"Are we coming with you this time?" Luke was the first to jump at the chance, his eyes darting between the thick, oppressive fog and John's calm expression.
"Last time we were barely able to fend off the monsters, and we were under constant threat from those sound devices," John said, shrugging with a casualness that belied the danger they had just escaped.
"This time, the rate of monsters attacking our area is far lower. Besides, the density of the ones that do attack us is small enough for two people to handle on their own if they remain vigilant."
His words carried the weight of logic, and yet, there was a deeper intent behind his decision. While his previous actions were dictated by the desperate pressure of system quests and immediate survival, he now felt a growing need for long-term strategy. He wanted to truly scout this Trial world and begin drawing a mental map of the terrain, the resource places, and the potential hazard zones.
