(Time-Stilled World, 31 Kilometers from Entry Point, Ashen Grassland Ridge)
The group had grown noticeably quieter ever since they encountered the trail of the tainted human.
Patricia, once playful and flirtatious, now walked in grim silence with her dagger drawn and held low, as the usual sway in her step was replaced by caution.
Karl flinched at every gust of wind, nearly stumbling more than once as he struggled to keep pace without tripping over his own feet, the tension in his shoulders betraying his rising anxiety.
The others were no more at ease, each gripping a mana stone in one hand to absorb a steady stream of clean mana, while their dominant hand remained coiled around the hilt of a weapon, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Their formation remained loosely aligned, spread just far enough to allow freedom of movement, while still holding together with enough caution.
