-The field trip is officially underway. Keep your senses alert, cooperate with your group, and remember: this is training, not a competition. -The teacher's voice rang out clearly over the assembled groups.
The words were the signal for the groups to set off. Haruto's group, now five strong, began to move along the perimeter forest path, light filtering through the branches and the ground carpeted with rustling leaves.
-It looks like a good day for a walk," commented Haruto, in his usual tone of quiet enthusiasm.
-As long as we don't end up walking in circles, I guess," Liz muttered, not bothering to look at anyone.
-Orientation shouldn't be a problem if we follow the map," Alice replied politely, walking beside Haruto with a serene smile.
Yoshi, a little further back, took the opportunity to join the rhythm of the group, his hands behind his back, looking relaxed.
-To tell you the truth, I've never been on an excursion with you. I'm kind of excited," he said, looking at the group with a smile that was meant not to be awkward.
-Ah, I'm glad to hear that, Yoshi," commented Haruto sincerely. -It's always good to add new people.
Haruka just gave him a sidelong glance, then turned her head wordlessly. Liz just let out a slight snort.
Alice, for her part, watched him for a few seconds before responding:
-Then make sure you don't get left behind. You wouldn't want to get lost in this forest.
Yoshi nodded with a soft smile.
-I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for your concern, Alice-san.
The group continued walking. From time to time, Haruto stopped to look for traces on the ground or marks on the trees.
-Look at this! It could be a sign of a lesser spirit beast. Maybe we'll find something soon.
-You shouldn't get too excited, it could just be a wild rabbit," said Liz, looking straight ahead.
-Still, it's best to be vigilant," Alice replied, stepping forward to check the terrain with Haruto.
Yoshi followed them unhurriedly, his footsteps in rhythm. He tried not to intervene too much, but every once in a while he would make a comment in a friendly tone.
-Haruto, do you always do activities like this? It must be great to have such talented classmates with you.
Haruto let out a chuckle.
-Well, I guess I'm lucky. Although I'd say they're the ones leading the group.
Alice responded immediately:
-You are too modest. We all contribute. Besides, I'm surprised to see you, Yoshi-san, adapting so quickly.
-I try to do my part. And... I guess watching such capable people is very motivating.
Alice nodded, though her eyes strayed for a moment to Haruka, who was avoiding any eye contact, her arms crossed and her expression tense. Liz walked further back, staring into the trees, as if the air itself was bothering her.
-Haruto-kun," Alice said suddenly, "could you tell me more about what happened with Lian's group? I'm still struggling to understand what happened while I was away.
Haruto scratched the back of his neck and said somewhat embarrassed.
-It's complicated. After that "incident", everything calmed down a lot. Some people disappeared, others were sanctioned. Yoshi was missing during that time... so you shouldn't know about it, but I'm glad to see you here again.
Yoshi smiled in humble response before answering.
-I just needed to get away and think for a while.
Alice tilted her head to one side with a gentle smile, but her gaze was not so gentle. Still, she responded:
-Sometimes walking away is necessary... but the past is not so easily forgotten.
Liz, without turning, murmured:
-Could we concentrate on the hunt?
Haruka nodded softly:
-If we keep talking, someone is going to make a mistake.
Haruto turned and raised his hands in a sign of peace.
-Quiet, quiet. I'm just trying to make the atmosphere more bearable.
Yoshi, who had been silent during the exchange, intervened with a calm smile.
-Thank you for accepting me, despite everything. I really appreciate being able to share this moment with you.
There was a brief silence.
Alice responded:
-Everyone deserves a chance...
But neither Liz nor Haruka said anything.
The group continued to advance through the forest, unaware that with every step, it was a piece on the board.