They exchanged glances, eyes lingering on each other as Kage's words sank in like stones settling into still water.
A boy with a shaved head and black dots peppering his scalp spoke up, his gaze fixed on Kage.
"This doesn't add up. Why drag us through all this misery only to help us walk away? What's in it for you?"
Kage studied him. A flicker of irritation crossed his face, gone before anyone could catch it.
His tone flattened. "Like I said. You needed a lesson. I gave you one. It's done. I see no reason to watch you suffer any longer. But if suffering's what you're after, be my guest. Nobody's forcing you to accept my help—you can hunt for your own markers. But the clock's ticking, and we're running out of time. The Silent Grove will be a different beast entirely. The Harmony Markers and that sealed scroll? Those were just warm-ups for what's waiting there. That place is the heart of this test. Do whatever you want."