Chapter 16: Chapter 10: Trap
Without a doubt, Florist Hospital was a property of the Florist Family.
Sean hadn’t expected to hear that name from Johnson.
It was as if their shadow loomed over every corner of the world. They always appeared in the most unexpected ways, creating an oppressive, omnipresent feeling.
Sean suspected the Florist Family was fishing.
Just like how they used his novel to find potential Wizards, brazenly spreading the news of the Spring of Enlightenment was very likely a trap.
To him, it didn’t really matter if it was a trap. The Magic Power he’d obtained from his dream wasn’t enough, and it wouldn’t grow on its own. If he wanted to learn Meditation and take control of his own destiny, he still had to find the Spring of Enlightenment.
And as soon as he did, Quill would surely make a move.
Although Sean couldn’t be sure if there was a mole in the group or where the enemy was hiding, they were definitely watching his every move. In other words, trap or no trap, a conflict was inevitable.
He had also said he would give Quill a surprise.
But Johnson and the others were different. For now, they were just ordinary people, their awareness yet to be awakened. As long as they didn’t touch the Spring of Enlightenment, they wouldn’t be drawn into the Witch Hunt Operation.
But if they did touch it, then even if they were so dense that the Spring of Enlightenment couldn’t help them—even if they failed to gain any Magic Power—they would still struggle to meet a peaceful end.
The Spring of Enlightenment wasn’t a cure-all; it was entirely possible to fail to gain any enlightenment from it. But so what?
’If they say you are, you are—even if you aren’t.’
Looking at Johnson, who had yet to graduate and was still naive about the world, Sean asked, "Your uncle only told you that finding the spring would let you see the true face of the world. Did he not tell you the consequences of seeing it?"
"What consequences could there be?" Johnson asked, puzzled. "Gain a deeper understanding of the world, then run for president?"
Sean reminded him, "You could die."
Johnson said, "Huh?"
He clearly hadn’t considered it would be that serious. The word "death" was too distant a concept for a young man not yet twenty. After a brief stun, Johnson quickly recovered and said nonchalantly, "Are you talking about those strange beasts in the forest? Real Magic isn’t some magic trick. Once I have Magic Power, dealing with them will be a piece of cake, right? I’ll roast ’em as they come. Hmph."
"And don’t give me any crap about ’protected species.’ I’ll be a Mage. Why would I care about the law?"
’There are so many mortals in this world,’ he thought. ’Wizards are the truly rare species. The law should be protecting *me*.’
Konina rolled her eyes. ’This kid has obviously never been knocked around by the real world. He’ll learn his lesson once he takes a real hit.’
Sean didn’t press the issue, having said his piece. He didn’t think he could change Johnson’s mind anyway; he’d just wanted to clear his conscience.
"So, are we heading straight into the rainforest?" Genduo asked.
Wilson was indifferent. "Whatever’s fine."
The two of them didn’t believe Johnson’s story. Sure, wealth and secrets were mostly in the hands of the elite, but that didn’t mean they’d share them with you. They were just like politicians, masters of spinning bullshit. If something this good really existed, they would’ve hoarded it for themselves. Why would they let anyone else have a turn?
But even though they didn’t believe it, they were all for entering the Black Fruit Rainforest sooner rather than later.
After all, they had driven all this way and traveled so far to a primeval forest for the thrill of it. And the forest at night was the most thrilling of all. It was like hiding in your female neighbor’s closet, your heart in your throat at every moment—that was the true meaning of adventure.
"Well, let’s get going then." Konina winked at Sean. "I hear the moon is most beautiful in the forest. Perfect for a date."
Sean: "Hah."
’Beautiful moon? I don’t know about that. But she sure has some beautiful delusions.’
Once the decision was made, they all got back in the car and drove into the forest.
A short road led into the outskirts of the Black Fruit Rainforest, but it didn’t go far. It was, however, an excellent place to park. The area was surrounded by large trees called Pine Wood. Their leaves were shaped like banana leaves and gave off a pungent odor that repelled venomous insects and beasts, which would protect their car from attack while they were gone.
"Looks like someone’s been here."
A dampness hung in the forest air; it must have rained recently. The ground underfoot was soft and muddy. Sean spotted some faint footprints that hadn’t been completely washed away by the rain. It looked like a fair number of people had passed through.
"That’s normal," Genduo said with a laugh. "The Black Fruit Rainforest is a popular spot for adventurers. We’re definitely not the only group here. We might even run into others later."
