The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 29: Shadows of the Forest

The rising sun painted the horizon in muted hues of orange and gold, but the light did little to lift Adam's spirits. Every step through the forest was a battle against exhaustion, his legs threatening to give out with each stride. The adrenaline from the night's attack had long since faded, leaving behind a heavy ache in his body and mind.

Victor led the way, his rifle slung over one shoulder. His movements were deliberate and steady, a stark contrast to Adam's stumbling gait. Marcus followed close behind, his sharp eyes scanning the forest for any sign of pursuit.

"Keep moving," Victor said, his voice low but firm. "We need to put as much distance as we can between us and them before they regroup."

Adam wanted to argue, to beg for a moment of rest, but he knew it was pointless. The attack on the camp had shown just how relentless their pursuers were. Stopping now could mean death.

As the morning wore on, the forest grew denser. Towering pines blocked out much of the sunlight, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain. The ground was uneven, littered with roots and rocks that threatened to trip Adam with every step.

Marcus paused, crouching near a cluster of bushes. "Tracks," he muttered, pointing to the faint indentations in the soil.

Victor knelt beside him, examining the prints. "They're fresh. They're moving parallel to us—at least two, maybe three people."

Adam's stomach churned at the thought. They weren't as far ahead as he'd hoped. Desperation gnawed at him, and he glanced down at the small device clipped to his belt. The system. It had guided him out of impossible situations before, and he hoped it could do so again.

He took a deep breath and whispered, "System, I need an update. What's our best course of action?"

The familiar bold text appeared in his vision, larger and sharper than ever:

Adam clenched his fists. It was better than nothing.

"We need to head northeast," he said aloud.

Victor raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Trust me. There's a water source ahead, and the terrain will slow anyone following us."

Victor studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. But if this leads us into trouble, you're explaining it to Marcus."

The new path was just as challenging as the last, but Adam felt a glimmer of hope knowing they were gaining some advantage. The thick underbrush thinned out as they climbed higher, the air growing cooler and fresher.

The promised water source came into view sooner than expected—a shallow creek winding through the forest, its clear water sparkling in the sunlight.

Marcus knelt by the edge, cupping water in his hands. "At least we won't die of dehydration."

Adam filled his own canteen, the cold water a welcome relief. But his reprieve was short-lived.

The text flashed in his vision, and Adam's heart skipped a beat. He spun to Victor. "We don't have much time. They're closing in."

Victor frowned, his body tensing. "How do you know that?"

"I just—" Adam hesitated. He couldn't explain the system, not without raising more questions than he was ready to answer. "I just know. Trust me, okay?"

Victor's eyes narrowed, but he didn't argue. "Marcus, we're moving. Now."

They left the creek behind, pushing deeper into the forest. The terrain grew steeper, forcing them to climb over boulders and navigate narrow ledges. The effort was grueling, but Adam felt a strange sense of relief as they gained higher ground.

When they finally stopped to catch their breath, Victor turned to Adam. "You've been acting strange lately. You always seem to know things you shouldn't. What's going on?"

Adam opened his mouth to respond, but the system interrupted.

"I've been paying attention," Adam said, forcing a steady tone. "I watch for signs—tracks, movement, anything that gives us an edge. I guess I've just been more observant than usual."

Victor didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further.

Marcus broke the tension by pointing to a narrow ravine ahead. "If we go through there, it'll be easier to stay hidden."

Victor nodded. "Let's move."

The ravine was cooler, its high walls blocking out most of the sunlight. The air was damp and heavy, carrying the faint scent of moss and wet earth. Adam felt a wave of unease as they descended into the shadows, the narrow passage offering little room to maneuver.

Adam's pulse quickened. "We need to be careful," he said quietly.

Victor glanced back at him. "We're always careful."

"No," Adam insisted. "More than usual. This place feels…wrong."

Marcus frowned but didn't argue. They moved cautiously, their footsteps echoing faintly off the walls.

Halfway through the ravine, a sound stopped them cold—a low, guttural growl that sent a chill down Adam's spine.

"What was that?" Marcus whispered, his rifle at the ready.

The growl came again, louder this time, echoing through the narrow passage.

Adam's throat went dry. "Wolves," he said.

Victor cursed under his breath. "Great. Just what we needed."

The shadows ahead shifted, and Adam spotted a pair of glowing eyes. Then another. And another.

"Back up slowly," Victor ordered, his voice calm but firm.

Adam obeyed, his heart pounding as the wolves stepped into view. Their sleek bodies were built for speed and power, their teeth bared in warning.

One of the wolves growled, a deep, resonant sound that made Adam's skin crawl.

Adam glanced around, his mind racing. He spotted a dry branch lying nearby and grabbed it. "We need fire," he whispered.

Victor shot him a questioning look but didn't argue. Marcus pulled out a lighter, and together they managed to ignite the branch.

The wolves hesitated, their growls faltering as the flames flickered in the dim light.

"Keep moving," Victor said, his voice low. "Slow and steady."

They backed away, the wolves watching their every move. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the pack retreated into the shadows.

Adam exhaled shakily, his hands trembling. "That was too close."

Victor nodded, his expression grim. "Let's hope it's the worst thing we face today."

As they emerged from the ravine, Adam couldn't help but glance at the system interface again. It had saved their lives—again. But the weight of its warnings and recommendations was beginning to take a toll.

For now, survival was enough. But Adam knew the system held answers to bigger questions—questions he wasn't ready to ask. Not yet.