The Questioner System (Ask Me Anything)

Chapter 30: Into the Clearing

The forest seemed to stretch endlessly, a labyrinth of trees and shadows that sapped their energy with every step. Adam kept glancing at the system's interface, hoping for another update, but it remained silent. His nerves were fraying, the weight of their near-constant danger pressing heavily on his mind.

Victor led the group with his usual unflinching determination, while Marcus kept watch at the rear. Adam trailed in the middle, his eyes darting around at every sound.

Finally, after hours of climbing and trekking, they stumbled into a clearing. Sunlight poured through the break in the trees, bathing the open space in a warm glow. The sudden openness was both a relief and a cause for concern.

"We'll rest here," Victor announced, scanning the area for threats. "But stay alert. This spot makes us visible."

Adam sank to the ground, his legs trembling with exhaustion. He leaned against a moss-covered rock and took a long drink from his canteen, the cool water soothing his parched throat.

Marcus dropped his pack and sat cross-legged, his rifle resting across his knees. "Feels too quiet here," he muttered.

Victor nodded. "It probably is. That's why we won't stay long."

Adam's mind buzzed with questions. He knew the system could provide answers, but he hesitated to rely on it too heavily. Still, the nagging unease wouldn't let him rest.

He closed his eyes and whispered, "System, what's the likelihood of an ambush in this clearing?"

The familiar text flashed in his vision, bold and unmissable:

Adam let out a slow breath. They weren't in immediate danger, but the system's warning was clear—they couldn't afford to linger.

Victor noticed Adam's expression and frowned. "What is it now?"

"Nothing concrete," Adam said, choosing his words carefully. "Just…a gut feeling. We should keep this break short."

Marcus smirked. "Your gut's been right so far. Guess we'll play it safe."

Victor crouched near the edge of the clearing, scanning the surrounding forest with binoculars. "We're at a crossroads here," he said. "If we keep heading northeast, we'll hit higher ground, but it's slower. Southeast is flatter and faster, but it's more exposed."

Adam's pulse quickened. This was a critical decision, and he couldn't shake the feeling that the system might have insight they didn't.

"System," he whispered, "which path gives us the best chance of avoiding pursuit?"

Adam relayed the information in a way that sounded plausible. "Northeast is harder, but it's safer. We should go that way."

Victor studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. Pack up. We move in five."

The climb northeast was brutal. The incline grew steeper with every step, and loose rocks made the footing treacherous. Adam's muscles burned, his breaths coming in shallow gasps.

Marcus seemed to handle the terrain with ease, his experience showing in the way he moved. Victor, too, showed little sign of fatigue, his focus unbroken.

Adam, on the other hand, was struggling. He stumbled on a loose rock, barely catching himself before he fell.

"You good?" Marcus asked, offering a hand.

Adam nodded, embarrassed. "Yeah. Just need a second."

Victor glanced back, his expression unreadable. "No seconds. Keep moving. We're not out of danger yet."

When they finally reached a plateau, the view was breathtaking. The forest stretched out below them, a sea of green broken only by the occasional rocky outcrop. In the distance, Adam could see a river winding its way through the trees.

Victor motioned for them to take cover near a cluster of boulders. "We'll rest here for a few minutes. This spot gives us a good vantage point."

Adam collapsed onto the ground, his body screaming for relief. But his mind remained restless.

"System," he whispered, "any updates on our pursuers?"

Adam's chest tightened. Ninety minutes wasn't much time.

"They're still on us," he said, louder this time.

Victor turned sharply. "How do you know that?"

Adam hesitated. The system's recommendation echoed in his mind:

"I noticed their tracks back near the clearing," Adam said. "They were fresh. If they kept moving at a steady pace, they'd be closing in by now."

Victor's eyes narrowed, but he didn't argue. "Then we move again. No rest this time."

As they descended from the plateau, the forest began to change. The trees grew taller and denser, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out much of the light. The air was cooler here, but the oppressive silence was unsettling.

"Feels like we're walking into a trap," Marcus muttered.

Adam felt it too—a weight in the air, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.

The text flashed urgently in Adam's vision, and his stomach dropped.

"They're here," he said, his voice tight.

Victor froze. "Where?"

"Close. Too close."

Marcus raised his rifle, his eyes scanning the trees. "What's the play?"

Adam pointed to a rocky outcrop nearby. "We need to take higher ground. If we ambush them, we'll have the upper hand."

Victor didn't hesitate. "Move. Now."

They scrambled up the rocky slope, taking positions behind boulders and fallen logs. Adam's heart pounded as he gripped his handgun, his palms slick with sweat.

The forest below remained eerily quiet, but Adam knew their pursuers were closing in.

A shadow moved among the trees. Then another.

Victor raised a hand, signaling for silence. The tension was unbearable, every second stretching into an eternity.

Finally, the first figure emerged into view—a man armed with a rifle, his eyes scanning the terrain.

Victor waited until the man was fully exposed, then fired a single, precise shot. The man dropped instantly, his body crumpling to the ground.

Chaos erupted.

More figures appeared, their shouts echoing through the forest as they opened fire. Adam ducked behind his cover, returning fire blindly.

The system's voice rang in his mind:

Adam took a deep breath, steadying his aim. He fired twice, one shot hitting its mark.

"Keep pushing!" Victor shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The fight was intense, the attackers relentless. But Adam felt a strange clarity guiding his actions, the system's advice sharpening his instincts.

By the time the last attacker fell, the forest was silent once more.

Victor lowered his rifle, his expression grim. "We're not safe yet. Move out."

As they disappeared back into the forest, Adam couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.