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Novel Catalog
Chapter_162
The rainforest lay at the eastern edge of Mysonna, a vast and untamed expanse that stretched across thousands of miles. It was the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, often referred to as the “Death Rainforest” due to the dangers that lurked within. Its dense, unbroken canopy hid the sky, and the air was thick with mystery. Few had ventured into its depths, and those who did never returned.
For years, the Mysonna government had tried to explore and develop the area, but every attempt ended in failure. Teams were sent in, only to vanish without a trace. The government eventually gave up, leaving the rainforest untouched, its secrets buried deep within the darkness of its towering trees and thick vines.
Yvette, Emmett, Chris, Bruce, and Frankie departed from Regal Tower, their journey taking a full seven hours to reach the entrance of the rainforest. As they approached, the sight that greeted them was both awe-inspiring and terrifying—the entrance resembled the fierce jaws of a beast, its maw wide and menacing. The chill in the air was palpable, heightening the eerie atmosphere that surrounded them.
Before they entered, they checked their equipment carefully, ensuring that everything was in order. However, there was an uncomfortable silence as Frankie’s backpack revealed two conspicuous boxes of self-heating steak, an oddity that none of them chose to comment on. Sometimes, strength was the best way to silence doubts.
Yvette, dressed in specially prepared waterproof and scratch-resistant gear provided by Emmett, stood at the forefront. Her expression was cold and unreadable as her brown eyes fixed on the distant rainforest entrance. There was a chill in her gaze, a reflection of the dangerous place she was about to return to. She had been here before, seven years ago. She wondered, Are the great beasts still alive? Probably. They haven’t died yet.
The rest of the group wore the same durable attire. They were prepared for whatever dangers the rainforest might throw their way. Except for Frankie, who was relatively inexperienced in such dangerous environments, Emmett, Chris, and Bruce had all encountered perilous situations before. They knew the risks they faced in this unforgiving jungle, and they were aware that the outcome could very well be their last.
Emmett approached Yvette, a hint of hesitation in his voice as he spoke. “Ms. Zeller, we’ve checked everything. We have the latest weapons with high firepower, and all the necessary medications have been verified. We’re ready to go.”
As they spoke, Chris and the others joined them, preparing to move forward.
Yvette turned to face them, her gaze unwavering. She tilted her head slightly, raising an eyebrow, her expression as cold as the air around them. Her brown eyes were filled with intensity as she spoke in a voice that brooked no argument. “Before we enter the rainforest, there’s something I need to make clear. Listen carefully. From the moment we step into that jungle, you will follow my orders without question. If you can’t do that, then we part ways here. You’ll go your way, and I’ll go mine. We won’t interfere with each other. Think it over now.”
Yvette’s voice was calm, but the authority in her words was unmistakable. She knew the dangers of this place better than anyone, and she needed total compliance to ensure their survival.
Frankie was the first to speak, his voice earnest. “No problem. I’ll follow your lead. Whatever you decide is fine by me.” He had no qualms about obeying someone with her skills—after all, it made sense that the strongest person should be in charge.
Bruce, on the other hand, was quiet. His lips pressed into a thin line as he considered her words. He wondered, What does ‘absolute obedience’ mean? It means we must follow Yvette’s decisions without question. But does she deserve that trust?
Chris, who had always seen Yvette as an ally, nodded without hesitation. He had been saved by Mr. Chavez, and his loyalty to Mr. Chavez’s chosen woman was unwavering. Even if Yvette made a decision that led to their deaths, Chris would follow without complaint.
Emmett and Chris both nodded in agreement. The only one left was Bruce, who, after a long moment of contemplation, finally spoke with a wry smile. “No problem,” he said, resigning himself to the inevitable. The decision had been made.
With that, the group agreed. At midday, Yvette led the four of them into the rainforest, and they began their trek along the narrow trail ahead.
As they walked deeper into the jungle, the entrance they had come from soon disappeared from sight, swallowed by the dense foliage. The towering trees blocked out the sun, casting the entire area in an eerie twilight. Despite it being midday, an unsettling chill surrounded them. The jungle was alive with strange sounds, but it felt as if something more dangerous was lurking just beyond their reach.
The ground was a mess of tangled vines, thick roots, and strange, vibrant flowers. The air smelled damp and earthy, the scent of decaying plant matter mixing with the sharp tang of wet foliage. Yvette led the group with purpose, her steps swift and sure. Emmett and the others struggled to keep pace, knowing that a single lapse in focus could leave them behind.
The deeper they went, the stronger the cold aura around Yvette seemed to grow. Her every movement was calculated and purposeful, as if she had been here before. We must deal with this before night falls, Yvette thought. Once the darkness arrives, the jungle will rule the night.
After nearly two hours of continuous travel, Yvette suddenly halted and motioned for the group to take a break. They had reached a small clearing, surrounded by low bushes, a place where they could rest without being too exposed. Any movement would easily be noticed, so it was the perfect place to catch their breath.
Frankie collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. It had been his first time running for so long, not just walking but pushing himself through three continuous hours of strenuous activity.
Bruce, equally exhausted, didn’t bother to maintain his usual composed demeanor. He retrieved a waterproof mat from his backpack, unrolled it, and sat down next to Frankie, breathing heavily. Even Emmett and Chris, seasoned combat artists, found themselves struggling to keep their breath steady. They were all physically drained from the journey.
Yvette, however, remained standing, her posture impeccable. Her eyes were downcast, her brows furrowed in concentration. While the others were winded and disheveled, Yvette appeared completely unaffected. There wasn’t a leaf out of place on her clothing, and her breathing was steady, her complexion still rosy. She was as calm as ever.
“Let’s rest here for an hour,” she commanded, her voice cold and unyielding. “We’ll re-energize, and then we continue.”
Emmett, Bruce, and Chris exchanged glances. They couldn’t help but notice how Yvette had moved through the jungle with ease, never pausing to consult the compass or check their location. She had led them with such precision, avoiding every potential danger along the way. It was as if she knew this jungle intimately. But how could that be possible? They had all assumed it was her first time here, just as it was theirs.
Frankie, however, remained oblivious to the doubts circulating in the others’ minds. He happily pulled out an energy bar, took a large sip of water, and noticed the silence around him. “Hey, why is everyone so quiet?” he asked, breaking the stillness. “The jungle’s already depressing enough. Let’s chat while we have this break.”
It was a simple request, but it reflected the growing tension in the air. The rainforest, alive with unseen dangers, was already starting to work its dark magic on them, making them uneasy. Yet, the hardest challenge was still ahead.
4o
