As I prepared to venture beyond the safety of the zone once again, I made a calculated decision to spend 30 of my remaining 57 essence to purchase a rope, leaving me with 27 Essence, the poorest I had been. I recognized the practicality of having a rope in various situations, and it would prove invaluable if the pelts I sought were still present.

My plan was simple: if the pelts were indeed at the location of the boar fight, I would tie them together using the rope and secure them to my back. Carrying them this way would be more manageable as they for sure wouldn’t fit inside my backpack. It was a makeshift solution, but it would allow me to transport the valuable pelts without too much difficulty.

Looking back at what happened before, I couldn't help but think that having a rope during my previous outing would have made things much easier, I could have easily hoisted the pelts up onto a sturdy branch and avoided the ordeal of going back now. It was a lesson learned, and now I was equipped with the necessary tool to handle such situations more efficiently, I had also gotten some of Brandon’s stuff into my backpack and was feeling much more confident.

With a sense of anticipation building within me, I took a deep breath and stepped beyond safe zone once again, in doing so, my "Detect Danger" skill no longer provided me with a sense of calmness and comfort. Instead, it heightened my awareness and kept me on edge as I navigated the unfamiliar territory.

I couldn't recall how long it took me to reach the boar's area on my first attempt, but this time I decided not to take any breaks. With utmost caution, I utilized the full effect of my "Hide Presence" skill, ensuring I remained concealed. Additionally, I intermittently employed bursts of my "Enhanced Focus" skill to scan the surroundings, making sure I didn't miss any important details or potential threats along the way, I passed by Brandon's grave, a somber reminder of the dangers we faced in this place. As a sign of respect, I whispered the words,

"I wish you find happiness wherever you are," as a heartfelt wish for Brandon's spirit, wherever his journey may have taken him.

I continued my journey through the forest, and despite the underlying sense of danger, I couldn't help but be captivated by the ethereal beauty that surrounded me. Its lush greens interwoven with a touch of bluish hue. Rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor.

Tall, majestic trees, their trunks adorned with moss and lichens, adding texture and depth to the forest's palette. The air was filled with a symphony of sounds: the rustling of leaves, the gentle whisper of the wind, and the distant songs of birds. It was a fragile balance of serenity and wildness, a place where danger lurked but beauty thrived.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Scenes that had gone unnoticed and unappreciated by me just one day ago now held a profound allure. The forest, with its ethereal beauty, beckoned me to pause and immerse myself in its splendour.

I continued my journey, utilizing my skill "Enhanced Focus" intermittently in short bursts. However, I soon realized that sustaining the skill for an extended period was not feasible even using it in short burts. Replenishing the energy was not as fast as spending it, and I didn't want to exhaust all my reserves unnecessarily. Therefore, I made the decision to shift my focus and channel the energy directly into my brain instead.

By cycling the energy within my mind, I found that I could maintain heightened concentration and awareness for a more extended period. It allowed me to scout the area effectively without depleting my energy too quickly. By cycling the energy through my brain I realised that there was a gradual process of absorbing ambient essence and converting it into usable energy within myself.

Nonetheless, this strategic adjustment proved to be a more efficient approach for scouting purposes. It granted me the mental clarity and acuity I required while keeping enough energy in reserve for potential encounters or unforeseen circumstances. It was a delicate balance between conserving energy and utilizing it effectively,

Initially, manually cycling the energy through my brain required a certain level of focus, which seemed contradictory since I needed focus for scouting. However, as I practiced this technique repeatedly, something interesting happened. The more I engaged in this process, the more automatic it became. It was as if my mind learned to adapt and streamline the energy flow, allowing it to happen effortlessly.

With each repetition, I grew more skilled at channeling the energy through my brain without the need for conscious effort. It became a natural and seamless process, enabling me to maintain enhanced focus while conserving energy.

I understood that the boost from manually cycling energy was nowhere near as effective as my skill "Enhanced Focus." While it didn't match up to the skill, it still served its purpose of keeping my mind focused on the task at hand for an extended period of time without wandering.

As I ventured deeper into the forest, I noticed a change in the landscape. The trees grew larger and more spread out, creating a sense of openness. The ground beneath my feet had less vegetation, and patches of bare earth were visible. I was getting closer. Moving cautiously from tree to tree, I utilized the natural cover to my advantage. With each step, I scanned the surroundings, relying on my heightened senses. As I reached the next tree, a sudden jolt from my "Danger Sense" sent a shiver down my spine. I immediately froze in place, remaining perfectly still to assess the situation. The forest seemed to hold its breath, and I strained my senses, listening for any signs of potential danger.