[Shoka says nothing when Laios looks her way. She doesn't even meet his gaze, her real eyes staring right past him, giving away nothing. Only when Akechi suggests a detour does she speak up again—abrupt and blunt, but not unkind (or, at least, not trying to be unkind).]

All of this part of the forest feels like that. Down to the core.

[Not just the parts with Gloom.]

... But if you wanna take a detour, lead the way. Since you know the territory so well.