As they moved deeper into the forest, the surroundings gradually grew silent. The birds had gone quiet. The wind wasn't blowing. Even the leaves weren't moving.
While riding, Ravien scanned the clearing ahead with his eyes. When a black pillar of energy rose toward the sky through the trees, the horse suddenly slowed.
Ravien pulled the reins and stopped. Narrowing his eyes, he looked in that direction without saying a word.
"What's happening inside the forest?"
Asogi, sitting behind him, slightly raised his head and fixed his eyes on the energy pillar. His face grew serious. He broke the silence:
"That's his energy. You can recognize it even from here."
Ravien glanced back briefly at Asogi upon hearing those words.
"Is that Juuhra's energy?"
Asogi slowly nodded.
"Yes, Father."
Without hesitation, Ravien pulled the reins again. This time, the horse leapt forward more fiercely. Ravien spoke without taking his eyes off the pillar:
