The trees loomed overhead as the group came to a stop near the edge of the village. Luna slowed down first, glancing at her interface, her expression growing more and more troubled.
"I can't feel her presence anymore. It's gone."
Luna muttered, her brows furrowing.
Leo whipped his head around.
"What do you mean it's gone?"
"I mean the signal from her system—it just vanished."
Hwan's expression darkened.
"That's not supposed to happen. Not unless—"
Before he could finish, a sudden rustling sound came from the nearby shrubs. Leo turned sharply toward the source, instinctively reaching for the weapon strapped to his side.
"Wait. Let me check."
Luna warned, raising a hand.
Without waiting for a response, she stepped forward and gently parted the tall bushes. Two pairs of wide eyes stared back at her—young kids, no older than ten, crouched and trembling as they tried to remain hidden.
Leo stepped up beside her, his voice low and suspicious.
