<h4>Chapter 248 Split up.....Arrival of Darkness</h4>


    "Hurry up!" A voice filled with urgency announced with an erratic breathing.


    The thick forest sprawled before them, a tapestry of towering trees and tangled undergrowth.


    Rays of sunlight struggled to prate the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. In the heart of this green sanctuary, a group of people, predominantly women, moved with a sense of urgency, their steps quick and wary.


    Their faces etched with fear and determination, the group navigated the forest''sbyrinthine trails, branches and foliage brushing against their skin.


    Their eyes darted back and forth, searching for any signs of pursuit, their gazes haunted by the lingering threat that lurked behind.


    Each woman wore a mix of trepidation and resilience, their clothing bearing traces of the journey''s hardships.


    They moved in unison, a collective will propelling them toward a particr destination that promised sanctuary and safety.


    Their footsteps echoed through the forest, the rustle of leaves apanying their hurried pace. The forest itself seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of their desperate flight.


    Ancient trees loomed overhead, their trunks adorned with gnarled bark and moss, providing a protective embrace to those who sought refuge within their midst.


    As they pressed forward, the group of women stole frequent nces over their shoulders, their eyes tracing the path they had just traveled.


    Their collective unease spoke volumes, a constant reminder of the dangers they had left behind and the importance of their quest for freedom.


    Whispers of the wind intertwined with the hushed conversations of the women, their words a mixture of reassurance and caution. Their voices carried hope, a resolute belief in a brighter future beyond the forest''s borders.


    "G-Goddess…." An elderly woman said with beads of sweat gathering on her forehead. Holding her long ck spear, she darted back and forth, looking for any sign of their pursuer.


    "Have we lost them?" She asked, her voiceced with panic.


    Though she was a Third Circle Existence, she didn''t dare confront the unknown danger. Besides, she knew anything that made their goddess scared was something that was way beyond their capabilities.


    Standing among the warriors, mostly women with long spears. Eira raises her head and tries to look at the sky but the broad tree leaves make it impossible for her to see the sky.


    Deep in her eyes was unconcealed horror. If anyone of those around knew what wasing, they would have long given up on life.


    The iing darkness was beyond what any earthlings could bear. Yet, she was carrying such a burden without others knowing while still maintaining her innocent smile.


    "They are stilling…." Eira said slowly.


    Hearing this, the warrior''s shoulder dropped. Everyone was exhausted and needed some rest. But no one dares to refuse themand of their goddess.


    Previously, when the world was in chaos. It was Eira who came to their rescue, healed their wounds, and paved the way for them in these chaotic times. Thus, it could be said that everyone standing owes their lives to her.


    Besides, many times she saves them through the power of her vision and her magical healing abilities. As long as someone still had breath, they could be safe. Thus, they started calling her their goddess.


    In addition, anywhere Eira stayed, the cees to life. nts grow at a speed visible to the eyes and the already-grown nts grew fruits.


    Thus, in the chaotic times, seeing everywhere filled with lush green nts and nourishing fruits. Who in their right senses would leave such a life?


    Unfortunately, nothingsts forever. Their peaceful life ended a couple of weeks ago and they began to run from the unknown danger.


    "W-We need to get going…" Eira said with urgency. Her sparkling green eyes looked at the people around her and urged them to move.


    She knew they were already exhausted. But if they stay, only death awaits them.


    "Goddess…" A broad-chested middle-aged man called slowly. He gave a light bow and began.


    "I don''t know what vision you foresee but if we keep running at this rate. We will be dead before the danger even arrives."


    Hearing this, most of the people nodded. They all had the same thought about the man. They can''t continue running without knowing the danger. Besides, they were just too exhausted to continue.


    Besides, among them, were children and older people. Carrying these people exhausted the men carrying them. And that''s why they needed to recuperate before they could continue.


    "Shut up!" Madam Amelia shouted with traces of fury on her face. "How dare you talk to the goddess like that." Veins protruded from her forehead, gripping her weapon tightly. ''This ungrateful bastard…..''


    Marco raised his head and stared directly into Madam Amelia''s eyes with an unyielding gaze.


    The tension between Marco and Madam Amelia was palpable, an electric current that crackled through the ancient forest.


    It was as if the collective gaze of the onlookers, held captive by the confrontation, hung in the bnce, awaiting the oue of this sh of wills.


    As the seconds stretched into moments, the forest seemed to amplify the weight of their locked gazes. A symphony of whispers and murmurs fluttered through the surrounding trees, carried on the wind, echoing the anticipation and uncertainty that hung in the air.


    Within the silence, emotions churned and unseen forces shed. Each held their ground, their eyes serving as windows into their souls, revealing theplexities and depths of their characters.


    It was a battle fought not with physical weapons, but with the unspokennguage of determination, pride, and hidden vulnerabilities


    "Enough! You two…" Eira said in a low voice. Though her voice was low, themanding power in it made the two Third Circle Existence withdraw their gaze and battle intent.


    Eira knew what was going in the heart of Marco but she was too preupied by the burden on her shoulder than the measly battle of authority of a thing.


    "I won''t try to stop you if you want to rest but let me warn you. The iing danger is not something any of you want to bear." Eira''s gaze swept the people and her face lost her innocent smile.


    "Those who want to rest should rest and as for those who want to continue… Follow right now. We''ve wasted enough time on this nonsense."


    With that, she turned and raced deeper into the forest. Madam Amelia stared at Marco for a moment before she shouted. "If you trust the goddess. Follow now."


    Without looking back, she raced after Eira. Subsequently, the people looked at each other not knowing what to do. They were exhausted and needed to rest. But the unknown danger frightened them.


    What should they do?


    Quickly, half of the people chose to follow after Eira while the others couldn''t continue the run anymore and chose to stay behind. And besides, when they remember how strong Marco and his men are. It gives them a sense of security.


    Just when Marco and his people began to recuperate, a couple of tens of meters from them, a wisp of darkness crept from the ground, siphoning the life force from the surrounding area, turning the lush area into a dead zone in seconds.


    ******


    AN; Eira (The young girl that carries the Verdant Star, the carrier of light.)