The carriages passed the border and entered the entrance of the border region. The expedition team got off the carriages and began to march toward the destination.

Not a single monster attacked them during their march. In fact, they didn’t see even a single one of them.

This was because the nearby area was frequented by humans and the members of the Federation. Unlike the Forest of Denial, which bordered the Parasites’ territory, hundreds or even thousands of monster subjugations had already taken place here.

As a result, the expedition team was able to walk without disturbance until the sun set.

“Jesus, it’s almost night. Can those bastards be any slower? What if they’re trying to screw us over by scaring us and preventing us from falling asleep?”

Chohong spat out one complaint after the other, even suggesting that the Federation was going to ambush them after sucking them dry of their stamina.

Seol Jihu didn’t say anything because he knew she was simply grumbling from the boring march.

‘Why aren’t they here yet…?’

In truth, Seol Jihu was rather worried. The words ‘never sleep’ kept weighing on his mind.

They were still far from their destination. At this rate, they would have no choice but to march through the night.

At that moment, Kazuki, who was leading the group, suddenly stopped.

“Mister Kazuki?”

Silence.

Seol Jihu quickly walked up. Kazuki was glaring with his mouth shut and his eyes straight ahead. It was as if he was saying, ‘Would you look at this?’

And soon, Kazuki spoke quietly.

“…Sorry.”

Everyone expressed concerns at his sudden apology.

“I was trying to be mindful…”

A single bead of cold sweat fell...