I clearly heard movement within the dense bushes. My senses were heightened, and I kept my stealth skill activated, holding Courtney securely in my arm. Whoever or whatever it was hadn't noticed us, and I intended to keep it that way.
We moved cautiously, each step deliberate and silent, until I finally caught sight of the source of the disturbance. A man stood there, his skin slightly tanned and his appearance almost human, save for his pointed ears and the unnerving red glow of his eyes. There was no doubt about it—he was a Demon.
What was he doing here?
If I had to hazard a guess, he was likely a scout sent from the village of Uteska, tasked with checking on the newcomers. Though we were still hours away from the village, they had already managed to locate us. This alone was troubling, but what was more concerning was his audacity to venture so far from his home.