The deeper regions of Greenwood Forest were quiet in a way that felt unnatural.
Not silent.
Just… restrained.
The wind moved through the canopy in slow waves, rustling thousands of leaves like whispers spreading across the ancient forest. Shafts of sunlight pierced the green ceiling above, illuminating drifting particles of pollen and mana dust.
High above the ground—
John glided silently between the treetops.
His wings moved only occasionally, massive black membranes cutting through the air with quiet efficiency. Most of the time he simply rode the currents of mana that flowed through the forest.
Golden eyes scanned everything.
Nothing escaped his notice.
Not the small animals hiding beneath roots.
Not the distant monsters lurking deep in shadow.
And certainly not the faint disturbances in the forest's natural mana flow.
John slowed slightly.
"…There."
Far below him, nearly hidden beneath thick foliage, a subtle ripple passed through the ambient mana.
