The outer perimeter of the Magic Forest, spanning over 3,000 kilometers, was already occupied by the armies of Western Alliance nations. Tanks, armored vehicles, and numerous excavators and bulldozers were gathered in preparation.
They intended to completely eradicate this Magic Forest.
"Navy SEALs, deploy!"
"SRR Reconnaissance Group, enter the Magic Forest immediately!"
...
The Magic Forest had severe signal interference, and its trees were dense and lush, making it difficult for reconnaissance aircraft, especially drones, to effectively scout the interior.
Therefore, Western countries could only dispatch special forces teams composed of super soldiers to scout ahead.
"Received!"
"Yes, sir."
...
Harris, the leader from the United States of America, William from the United Kingdom, and Eli from the German Empire were the super heroes publicly revealed by the Western Alliance during the recent major news about monsters.
Under their leadership, special forces teams, each numbering from a few dozen to nearly a hundred, slowly advanced into the forest from its periphery, disappearing from the sight of the Western armies.
All the steel legions of the Western Alliance remained on standby, not immediately following the vanguard special forces.
"Pay attention to all plants around you, especially the flowers."
Harris led the SEALs into the forest in formation, proceeding cautiously from the north.
Harris commanded, "If any abnormalities occur and demon-infused plants are spotted, attack immediately. No need to report."
Demon-infused plants were their designation for plants capable of attacking and killing like monsters, abbreviated as "demonic plants."
The SEAL team members responded with hand signals. Within a few hundred meters of entry, bursts of gunfire erupted.
They carried ample demon-breaking rounds. Wherever suspicion arose, they opened fire, giving special "attention" to various flowering plants. The elf girl, who was most adept at using flowers to launch attacks, had left a considerable psychological scar on them.
The deafening gunfire and the pervasive hostility surrounding the entire forest had stirred the demonic plants. They slowly awoke from their dormant state.
"Continue advancing!"
After advancing about a kilometer without encountering significant danger, the special forces teams from various countries felt a slight relaxation. Although the terrifying elf girl was dead, it was still unknown if similar terrifying entities remained.
Determining this was one of their primary missions.
"Maintain vigilance." Harris, William, and Eli, being experienced, immediately shouted reminders upon seeing their subordinates become somewhat lax.
Putting aside the possibility of terrifying entities like the elf girl, even ordinary ones like man-eating flowers or killer trees could easily claim their lives if they weren't careful!
"Captain, look!" Suddenly, a member of Harris's team excitedly pointed towards a small mound.
Several tender green plants grew there, each adorned with small white flowers resembling tiny wine cups filled with crystalline liquid. They emitted a faint fragrance that attracted countless butterflies and bees.
Harris immediately halted the team and ordered them to be on guard, fixing his gaze on the flowers and their crystalline liquid. After gaining super soldier physiques, their senses had been enhanced manifold.
His intuition told him that this liquid would be highly beneficial to them! Moreover, they sensed a familiar aura, similar to the otherworldly treasures used during their experimental enhancements.
Treasures!
"Team 01, go and pick a few for us."
"Teams 05 and 06, guard this spot and wait for our follow-up forces. These treasures belong to our United States of America!"
A hint of joy flashed in Harris's eyes. Danger was present, they all knew, but the treasures within the risk seemed well worth their adventure!
Watching as the five members of Team 01 were about to pluck the flowers, the surrounding SEAL team members looked on with excitement. These operational treasures, as spoils of war, could be partially claimed by them.
However, just as the five members of Team 01 prepared to harvest with bottles and knives, the grass stalks, resembling agave plants, on the ground unexpectedly shot out their leaves.
The leaves, like swords, flashed with a cold glint and instantly pierced the bodies of the five members of Team 01.
The sudden crisis caught Team 01 completely off guard, and they slowly collapsed to the ground. No one had anticipated that these seemingly ordinary weeds would be demonic plants…
"Open fire!!" Harris roared, casually launching a grenade round that obliterated a plant. These agave-like plants had a demonic energy level comparable to D-class monsters, but their camouflage was terrifying, making even him feel threatened!
"Bang bang bang!!"
"Boom boom boom!!!"
Following Harris's order, a fierce battle erupted. The agave-like demonic plants were formidable, but once their camouflage was exposed, they became targets.
After more than ten minutes, the SEAL team's indiscriminate firepower cleared the nearby agave-like demonic plants.
"Report status."
"Team 01 has 3 killed and 2 seriously injured."
"Team 02 has 1 injured."
"Team 03… 1 sacrificed."
...
On the battlefield filled with smoke and gunpowder, Harris frowned as he listened to the reports. Including Team 01, a total of 6 had died and 11 were seriously injured!
They had only entered one kilometer! The team's casualties had reached one-fifth. What awaited them in the core, over 100 kilometers away?
The SEAL team members' gazes flickered uncertainly as they exchanged glances.
Harris, seeing their state of mind, turned his attention to the flowers.
"Each of you pick one, take your spoils."
Upon hearing his words, the demoralized SEAL team members felt a slight improvement in their spirits.
This time, they finally succeeded in plucking them.
"Captain, this… this liquid can rapidly restore physical strength. And it seems to heal wounds!!!"
Some members drank it immediately upon receiving it, especially the seriously injured ones, fearing they might die if they didn't, regardless of the consequences.
As soon as they drank it, they immediately felt their weakened bodies regaining vitality. Their wounds, which were still bandaged, bled less, and the pain lessened…
Harris also took a small sip, feeling utterly shocked. Restoring stamina and healing wounds were secondary; he could feel his physique, which had plateaued for a long time, actually improving!
He could clearly feel his strength had increased significantly again!
"Team 05 will guard these flowers. Teams 02 and 06, take the seriously injured back, and the remaining teams will continue advancing with me!!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Having tasted the benefits, the SEAL team's morale surged once more.
As other countries' teams ventured deeper, they also encountered various treasures and demonic plants. Casualties and gains varied among the special forces teams of each nation.
Countries like Xila and Ruis, being smaller nations, suffered over half their casualties within the first few kilometers and retreated in disarray.
The special forces teams of major powers, led by William and Eli, also obtained a considerable amount of miraculous liquid.
As they ventured deeper, the commotion grew. More powerful demonic plants gradually awakened.
Deep within the forest, in a hidden valley.
A beautiful, enchanting pink flower slowly bloomed, revealing a peerless beauty. Four beautiful wings were exceptionally striking, and her cold, beautiful eyes held a hint of anger.
"Saraji! (Seeking death!)"