Gon ran so fast that, for a moment, Akhil almost believed the old man had once been an athlete.
As he neared the settlement, the thunder of the beast horde followed close behind, shaking the ground with every step.
"Help me! Help me!" Gon's panicked voice ripped through the air, raw with desperation.
Tears streamed down his face as he stumbled toward the massive ditch—its surface cleverly disguised with weak branches and a thin layer of leaves.
Aria watched him with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
To her, this was far more entertaining than killing him outright.
"I don't know who's the more ruthless one between us anymore," she said calmly, standing beside Akhil.
"It was necessary," Akhil replied, his tone flat. "Get ready, Nibo. You'll have to catch him."
"Huh?"
Gon was barely a meter from tumbling into the trap when Akhil's voice rang out.
"Jump!"
Almost on instinct, Gon pushed off the ground with all the strength his frail legs could muster.
