Led by Fian, they moved swiftly beneath the trees. Thanks to his training with Madha, Orman had built up enough stamina to keep pace, even weaving smoothly around roots and low branches.
Yuvika, though less accustomed to the forest, relied on her wind-based talent to keep up with the two young men.
Before long, the chatter of other students faded completely, replaced by the rustle of small creatures darting through the branches overhead.
Fian didn't slow down, and the two behind didn't question him.
He might only be an E-rank liner, but he was an elf, and maybe because he was friends with people they trusted (Madha for Orman, Gara for Yuvika), they instinctively chose to trust him as well.
The rustle of bushes sounded up ahead. Yuvika and Orman froze, eyes tense, but Fian had already heard the steps.
In fact, he had deliberately guided them toward it, ready to face whatever lay beyond the thicket.
Hop! Hop!