"Should we follow these footprints?" suggested Jenny, Johnson’s girlfriend.
She was looking at the map. The compass showed that the other party was headed in the same direction as them. It was like having someone clear a path ahead. Following them could help them avoid a lot of trouble, and they might not even need to bypass the dangerous areas they’d planned to, saving a lot of time.
"Let’s go, let’s go!" Johnson was already eagerly pulling on his special jacket and strapping on his headlamp.
The invention of the battery had brought great convenience to countless fields, and outdoor exploration was one of them. Battery-powered flashlights and headlamps were undoubtedly safer and more convenient than torches, especially in a forest where fire was a risk. However, they still needed a torch. After all, many nocturnal animals are afraid of fire, but not of light. Light would only agitate them, and relying on flashlights alone could easily get them surrounded.
"Since you’re so good at playing with fire, the grand task of carrying the torch falls to you. Careful you don’t let it go out," Jim said to Sean in a joking tone.
All the men in the group, besides Sean, were veteran club members. They were far more experienced than him when it came to using shotguns and bows for hunting or defense. Jim would have personally preferred to let Sean stay idle, but he figured that as a man, Sean might feel it was a loss of face, so he found a simple task for him.
"Fine," Sean said, naturally having no objections.
His whole purpose in joining the group was to seek "protection." Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to reach that grove safely on his own. Until he found the Water of Enlightenment, he was just a weak, ordinary person. All he had to do was follow their arrangements obediently.
’Carrying the torch is fine, too,’ he thought. ’It’s a good opportunity to practice controlling my Magic Power with the flame.’
"Everyone, stick close," Genduo said, going over the standard precautions before they officially set off. "If you accidentally get separated from the group, don’t run around and don’t shout. Unless you’re in danger, just stay put and contact us by phone or with a smoke signal. We’ll get to you as fast as we can."
"Also, don’t take off your protective jackets, no matter how hot it gets. The Black Fruit Rainforest is full of venomous insects. If you don’t want to end up with a mysterious fever, go into shock, or catch some bizarre disease, then just bear with it. Our route has three ’safe points.’ Once we get to one, you can rest however you like."
"Don’t worry," Johnson said. "We get it."
Jim had already packed up the gear. "Shall we head out?"
"Ah Qiang, can you help me with this bag? It’s so heavy..." Jenny pleaded pitifully beside the car’s trunk.
"No problem, honey! Leave it to me!" Johnson immediately flexed his boyfriend muscles.
The girl giggled and planted a kiss on his cheek. "You’re the best, Ah Qiang!"
Johnson was practically giddy. "Of course!"
The young couple was incredibly lovey-dovey the whole way.
Konina’s bag wasn’t light either.
Seeing her walking so close to Sean, Wilson couldn’t help but get sanctimonious. "Look at Johnson over there. Aren’t you even going to help Miss Konina with her bag?"
At his words, Konina looked at Sean with an expectant expression.
But Sean refused without a second thought. "Nope."
’I’m not interested in Konina, so why should I help?’
’She’s the one who wants to sleep with me. If anyone’s going to be carrying bags for someone, she should be carrying mine.’
Wilson snorted. "Not a gentleman at all."
"If you won’t help, I will!"
"Hmph."
Sean: "..."
’So that’s what this was about?’
Genduo just smiled and shook his head, then shouldered his pack and started into the forest.
"Let’s go. Everyone, keep up."
"Coming!"
It was only nine in the evening. If all went well, they should be able to find a suitable camping spot before three in the morning.
Genduo, as the leader, took point, clearing the path. Johnson and Jenny followed him, then Sean and Konina. Jim and Wilson brought up the rear to watch for any beasts that might be tracking or ambushing them.
The moonlight bled into the dense night, draping the Black Fruit Rainforest in a hazy cloak. The seven of them, holding flashlights and a torch and pulling a few small wagons, officially began their expedition into the beautiful, primeval forest.
And after they left...
A group of dark figures appeared, Silent.
They used no lights, and their faces were obscured, but their feet were visible.
A size 9.5 boot pressed into one of the footprints Sean had noticed earlier. It was a perfect match, like a rivet in its hole.
Crows perched on their shoulders, their feathers as black as ink, melting into the night. All that could be seen were pairs of pale red eyes, like blood diluted with water.
The net had been cast. Now, it was just a matter of waiting to reel it in.
...
