On the journey back, Ang and the others were frantic with worry, but danger lurked constantly in the forest. Along the way, they had already encountered several waves of magical beast attacks, including a pack of magical wolves. Most unsettling of all, the pack's leader—the enormous wolf king—had been leading the wolves behind their group from a distance, seemingly waiting for the best moment to strike. The wolf king's gaze was cold and sharp, and every step it took revealed vigilance and cunning. It made them feel that the instant they exposed a weakness, the wolves would pounce without hesitation.
Qatar and the other senior student were already utterly exhausted, nearing the limits of their strength. Their steps grew heavier and their faces paler. Several times, they had nearly fallen because their legs gave out beneath them. With the safe camp still far ahead, the two senior students were filled with anxiety and fear. The threat of magical beasts, their mentor's unconsciousness, and their own dwindling stamina had left them physically and mentally drained.
"Ang, could we... could we rest a little longer?" the other senior student carrying the stretcher asked pleadingly, his voice full of exhaustion and helplessness.
Ang had originally wanted to refuse. In a situation like this, delaying would only put them in greater danger. But when he turned to look at the other team members, he found all of them looking at him expectantly. Their faces were full of fatigue. Though they had not stopped walking, their pace was clearly slowing. Ang knew that if they did not rest soon, someone might truly collapse.
"All right." Ang sighed and nodded. "Then we'll rest here for a while. Eat something, restore your strength, and recover as much as we can."
His answer made everyone breathe a sigh