Chapter 160: Shadows of the Pine Forest

Thelma Zane’s Perspective When we woke up, we found ourselves lying in the snow outside the base. The biting cold pierced through what little clothing we had, as though we’d only stepped out for a brief errand. It was bizarre. Given the situation, it was evident that we’d been dragged into the illusion during the night, likely right after hearing the cries for help. As we gathered ourselves, the absence of one person became glaringly obvious—Frank. We conducted a headcount to confirm. Everyone was accounted for except him. Panic set in immediately. We began searching the area within a 300-meter radius around the base, but no trace of him could be found. “Linda,” someone called out, addressing the last person who’d been seen with Frank. “Do you remember where you went with him last night? Where did you find the man you both were helping?” Her response sent shivers down our spines. “I... I don’t remember,” she said, her brow furrowed in confusion. “The last thing I recall