The forest grew quieter as Mina ventured deeper, the lively chirping of birds fading into a distant murmur. Here, the trees towered higher, their trunks thickening and roots snaking across the forest floor like ancient veins pulsing with faint mana.
A faint, cool mist hung in the air, swirling among the undergrowth, a clear sign she had crossed into territory beyond where ordinary warriors trained. The heart of Greyvale Forest wasn't deadly, but it was certainly less forgiving than its outskirts.
Mina didn't mind.Her golden ponytails bobbed gently with each step, and the pouch tied to her waist jingled softly with the Moondew Pears and Windwhisper Apricots she had just gathered.
She walked with the confidence of someone who had never doubted her own strength; her shield clinked lightly against her back.
