The cries of the black, screeching bird-creatures still echoed faintly behind Lira's team as they pushed forward through the narrowing trail. Their breaths were ragged, clothes torn, and faint scratches lined their arms and faces, reminders of the vicious fight they had just endured. Yet despite the exhaustion weighing on them, a fire burned in their eyes, the treasure was close. Every step forward carried the heavy promise of triumph or failure.
On the other side of the forest, Dominica's team moved with ease. Their path had been strangely free of danger, dotted only with fleeting visions of foxes with shimmering, silver coats and tiny, round-eared rabbit-like spirits that hopped gently past them as though in greeting. No claws, no teeth, no wings that tore through the sky. Just calm, steady steps. It filled them with confidence. Dominica smirked, her gaze sharp as ever. "Looks like fate favors us. We'll be the first there," she murmured, her teammates nodding eagerly.
