A few hours later, the forest began to thin, giving way to a more open space dotted with massive, moss-covered boulders. They looked like the fragments of some ancient, forgotten structure, worn down by time and nature. In the center of the clearing, a small, scientifically organized campsite was already set up. An older man with graying hair and sharp eyes behind a pair of spectacles sat on a folding stool, engrossed in writing in a thick leather-bound journal.
Kael held up a hand, signaling the team to halt. "We're here," he said softly.
The old man looked up, his eyes quickly scanning the group with an appraising glance before landing on Kael. "You're on time, Kael. I was beginning to think the forest critters had slowed you down."
"The journey was smooth, Scholar Corvus," Kael replied respectfully. He turned to the team. "Everyone, this is our client."
Corvus gave a perfunctory nod. "Greetings. I trust you all are competent enough to ensure the safety of this expedition." His gaze was that of a man looking at his tools, not his companions.
After the team had set down their gear, Corvus spread a large map over a flat-topped boulder. "As agreed, we will not be merely strolling through the woods. I am searching for a place with a 'Mana Echo'—a residual magical signature from a mythological era. According to ancient texts, one such location lies deep within this forest." He pointed to a spot circled in red on the map. "Your task is to get me there safely, and to protect me while I conduct my research."
Corvus's explanation made the atmosphere turn serious. This was no longer a simple escort mission. It involved ancient mysteries, and such places were often guarded by things far from ordinary.
That night, the five of them gathered around a campfire. Kael and Corvus sat near each other, discussing the map route in low, calculating tones. Rhys took the first watch, his large frame sitting motionless on a log, as silent and dependable as the earth beneath him. Elara sat a little further away, her fingers expertly checking the string of her bow. Her eyes occasionally flicked towards Akari, no longer with outright contempt, but with a measured curiosity.
Akari took no part in any conversation. She sat near the warm firelight, carefully sorting the herbs she had collected on their journey. Using her small stone mortar and pestle, she ground a few fragrant leaves into a powder and mixed it into her waterskin, creating a lightly scented tea. She poured it into small wooden cups and offered one to each of them.
"A calming tea," she explained succinctly. "It helps with deeper sleep and restores stamina."
Rhys accepted it with a grateful nod. Kael took a cup as well. Elara hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted. The tea was slightly bitter, but it left a warm, relaxing feeling.
The next day, they ventured deeper into the woods. The trees grew denser, and the sunlight struggled to pierce the thick canopy, creating a dancing pattern of light and shadow on the forest floor. The air became damp and heavy.
Suddenly, Kael held up his hand, signaling a stop. "Something's wrong."
At that exact moment, dark shapes burst from the surrounding thickets. They were a pack of Shadow Cats, large felines the size of leopards, with jet-black fur that allowed them to blend into the darkness of the leaves and eyes that glowed with a cold, green light. They moved without a sound, as swift as passing breezes.
"Defensive formation!" Kael yelled, his sword already in his hand.
Rhys reacted instantly. With a roar, Earth Magic enveloped his body, his skin taking on the gray sheen of stone. He raised his massive shield, planting himself firmly in front of Corvus and Akari. Elara, in a single fluid motion, had already leaped onto a high branch, nocking an arrow as a faint wisp of Wind Magic coiled around its tip.
The battle erupted. Kael engaged the pack leader head-on. From her high vantage point, Elara rained down precise shots, picking off the cats that tried to flank them.
Akari stood behind Rhys's shield, next to the terrified scholar. Her F-Rank physicality meant she would be torn to shreds if she stepped out from his protection. But she did not panic. Her golden eyes swept the battlefield, analyzing every movement.
"Elara, high, on your right!" she shouted.
Startled, Elara glanced instinctively to her right. Another Shadow Cat had climbed a tree unnoticed and was about to pounce from her blind spot. Reacting just in time, Elara spun and fired an arrow through the beast's neck.
While dodging another surprise attack, a different cat managed to slip past and slash a deep cut across Elara's arm. She cried out in pain, stumbling on the branch and nearly falling.
Seeing their prey wounded, the pack seemed to hesitate, then growled and slowly retreated back into the shadows, waiting for another opportunity.
The immediate battle was over. The team regrouped, breathing heavily.
"Elara!" Kael called out, his voice laced with concern.
Elara jumped down from the tree, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her bleeding arm. Akari was at her side in an instant.
"Sit down," Akari commanded, her voice unusually calm.
She tore away Elara's torn sleeve. The claw marks were deep, long, and bleeding freely. Akari knew her E-Rank Mana pool was insufficient to heal such a wound on a D-Rank individual.
"My Mana isn't enough to heal this instantly," she explained while her hands worked swiftly. She took out her clotting powder, then used clean water from her canteen to wash away the dirt around the wound. Then, to the astonishment of Elara and Corvus, she took out her medical needle and thread. With meticulous precision, she began to stitch the wound closed, her movements practiced and professional.
Elara gritted her teeth against the pain but said nothing, silently watching Akari's steady hands. Only after the wound was neatly stitched did Akari place her hand over it, channeling a warm glow of Light Magic.
"This won't close the wound," Akari said, "but it can stimulate your body to heal itself faster and, more importantly, prevent any infection from their claws."
The sharp, stinging pain was replaced by a gentle, soothing warmth. Elara looked at the neat stitches, then up at Akari. This time, the skepticism in her eyes was completely gone, replaced by an undeniable respect.
"Thank you, Akari."
Akari just gave a slight nod, quietly packing away her kit. She had proven once again that her value wasn't in how strong she was, but in her ability to keep the strong ones fighting.