Orion briefly considered approaching them, but their distant, wary gazes clearly indicated no desire for interaction.
Shaking off this mild disappointment, Orion turned back toward his friends inside the carriage. His expression was calm yet serious as he spoke, his voice steady. "We're leaving six days early to ensure we arrive at the tower's location with ample time. The moment it opens, we must be ready."
Elias, leaning back against the cushioned seat, quietly nodded his agreement. His normally relaxed demeanor was unusually grave, his eyes clouded with contemplation as he gazed toward the distant Lionkin forces gathering on the opposite horizon.
A frown deepened upon his brow as he murmured softly, his voice filled with unease, "But still… millions of Lionkin soldiers? I never expected they'd amass such an enormous force."
