The sun had risen high when they set out again.
Arden kept his senses stretched, his life energy brushing across the terrain. By now, it wasn't even effort, every pulse of his core picked up presences around them, like ripples touching everything in range. Beasts trying to lurk or stalk never stayed hidden for long.
He slowed and glanced toward Nyra. "Found one. B-rank. It's yours."
Her lips curled into a smirk, pride rising before she even saw the target. "Good. Time to show you both how to properly slay a beast."
Rael groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "And she says I'm the cocky one. This is your fault, Arden, you've rubbed off on her."
Arden only chuckled. "Then I'll take the blame."
They followed him, laughter running low between them until the land itself began to change.
