Ka sobbed uncontrobly, her trembling voice stammering as she pleaded, “P–Pete, <b>I </b>can do so much for you. I’m useful! Oh, right, the map! Pete, actually, I hid something from you before. There’s something else on the map I gave you that I kept hidden. When we get back, I’ll give it to you, okay?”


    Back when Gabrielle had arrogantly approached her, iming to establish familial ties, her true intention had been to acquire the map from Ka. In order to curry favor with the Carrell family and secure Gabrielle’s goodwill, Ka showed her sincerity by handing over the map.


    However, she had kept a trump card up her sleeve. Not even Dexter, her father, knew about it!


    There was a highly discreetpartment concealed at a corner of the map. Inside it was a leaf made of gold and was as thin as a cicada’s wing!


    The gold leaf was exquisitely crafted, its lifelike veins and intricate details showcasing masterful craftsmanship.


    Ka didn’t know what it was, but anything hidden within a map everyone was fighting over had to be extraordinary. It could very well be a relic tied to the fabled kingdom mentioned in the legends.


    The leaf, being so small and delicate, had gone unnoticed even by Dexter when he first obtained the map.


    Thrilled by her discovery, Ka hid the gold leaf without breathing a word about it–not even to Pete. Who would have thought it would now be her lifeline?


    “Oh?” Pete squinted slightly, his tone amused. “What is it?”


    “It’s a leaf made of gold and as thin as a cicada’s wing. But its veins and patterns are exceptionally clear and beautiful. I think… it must have significant value as a collectible!” novelbin


    Ka didn’t dare hide anything, describing it in as much detail as possible. She desperately hoped that by proving her worth, she could survive this.


    Pete’s expression shifted subtly at the mention of the leaf. That reaction was all the confirmation Ka needed to prove that she made the right gamble.


    The two locked eyes–one pair filled with fear while the other was unreadable and enigmatic.


    After a long pause, Pete gently stroked Ka’s face. The action seemed intimate and tender, yet it sent a shiver of terror down her spine.


    “The final step to activate the star disk requires a woman’s blood. But here, where am I supposed to find another woman to take your ce, hm?” “P–Pete, the rainforest is so vast. I’m sure I’m not the only woman here. I’ll find someone else for you. If it’s not enough, my mother will definitely agree to it. I’ll bring her here, okay?”


    The first people she thought of were the Fuller couple. Although they had already fled the group, they couldn’t escape the rainforest without assistance.


    If she captured Myra and brought her back, she would be the perfect recement!


    Pete chuckled and nodded. “That’s a great idea, but… Ick the patience to wait. So, Ka, I’m afraid you’ll have to make the sacrifice yourself.”


    Hearing those words, Ka was overwhelmed by panic and turned to run.


    However, before she could even take a step, Pete easily grabbed her and, with a light push, sent her hurtling toward the crevice.


    A piercing scream echoed through the air, reverberating within the narrow, deep canyon with chilling intensity.


    At that exact moment, Felicia and Stephan followed the trail and arrived at the canyon. Standing at the edge, they looked down just in time to witness the


    scene.


    “That’s Ka! And the other… is the head of the Carrell family?”