At first, they simply ignored the unsettling vibe of the forest. The shadows stretched long across the ground, and the air carried a weight that pressed against their senses. Elira tried to focus on seeking knowledge, but the creeping dread made it difficult to concentrate. Kael noticed her unease and acted quietly. He reached out with his abilities, not to remove her fear entirely but to suppress it—pushing the fear of the unknown deep enough for her to regain clarity.
It wasn't an act of kindness so much as practicality. By dulling her fear, he allowed her to focus on honing her skills while feeding off his own fear instead. The void responded eagerly, its whispers growing louder in his mind. As he delved deeper, Kael uncovered a new insight into his powers. He could now suppress or weaken not just fear but also desire and dread in others. While this ability didn't directly amplify his strength, it had the potential to bolster his allies, making them steadier and more capable under pressure.
Elira, freed from the paralyzing grip of fear, returned to her seeking. She explored ways to further refine her vine spell, imagining enhancements that could make it even deadlier. Meanwhile, Kael continued probing the void, testing the limits of his newfound control over emotions. He realized that by suppressing fear in himself or others, he could create moments of calm amid chaos—a subtle yet powerful advantage in battle.
The carriage itself offered a layer of safety. Its walls were imbued with topmost protection artifacts, designed to repel both physical threats like insects and larger dangers such as magical attacks. This gave those inside a false sense of security, though Kael knew better than to rely solely on enchanted defenses. The looming presence beyond the windows reminded him that no artifact was infallible.
As the journey continued, the tension outside grew thicker. The guards exchanged wary glances, their hands resting near their weapons. Even the alchemist seemed uneasy, clutching one of his vials tightly as if preparing for the worst. Despite the protective enchantments, everyone felt the weight of something watching them from the depths of the forest.
Kael glanced at Elira, who was still absorbed in her seeking. Her brow furrowed in concentration, she appeared oblivious to the rising threat around them. He considered warning her but decided against it. For now, her focus was crucial, and breaking her concentration might do more harm than good.