Deep into the Stone Basin

Darkness gradually receded, and the new morning carried a hint of chill. The wind wove through the forest, dispersing the lingering smell of blood from yesterday. The hunters had stayed awake all night, and the campfire had burned down to mere ashes. The heavy atmosphere permeating the air made everyone's chest feel tight, and each person silently organized their equipment, as if welcoming an upcoming storm.

Palm sat upright by the campfire with her notebook spread across her knees, her gaze focused. Her hands were still trembling slightly, yet she did not stop the action of writing. Every detail had to be recorded, because once someone fell, these texts would be the only evidence that could be sent back to the Association.

Knuckle bound his bandages nearby, his muscles trembling with tension, completely indifferent to the bloodstains covering his face. He said in a low voice, "The outer perimeter will definitely come again, we must hold our ground."

Shoot pushed his monocle, his tone cold, "They are learning, and every clash is faster than the last. If we make a single mistake, the outer perimeter will collapse."

Linas carried metal apparatuses in silence, his heavy breathing particularly clear in the quiet. He knew that once the charge arrived, he himself would be the first line of defense.

On the side of the Core Group, Morel bit down on his pipe, smoke churning in front of his face. He took a deep drag, his voice low, "We must enter the stone basin again today, no matter how dangerous it is. Reinforcements still need time, and we must drag it out until then."

Knov pushed up his glasses, his fingertips tracing shapes in the air, and spoke coldly, "I will deploy new Portal Points, but the quantity is limited. We must be