In the last chapter, In their quest to unravel the mysteries of the Forest of Cradles, Ember and Mister Ryu, strategic partners with distinct perspectives, decide to take a cautious approach, establishing a campsite to assess their surroundings. Amidst discussions about their course of action, suspicions arise about Mister Ryu's intentions, but he emphasizes the value of thorough research. As they navigate the forest, Mister Ryu reveals a premeditated move to acquire a map, leading them to focus on elevated areas. Despite initial scepticism, Ember trusts Mister Ryu's guidance, and the duo manoeuvres through the forest, avoiding unnecessary battles and adapting their strategy. During a break, Mister Ryu shares insights about the forest's enigmatic nature, prompting them to shift from the map's rigid guidance to an intuitive exploration of the terrain's subtle nuances. Their journey takes on a more dynamic and observant approach, seeking a deeper understanding of the Forest of Cradles.

Failing to discover any clues about the island and unable to pinpoint elevated terrain through the map supplied by the Citadel's High Manager, the pair opted for a new strategy. They chose to rely on their own knowledge, observing the nearby topography and using nature as their guide to locate the highland.

The choice to study nature was put into action by moving in the opposite direction of the river's flow, considering that water naturally descends from higher to lower elevations.

"Is relying on the counterflow of the water sufficient to find the elevated terrain, or are you contemplating another guiding factor?" Ember inquired.

"At present, adhering to the counterflow of the river serves as our primary guide. Additionally, I am closely inspecting the adjacent flora, searching for any alterations in vegetation, particularly focusing on plants indicative of higher altitudes," stated Mister Ryu.

As Ember and Mister Ryu continued their journey through the Forest of Cradles, their reliance on nature as a guide led them deeper into unexplored territories. The duo meticulously examined the changing landscape, noting shifts in vegetation and terrain. Guided by Mister Ryu's keen observations, they identified subtle clues that hinted at the presence of elevated land.

Their exploration took them through dense foliage and winding paths, occasionally encountering wildlife that reinforced the dynamic nature of the forest. Despite the challenges, Ember and Mister Ryu forged ahead, their determination fueled by the prospect of uncovering the secrets hidden within the heart of the island.

As they progressed, the duo stumbled upon a series of interconnected hills, a discovery that hinted at the possibility of reaching the desired highland. The undulating terrain provided a vantage point, offering a panoramic view of the forest. Excitement surged as they realized they were on the right track.

Ember and Mister Ryu pressed on, navigating the hills with caution. Their strategic approach paid off as they reached a summit that afforded a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. From this elevated position, they spotted a peculiar formation in the distance.

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Upon closer examination, the structure appeared to be an abandoned cabin, piquing the curiosity of the duo. Intrigued, they resolved to explore the cabin in the hopes of uncovering clues about the mysterious island. As they followed the path leading to the abandoned cabin, a heightened sense of caution enveloped them. The atmosphere grew denser, the air heavier, and a veil of mist and fog descended, gradually obscuring their surroundings. Visibility diminished with each step they took towards the cabin, adding an eerie ambiance to their journey.

The abrupt envelopment in mist evoked a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of their ventures through the Black Veil. Memories of the challenges they confronted while navigating the Black Mist flooded their minds as they ventured into the dense fog. The vegetation surrounding the area began to transform, taking on a black hue, appearing almost lifeless.

As the fog thickened, obscuring the surrounding area, the duo approached a cabin where a makeshift barrier of slender sticks entwined with vines marked the entrance. Pushing open the cabin door, weathered by the relentless passage of time, they stepped inside.

To their astonishment, upon entering the cabin, they found it to be in impeccable condition, devoid of any signs of erosion or decay. However, a thick layer of dust had settled in every nook and cranny, veiling the once pristine interior in a shroud of neglect.

As they surveyed the cabin's interior, their senses were assailed by the musty scent of disuse, mingling with the faint aroma of pine. Despite the layer of dust cloaking every surface, the furniture stood sturdy, hinting at the enduring craftsmanship of its maker. A fireplace dominated one corner, its hearth cold and empty, yet still exuding a sense of warmth and homeliness.

Drawn to a weathered wooden table in the center of the room, they noticed a collection of faded parchment strewn across its surface. Curiosity piqued, they began to sift through the papers, revealing intricate maps, cryptic symbols, and handwritten notes detailing the exploits of past adventurers who had traversed these mysterious lands.

As they delved deeper into the contents of the cabin, a sense of foreboding gripped them. It became apparent that they were not the first to seek refuge within these walls, nor would they be the last.

"Looks like someone built this cabin as a sanctuary for fellow adventurers. How considerate of them," remarked Ember.

Upon deciphering the parchment, it became evident that the cabin's owner was a fellow adventurer who constructed the shelter as a base of operations. His intention was to explore every corner of the 2nd Sky and document its secrets in the form of a guide. The maps discovered within were his own creations, charting the terrain, while the notes contained details about the creatures inhabiting the surrounding forest.

The obstacles preventing him from achieving his goal were the restrictions imposed on the forest. According to the records, some of the Sky Islands were governed by noble families, clans, and cults, with only a few exceptions such as the First Sky.

Upon further inspection they found ………

……. To be Continued