They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 322: Too Close to Danger

Chapter 322: Too Close to Danger

She did her best to carry as much as she could, pushing aside the nagging guilt she felt for not allowing one of the boys to accompany Abuchi instead.

She had wanted time alone with him. It was selfish, she knew, but there it is what it is. She wouldn’t have done it differently if given another chance.

Abuchi, however, didn’t say a word of complaint. He carried his share of the load, most of the load, without hesitation, moving with purpose.

As they walked back to the group, Karen occasionally turned around, glancing to make sure Abuchi was still with her. She didn’t want to get lost in the crowd. It was considerate of him to keep pace, ensuring she didn’t wander off.

Her heart fluttered slightly every time she caught sight of him checking on her. He was thoughtful, careful… so much more than she had initially realized.

With each passing moment, her affection for him deepened. She found herself falling for him even more than she already had.

The simple gestures, the way he moved through the world with quiet confidence, made her heart ache with a longing she couldn’t quite understand.

Once the rest of the group spotted them, they quickly rushed over and helped lift the heavy loads from their hands.

The boys carried the supplies back to their room, where they organized everything carefully, sorting, arranging, and packaging them neatly into each person’s backpack. By the time they finished, everything was ready.

A new day awaited them.

Very early the next morning, the group boarded the vehicle they had hired.

Excitement and nerves buzzed in the air as the car rumbled along the rocky roads, heading toward the Black Forest, their next great trial.

The driver did his best to get them as close as possible, but once the towering, dark silhouette of the forest came into view, he slowed down.

No vehicle dared go further. The place was infamous. A place where people often entered but didn’t always come back out.

With a heavy heart, the driver stopped at the edge.

“This is as far as I go,” he said, giving them a wary look.

The group nodded silently, understanding without needing to say a word.

They paid the driver, gathered their things, and stepped out.

The moment the driver turned and drove away, a strange silence wrapped around them, broken only by the rustling of the ancient trees swaying in the cold morning wind.

They stood in a circle for a moment, feeling the weight of what was ahead.

The Black Forest loomed before them, vast and shadowy, like the mouth of a sleeping beast.

No turning back now.

Abuchi took a deep breath, then stepped forward to address the group. His voice was steady, but the tension in the air made every word feel heavier.

“This is it, guys,” he said, looking at each of them in turn. “This forest will test everything we’ve learned, everything we know, everything we are.”

Everyone listened closely, feeling the gravity of the moment.

“I plan for us to be out in less than a month,” he continued, “but we must be prepared for the possibility that it could take longer. No matter what happens, we must stick together. No wandering off, no unnecessary risks.”

He raised a hand, emphasizing the next point.

“If our supplies run low, we can find food in the forest. But listen carefully, no one should eat or touch anything without informing Karen first. She’ll check if it’s poisonous or edible. This forest is no joke.”

Karen straightened up at the mention of her name, feeling the responsibility settle on her shoulders.

Abuchi’s expression grew darker as he went on, “This place is nothing like the past towns we passed through. Here, the dangers aren’t guards or ruffians. It’s wild animals, feral creatures, and if the rumors are true, even lost cavemen who have forgotten civilization altogether.”

The group exchanged uneasy glances.

“Unlike the people who have been chasing us so far,” he said grimly, “these beings won’t hesitate. They won’t care whether we’re alive or dead. They’ll kill without a second thought.”

A cold breeze stirred the edges of the forest, making the tall trees groan as if warning them to turn back.

“So,” Abuchi said, voice firm, “keep your guard up at all times. And if, by some accident, we get separated, head in the same direction as at least one teammate. Don’t panic, don’t freeze. Just move.”

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

“Are we clear?”

Everyone nodded seriously. No one dared take this lightly.

“We’re five in total,” Abuchi said, scanning their small group with serious eyes. “If danger ever comes, make sure you’re running with someone. Two or three together, never alone. I didn’t bring any of you out here to die. If it were possible, I would rather do this alone than put you all at risk.”

Before he could say more, John suddenly interrupted, stepping forward with a frown.

“What are you talking about? None of us were forced to come! We’re here of our own free will! You’re not doing this alone, and that’s final.”

A small, determined smile pulled at Abuchi’s lips.

“I know,” he said quietly. “That’s why we’re here, because I know how stubborn you all are.”

His gaze swept over them, pausing for a heartbeat longer on Nnenna.

“But if anyone here,” he continued, his voice lowering slightly, “is having second thoughts, now’s the time to speak up. It’s not too late to back out. I won’t judge you. I won’t blame you. You’ve already done more than enough for me…”

His voice softened with deep sincerity.

“And I would never be able to bear it if something happened to any of you because of me.”

He looked each of them in the eyes, Ekene, John, Karen, but when his gaze landed on Nnenna, he lingered just a second longer, his meaning crystal clear.