As they walked on, a group of jungle animals—panther-like beasts with emerald eyes—sprang out of the bushes. Kael cried out, "Formation! Defend Rina!"
Thargrim's axe, called in from their last adventure, was left behind to do light work, so Kael, Lyrielle, Elira, and Azrak had to deal with quick predators.
Kael sidestepped a swipe and delivered a horizontal stab, slicing through a beast's side. The animal yowled, blood spilling on the jungle floor.
Lyrielle called up a blast of wind, knocking several beasts off the ground and slamming them into the vines.
Azrak's shadow blades struck one beast through the heart. "Not quick enough," he grumbled, scanning for others.
Rina, fluid as a cat, used her bow to pick off enemies with precision shots. "Target the edges, Kael! Don't let them get behind us!"
Elira recited protective wards, healing small scratches. Her mind: Every life counts. Not only our own. Rina believes in us… we can't let her down.
The second stage of the trial was jungle traps: camouflage pits, swinging logs, and thorn vines.
Kael saw a trap up ahead and warned the group. "Left side. Jump, now!"
Rina jumped nimbly, alighting lightly. Lyrielle leapt after, creating a miniature cushion of wind to cushion her descent. Azrak slid along a vine, poised dagger at the ready, alighting behind a swinging log. Elira's ward kept the crushing blow from snapping the branch of a tree.
Internal monologues added depth to the tension:
Kael: Rina is quick. too quick, almost. I must keep pace, lest we lose her behind.
Rina: I won't let anyone believe I am weak. Each step is testimony of my strength.
Lyrielle: The traps here are meant to challenge skill and cooperation. Watching is just as valuable as casting spells.
Azrak: Fun, wild, deadly… excellent. And I appreciate her bravery. She has spark.
The party stopped at a tiny stream halfway through the trial. Rina knelt, drinking, her ears perked up at every sound.
Kael laughed. "You actually walk like a predator. I've never seen anyone come through this jungle as smoothly as you."
Rina smiled. "Don't forget, I'm the leader's daughter. I've been training for this my entire life. You humans, elves, and demons. you're just tagging along."
Azrak grinned, spinning his shadow dagger. "Ride or die. I like that.
Lyrielle shifted her staff. "I have never witnessed anyone merge archery with jungle quickness like that. It's amazing… and a little maddening."
Elira smiled gently, observing Rina. "You give confidence, Rina. Don't allow pride to misjudge you."
The exchange built confidence, laughter piercing tension in the trial.