, she reached them.
Shizuku collapsed into Akaimo's arms, barely conscious.
Her voice trembled.
Shizuku (weakly):
"Guys… please leave this place… There's a monster here… very strong…
If you stay… they'll kill all of you… Please… leave this fore—"
Her words faded.
She lost consciousness again—
not from poison this time, but from the brutal injuries inflicted by the Merus monsters.
Akaimo looked back at the direction she came from.
Akaimo:
"She came from there… That path leads straight to them."
(turns to Jeisuke)
"Give me a bamboo."
Jeisuke didn't hesitate.
Jeisuke:
"I know what you're thinking—and I won't stop you.
But remember one thing… you're not going alone."
Momoshimo:
"I'll tear those monsters apart."
Shino clenched his jaw.
Shino (thinking):
(I thought we'd leave this forest the moment we found Shizuku… but now…)
(It's either us… or them.)
Shino:
"Take me with you."
Waku stepped forward sharply.
Waku:
"No. Stay here. All of you."
Everyone froze.
Waku:
"This is a trap. They're using her as bait.
You're not strong enough to face what I sensed—
a Level 7 Merus monster."
His eyes hardened.
Waku:
"I order you all to leave this forest. Now."
Shino stepped forward, fearless.
Shino:
"Hey, mister… I'm the leader here."
He gently placed Shizuku into Waku's arms.
Shino:
"Take her. Let her rest. Protect her.
Use every medical supply we have."
They handed Waku all their equipment.
The decision was made.
There was no turning back.
Jeisuke started walking forward alone.
Jeisuke:
"Aren't you coming?"
That was all it took.
The entire team charged toward the Merus camp.