"...."
Ryen didn't need anyone to explain the mood to him.
It was written on every face, thick in the air they breathed.
The farther they went without finding a single trace of Rin, the more the cadets'
composure cracked—and that unease was starting to ripple through the ordinary citizens trailing behind them.
Even Professor Lena, who was usually the picture of calm authority, wore a cold, tight expression that he had never seen before.
If she was showing it, then she was close to her limit.
All because of one person.
His friend.
The one who always wore that easy smile, who never seemed rattled no matter how bad things got.
And now, with Rin gone, everything felt… off.
Like the dungeon itself was heavier, darker, missing a piece of its balance.
Would things have been different if I'd grabbed his hand back then?
If they had entered the dungeon side by side instead of splitting up, would this crushing uncertainty even exist?
