Sage and the others kept moving across the vast plain, which stretched endlessly around them like a sea of green with no shore in sight.

The grass swayed gently in the wind, creating soft waves that rolled across the land. Above them, a strange green sky cast a faint glow over everything, giving the place an unreal feeling, like they had stepped into a world where normal rules didn’t apply.

They had been walking for quite some time, not too fast, not too slow, their pace steady as they searched for any sign of a path, landmark, or even an end to this endless stretch.

But no matter how far they went, nothing changed. No trees, hills, or mountains broke the monotony, just an unbroken sea of grass. That alone was enough to unsettle even the calmest among them.

Mina sat comfortably on Sage’s shoulders, her small legs swinging lightly in the air. Suddenly, she let out a long sigh and scrunched up her little face in pure boredom.

Wiping imaginary sweat from her forehead in an exaggerated way, she complained, "How come we haven’t left this place yet? I’m so tired... my legs are about to break."

At once, Sage, Vanthrice, Gregor, Brutus, Caelis, Leona and the rest, turned their heads toward her simultaneously. Their expressions stayed calm but their eyes told a different story. Lips twitched slightly as they all silently rolled their eyes at Mina’s complaint. The irony was obvious: she hadn’t taken a single step for over an hour and a half but acted like she’d been carrying everyone on her back.

Sage opened his mouth as if to respond but stopped when he looked at her innocent face. Instead of arguing with someone so shamelessly unaware of reality, he rubbed his temples and chose silence.

Gregor walked beside them and let out a soft chuckle at Sage’s helpless expression, a quiet moment that lightened the mood briefly. But then his smile faded as worry crossed his features. His eyes lowered slightly; shadows of fear crept in.

Brutus noticed immediately and reached out to place a firm but reassuring hand on Gregor’s shoulder.

"Don’t think too much," he said steadily with quiet confidence. "Lyana will be fine. She’s not weak, she’s smart enough to handle herself."

Gregor nodded but didn’t fully relax. "I know," he said after a pause with heavy calmness. "It’s just... this place isn’t normal. We don’t even know where we are and we got separated right when we entered."

He trailed off unwilling to finish the thought.

The group fell silent; tension thickened instantly as everyone realized what that meant: Lyana and Boren were alone somewhere in this strange land, a fact none could take lightly despite their capabilities.

Sage glanced at Gregor from the corner of his eye, his expression calm yet contemplative. After a moment, he spoke in a casual tone that seemed almost dismissive.

"Don’t worry so much, green hair," he said lightly, as if discussing something trivial. "Those two will be fine. Boren might look like a walking meatball, but he’s still a Warrior. Even if he’s not the strongest, I’m sure he’ll have the courage to protect himself... and maybe Lyana too, if he doesn’t trip over his own legs first."

The simplicity of Sage’s words belied their impact; it was clear he wasn’t genuinely worried or at least wasn’t showing it. Gregor looked at him for a moment before nodding slowly, his expression softening just a bit. He didn’t say anything more, but it was evident that Sage’s words had made an impression.

Mina, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation, tilted her head slightly and then pouted again.

"Fatty better not die," she said casually, her tone light as if discussing something insignificant. "If he dies, who’s going to make me laugh?"

Sage nearly choked at that remark, and the others couldn’t help but chuckle softly at her words, the tension easing once more.

They continued walking in formation, their senses alert despite the lack of obvious danger in their surroundings.

The wind rustled gently through the grass while the strange green sky above remained unchanged, offering no indication of time passing or direction shifting. It was an environment that could easily disorient anyone who lingered too long.

Suddenly, Valeria, who had been leading the group, stopped without warning. Her movement was smooth yet decisive; as soon as she halted, everyone else instinctively followed suit, their bodies tensing slightly as they focused on what lay ahead.

She didn’t turn around; instead, her eyes were fixed on the distance with a calm demeanor that belied her sharp gaze. There was no hint of panic or urgency in her posture; however, the slight narrowing of her eyes signaled to everyone that something was amiss. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

After a brief pause, she spoke in a cold and steady voice that sliced through the quiet air like a knife.

"Get ready. We have company."

The moment those words left her lips, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. It started subtly, a faint change in the air but quickly intensified into something palpable. The gentle breeze turned heavier; it felt as though an unseen force was pressing down on them from all sides.

Sage’s expression shifted slightly; his eyes narrowed as he peered ahead with heightened awareness to discern whatever Valeria had already sensed.

Then it happened.

The air shimmered unnaturally, as if heat waves were rising and shadows began to move in the distance. Initially faint and barely noticeable, they quickly solidified into figures rushing toward them with astonishing speed.

From the front, the sides, and even behind, dozens of figures were closing in. Their movements were swift and coordinated, their presence heavy with a silent, deadly intent that seemed to ripple through the air like an invisible wave.

The ground beneath them trembled not from their weight, but from the intense pressure they carried as they advanced.

Vanthrice’s expression grew serious. Her hand shifted slightly, ready to draw her weapon at a moment’s notice.

Brutus lowered his stance just enough to brace himself, muscles tensing for what was coming. Gregor’s eyes sharpened; his hand moved toward his sword hilt, his earlier worry replaced by focused calm.

Mina, who had been sitting comfortably moments before, straightened up. Her playful smile faded into a look of curious anticipation rather than fear.

Sage remained still for a moment longer. His gaze stayed fixed ahead as his mind raced through possibilities. His body was relaxed but alert.

As the figures drew nearer, their shapes became clearer with every breath.

When Sage and the others finally got a good look at them, shock rippled through the group.