"Then we depart immediately," Ethan said to Torrino, who nodded reluctantly.
The jungle swallowed them within minutes of leaving the territorial boundary. Ancient trees created a canopy so thick that afternoon sunlight barely penetrated to the forest floor, casting everything in emerald twilight that spoke of primordial wilderness.
Torrino moved with the careful efficiency of someone who understood that survival depended on cooperation. His training showed in how he navigated the terrain, avoiding obvious ambush points while maintaining steady progress toward their destination.
"The spawning point lies approximately five hundred kilometres northeast," Torrino explained as they pushed through dense undergrowth. "We should reach the outer perimeter in a day's time, if we head there at high speed."
One day's travel. Reasonable timeline.
