The Dungeon Tree

The forest looked exactly the same as we walked through it. The rocks had the same formation, the trees had the exact same branches, and the path had the exact same footprints.

"Everyone stop real quick. I need to test something out right now. Bubbles, I need you to keep moving forward." I said.

"Weird request that I go alone but ok. I'll come back if I spot anything weird." Bubbles said before running off.

I walked over to a tree stump and sat down. I sat there for a while for something to happen and eventually something did happen. Bubbles appeared behind us with as much confusion as everyone except me.

"How did you end up behind us? Did you take some turns you weren't supposed to?" Asked Steven with a puzzled look. I got up from my spot and cleared my throat, catching everyone's attention.

"We're trapped in someone's illusion. I've been through something like before so I know what we need to do. Though doing it might be nearly impossible with the situation we're in." I said.

"Don't leave us in the dark, what is it? Why would it be almost impossible to get out of this illusion?" Asked Ellie, who seemed really devoted to this even though she wasn't meant to come along.

"When casting illusions like this one the caster must stay in the space he's using, and since we're in a big forest I doubt we'd find them anytime soon." I said.

Everyone looked defeated, while I wondered if there was a way we could make this easy. 'The only people I know who can use magic are Alice and Emma but they're not here. Maybe Ellie knows something?' I thought to myself.

"Ellie, do you know any magic moves that could help us clear out the forest fast? Or maybe something like a reconnaissance bird?" I asked. Ellie shook her head at me.

The wind began to pick up slowly, hitting me with the cold air of winter. I let out a sigh and picked up a small rock next to me. I took one last good look at the rock before throwing it into the forest. A large shattering noise came from where it landed.

"That doesn't sound like something that should be in a forest. Lets go check out what that was, it may be a way out." I said. Everyone nodded and tried to find where the crashing noise came from. After a minute of searching I finally found what it was.

"How did you find me so easily? I was sure you wouldn't find me. So how'd you do it?" The man asked.

I looked down at the man in disappointment. I unsheathed my weapon and stabbed it into the tree he was sitting in, just barely missing him.

"You're gonna tell me how many people are trying to stop us or I'll make sure you'll never be able to use magic again." I said, threatening the man.

"I was the last person I swear. It should be clear sailing from here so please don't hurt me." The man whined. All of a sudden an idea came to my head.

"Seven get the rope, I have an idea."