They didn't stay near the pond for long.
Time was already against them.
Then suddenly the system appeared again inside their minds, cold and clear.
System: "All players outside the mainland must enter within 3 days."
A pause followed.
System: "Failure will result in death."
Silence settled.
Nami looked at Stefan.
Nami: "So it's final."
Andrew nodded.
Andrew: "No more waiting."
Stefan looked ahead, calm and focused.
Stefan: "We move now."
They started immediately.
Moving through the forest, fast but careful. Every step controlled, every sound watched. The deeper they went, the quieter it became.
Then they stopped.
A heavy presence filled the air.
Ahead of them stood a giant emerald jaguar.
Its body was massive, muscles tight under glowing green fur. Its eyes scanned the area like a ruler watching its land.
Nami lowered her voice.
Nami: "We can't fight that."
Andrew agreed.
Andrew: "Not even close."
Stefan didn't hesitate.
Stefan: "We don't fight."
A pause.
Stefan: "We pass."
Shadow spread around them as he activated his skill.
They moved slowly, silently, each step precise. The jaguar lifted its head slightly, sensing something strange.
But not enough.
They kept moving.
Closer.
Closer.
Nami held her breath.
Andrew stayed completely still between steps.
Stefan remained calm.
Then they passed it.
No attack.
No reaction.
The beast returned to stillness.
They didn't stop.
They kept moving until the forest opened.
The ocean appeared ahead.
Wide and endless.
Near the shore, several small motorboats were left behind.
Abandoned.
Nami looked surprised.
Nami: "People came here before all this…"
Andrew nodded.
Andrew: "And never left."
Stefan stepped forward, checking the boats.
Fuel.
Engine.
Still usable.
Stefan: "We take one."
Andrew looked toward the water.
Andrew: "Mainland isn't far."
Nami tightened her grip.
Nami: "Then let's go."
Stefan got into one of the boats and started it.
The engine roared loudly.
The sound echoed across the shore.
Risky.
But necessary.
He looked at them.
Stefan: "Get in."
They stepped in quickly.
The boat moved forward.
Cutting through the water.
Heading toward the mainland.
The countdown had begun.
And now there was no turning back.