If his deduction was correct, these mutated insects fed on the sap of the mutated tree, and in return, they helped the tree by dulling the senses of its prey.
That would explain why he hadn't initially noticed the mutated tree creeping closer to him—the sweet scent had clouded his awareness.
Now that he thought about it, he had first noticed this aroma back when he was wandering through the forest, searching for his missing teammates from Group 6.
He hadn't given it much thought at the time since the scent wasn't unusual in a place like this—it could have come from a flower or even honey produced by local bees.
Besides, he had been too focused on finding his missing teammates to pay attention to it. But now, looking back, he realized his negligence had led him to this predicament.
