Otarais moved like a ghost, swiftly passing through the forest, with the Gray Sword Saint trailing far behind her. They advanced for about a few minutes in the forest, one in front and one behind, but Otarais suddenly frowned slightly.
She raised her head in a certain direction. Seemingly, the deeper she went into the forest, a long-missed scent faintly permeated the air, causing her unease.
"Oh."
"What's wrong?" Brand inquired in his mind.
"There's a scent of blood, so thick it's almost impossible to dissipate. Is there a monster nearby?"
"The scent of blood? Let's go and take a look—"
"Isn't it time not to meddle in others' affairs, little one?"
Brand hadn't expected Otarais to be so unfamiliar with the Black Forest—as monsters themselves feed on magic power, even though they occasionally attack other animals, there shouldn't be such a heavy scent of blood. Brand worried that adventurers had been attacked, which would imply unknown dangers lurking around.
