Sasha and Zeke moved quietly through the dense overgrowth forest in the Abyss. Each step they took was muffled by layers of moss and fallen leaves. The air was thick with mana, almost humming with unseen tension. They hadn't spoken much since the temporary truce was made.
"Don't think just because we are together, I trust you," Zeke finally muttered, her eyes scanning every shadow as her spectral bow glimmered faintly in her hand. Her laugh from earlier had long since faded into cold alertness. "Especially in a place like this, where students can die like flies."
Sasha walked beside her, her expression unreadable. "I am not asking for your trust. Just don't slow me down."
Zeke gave her a quick side glance but said nothing more. For now, they had a common goal, it was finding their team and surviving.
******
