Vivian stood beside the Giant Lizard's corpse, panting softly, her chest rising and falling gently with each breath.
She lowered her gaze to the monster that had once nearly taken her life. Now it lay lifeless at her feet, and the faintest smile touched her lips.
She had finally removed a thorn that had troubled her for so long.
Greg stepped forward and praised her sincerely, speaking as a fellow student:
"Beautifully done. Your tactics and execution were both flawless. You've improved so much since last time, Vivian."
Vivian looked up at him and gave a slight nod without saying anything more, but a flicker of warmth clearly passed through her eyes.
Behind them, Lilith had been watching her beloved sister's victorious figure, feeling genuinely happy for her.
But when she saw Greg looking at Vivian with such admiration, she could not help feeling a pang of bitter envy.
She wanted Greg to look at her that way, too.
She wanted to hear his approval for herself.
It made Lilith eager for her turn to come next.
"Is it my turn now?"
But to Lilith's surprise, Melina stepped forward ahead of her and asked that very question.
Greg glanced at her and nodded. "Sure, that works. You can go first, then."
Lilith's head drooped in disappointment.
The six of them then set off toward the next location.
After about a dozen minutes of walking, Greg brought them to a halt outside a rather large cave and told Melina, "Your opponent is inside. Go on in."
Melina started toward the cave, but just before entering, she suddenly turned back to Greg and asked:
"If I'm in danger, will you come protect me in time?"
Greg folded his arms across his chest and nodded with his eyes closed. "Yes, I will."
He