Although these tracks had already entered Ronald’s surveillance range,
it still took them quite a bit of time to actually reach the other party’s location.
During this advancement,
some corresponding changes had already silently occurred around them.
The number of animals began to drastically decrease, even some of the fruit from plants that were difficult to pick had already been harvested early.
—Clearly unmistakable signs of human activity.
To survive orderly and normally in Yizi Forest, the human group ahead was collecting surrounding resources with high efficiency, making this place hardly resemble a primeval forest.
And these changes had occurred in Yizi now!
Considering the actual biological capabilities in the forest, this level of resource collection was not something a group of ordinary people could achieve.
The atmosphere among the team became slightly tense.
They continued onward until it was completely night.
Only then did Ronald and his two companions finally see the first human they had come across on this road.
It was an adult male.
And unlike Helle, who lived in the forest and had distinctive features, this man wore a brown robe made of high-quality textiles, surrounded by barely noticeable Magic Fluctuations.
Obviously, he was a mysterious Caster.
Faced with this situation, Ronald and Costate exchanged glances.
They both realized that their previous thoughts might have been somewhat mistaken.
The human settlements active in Yizi Forest might not necessarily be the products of canonical catalysts...
It was in the blink of an eye,
that the Caster in the forest also noticed the approach of Ronald’s trio through the airflow of isolation powder.
The forest at night was quite dangerous.
Even in the daytime, the towering and dense canopies could make the forest floor as dim as dusk, and by night, apart from extraordinary beings like Ronald, this place was basically pitch black, posing a dangerous environment for ordinary people.
So upon noticing the movement,
the Caster who couldn’t ascertain the actual situation immediately took a defensive stance and shouted:
"Who’s there? Who’s where!"
In the moment he shouted,
the Magic Fluctuations on the Caster’s body intensified.
Clearly, if Ronald’s side didn’t respond, or if any dangerous signals appeared, he would not hesitate to attack.
On the other hand, Ronald was much calmer.
Since it was a human with whom he could normally interact, he naturally wouldn’t start by attacking directly.
From a distance of over ten meters, Ronald shouted back:
"Friend, we are humans!"
"We are currently investigating an issue in Yizi Forest!"
After giving such an answer, Ronald could still feel the tension in the other party. However, even so, the poised Magic Fluctuations gradually eased.
After a few seconds of deadlock,
the robed Caster finally spoke:
"Listen, outsiders! Absolutely do not use any spells related to fire here—it could cause explosions and is extremely dangerous!"
"Thank you for the reminder; I’ll be careful."
A few kind exchanges gradually eased the tense atmosphere.
As they drew closer, the caster on the other side furrowed his brows in confusion upon noticing the little girl, Helle, in Ronald’s group:
"Sir... you came to investigate the situation in the Yizi Forest and brought a child along?"
Ronald shook his head:
"Helle was someone we fortunately rescued in the forest."
"It wouldn’t be possible to leave her alone in the forest under these circumstances."
"I see, that’s very noble of you." The robed caster realized, praising Ronald. He then introduced himself with a smile, "Panton Bullock, once a caster of the Thorn Tree School, currently working for Banica."
In this self-introduction.
Two details caught Ronald’s particular attention.
The Thorn Tree School was indeed an active mysterious organization in the nearby area, which Ronald had some knowledge of previously. But this so-called Banica was something Ronald had never heard of before.
Panton seemed to notice Ronald’s confusion.
Thus, he smiled and extended his hand, inviting the group to walk forward:
"Sir, I believe you are also aware of the changes in the Yizi Forest over the past few months, which is why you dared to venture deep into it. Our organization, Banica, was founded by some of the first people who noticed these changes and is prepared to deal with any unpredictable shifts in the future and any crises that might arise."
Regarding this ’first to find out’ claim...
Ronald glanced at the expressionless Costate beside him before pretending to be enlightened:
"Then regarding the current situation in the Yizi Forest, I reckon you must be quite informed as well?"
"Banica welcomes friends and is willing to help passersby," Panton nodded agreeably, yet he didn’t divulge any information, "However, what you might get depends on your attitude towards us." The rightful source is novel✶fire.net
"I personally think, we could have a very pleasant interaction."
Panton neither agreed nor disagreed with Ronald’s response.
As they continued forward, he also seemed to kindly remind Ronald:
"By the way, the powder spreading throughout the forest, inhaling a small amount of it could be beneficial for your health, so you really don’t need to be so guarded."
Ronald tactfully declined:
"Our defensive spells are of the type that once activated, can last a long time."
Thus, they cautiously tested each other.
Ronald also introduced himself.
With Panton leading, they walked hundreds of meters, crossing a critical checkpoint in an instant.
The view suddenly opened up.
Here, an invisible barrier kept the green powder outside, while inside was a vigorously reconstructed forest camp.
Various wooden buildings and stone dwellings were everywhere. Although they seemed to be built in haste, there was no doubt that this was a camp capable of meeting most people’s needs.
It was after entering this place.
That Panton finally relaxed and, with a smile, introduced Ronald:
"Banica welcomes your arrival."
"Mr. Ronald, this camp represents our hopes and the future of everything."