We reached the southern forests just as the sun dipped below the horizon. This would be our campsite for the night before crossing into the Moon Valley Pack’s territory at dawn. The vans were carefully concealed, and the entire group moved deeper into the woods, carrying our backpacks.

It was my first time setting up a tent, and thankfully, Leif stepped in to help, sparing me from inevitable embarrassment. Meanwhile, Kenzo was preoccupied with securing the perimeter, his phone ...