Then, the silence was broken.
Hearing the sound, the branch quickly retreated, as if it was never there. Leo's legs were also freed immediately.
Crunch.
A heavy footfall was heard. Then another. These weren't the sounds of a dungeon beast with multiple legs, but something that felt more like that of a humanoid creature with two legs.
The footsteps stopped beside Leo's body.
A shadow fell over him, broad and imposing, eclipsing the fading light of the afternoon sun.
A pair of hands reached down, placing a hand on Leo's chest. There was a person of silence where only Leo's heartbeat could be felt in that person's hand.
With a strength that seemed to disregard Leo's weight entirely, the figure raised his body off the ground.
Leo's head lolled back, his eyes remaining shut as he was shifted into a more secure hold.
The figure didn't hesitate. It turned and began to walk away.
