“If you find that those city folks have already entered the village grounds, just bring your men back—I won’t blame you for it,” Axel said.

Buzz immediately turned with a dozen armed Patoajo warriors and headed toward the dark, imposing forest behind the village.

Tiana nudged Andrew’s arm. “Andy, we should go too.”

Andrew did not move but instead smiled at Axel, the village chief. “Chief, would it be possible for us outsiders to tag along and help? Lives are at stake, and it’s pitch black out there. We have good equipment and could assist the Patoajo men.”

Axel waved his hand dismissively. “Mr. Lloyd, you don’t need to be so polite about it. I know you outsiders won’t rest until you’ve seen what’s in those mountains for yourselves. Go ahead with Buzz leading the way, you should be safe enough.

“But remember, strange things happen in those mountains, and there are certain areas you absolutely must not enter. Go there, and you’ll end up with no remains left to bury!”

Since his true intentions had been exposed, Andrew felt no embarrassment and simply nodded. “In that case, we’ll take our leave!”

After leaving the stilt house, Andrew took the lead and caught up with Buzz and the Patoajo warriors.

Chapelle spoke uneasily. “Mr. Lloyd, Chief Flintspire seemed very secretive about that forbidden zone earlier. And when ghosts were mentioned, every single Patoajo warrior looked uncomfortable—you don’t think there really are ghosts, do you?”

Andrew walked ahead, speaking calmly. “Whether there are ghosts or not, I don’t know, but it’s better to believe they exist than to dismiss them entirely!”

Chantelle’s face paled noticeably.

Tiana scolded him. “Andy, don’t talk nonsense and scare Ms. Garcia. In modern society, there’s no such thing as ghosts or monsters—this Patoajo village is just too backward, so they create these weird superstitions that aren’t credible at all.”

Andrew remained silent. Axel’s earlier expression of terror had not seemed fake–he had seen it clearly, and the chief was genuinely frightened.

Even if there were no ghosts in the mountains behind this village, there was probably something unusual there. Considering that the treasure they were searching for was supposedly located somewhere in this village, there might actually be a connection between the two.

This was Andrew’s real reason for volunteering to follow Buzz and his men into the mountains at night. Of course, he could not admit he was here for the treasure–it would only make the Patoajo people feel used or disrespected.

Showing up on someone else’s land and openly digging for treasure was not the best way to make friends.

When it came to the superstitions or spiritual beliefs of tribal communities, Andrew had always taken a “respect from a distance” approach. This world was vast, and there were many strange, inexplicable things out there. You did not have to believe in all of them, but you absolutely had to respect them.

Meanwhile, Ralph had started twirling his curved blade around. He quickened his pace and strutted up next to Chantelle, grinning like a showoff. “Ms. Garcia, you’ll want to stick close to me. If anything happens, I’ll make sure you’re protected.”

Chantelle responded with a calm but firm tone. “Mr. Sutton, you’re the survival expert here, but don’t just watch over me. You’re also responsible for Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Rhodes, and the others. Got that?”

Ralph cast a glance at Tiana. A flash of something wicked flickered in his eyes. She might not be young, but the seductive aura she carried easily rivaled, if not surpassed, Chantelle’s.

“Ms. Garcia… and Mrs. Rhodes… you’re both stunning, important women. I’ll protect you both with my life. As for the rest… If I can help, I will. But don’t expect miracles. Let’s be honest–this group’s got a few too many deadweights. I’m good, but I’m not a miracle worker.”

He cleared his throat and muttered under his breath, sarcasm dripping from every word.