They continued deeper into the Verdant Maw, the unnatural silence growing more oppressive with each step.
No rustling leaves. No distant monster sounds.
Nothing.
Arthur's instincts screamed danger.
'Something is wrong. We should have encountered at least one beast by now,' he thought, scanning the unnaturally still forest.
"Aether, wait."
The void dragon, who had been prowling slightly ahead, stopped and glanced back, scales rippling with alertness.
Arthur made a full scan of their surroundings, enhancing his senses to their limits. The forest stretched in every direction, huge trees reaching toward a canopy so thick that only slivers of sunlight penetrated through.
But there was no sign of monsters. No traces. No territorial markings. No half-eaten prey. Nothing to indicate any sign of life.
