Ross and his people arrived deep within the thick forest.
By then, night had already fallen, and darkness blanketed the land.
The only sources of light were the moon above and the occasional torches carried by some of the survivors.
The forest was eerily quiet.
Strange noises occasionally echoed from the darkness, making the newcomers nervous.
Every rustling leaf and snapping twig caused them to tense up.
Yet despite the dangerous atmosphere, Ross's group continued walking as if they didn't have a care in the world.
Some chatted casually.
Others laughed among themselves.
A few children even played while their parents walked beside them.
It was a scene that completely baffled the people who had joined Ross only a few days ago.
"It's so strange," one newcomer whispered.
"I know," another replied. "They're all so strange."
The two looked around at the thousands of people moving through the forest.
Nobody appeared particularly worried.
