Elara watched as the group prepared to set out, Selly taking point a few meters ahead. Esme and Krill followed, while she and Slynn brought up the rear.

  At first, she expected a steady walk—but they weren’t just walking. They alternated between jogging and outright running.

  The pace was brutal. Her legs burned, her lungs ached, and each step felt heavier than the last. She pushed herself forward, gritting her teeth, determined not to slow them down.

  She silently thanked her stats that had strengthened her body. Without them, she wasn’t sure she would have lasted this long.

  Every so often, they came to an abrupt halt. During these breaks, Krill would check on the unconscious Velma.

  She also noticed Slynn pulling out his lute, strumming a few chords each time. The subtle glow that returned to Krill’s posture didn’t go unnoticed.

  “It helps him regenerate his mana,” Slynn explained when he caught her curious glance. “Keeps Velma more comfortable and stable.”

  Elara nodded, too winded to reply. She used these brief moments to catch her breath, stretch her aching muscles, and keep a wary eye on their surroundings.

  As they pressed on, she lagged slightly behind. She pushed herself harder, ignoring the burn in her thighs and the sharp stitch in her side. The last thing she wanted was to be the weak link—especially when Velma’s life might depend on their speed.

  Slynn glanced back, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “You holding up alright there, Alira?”

  She managed a nod, unwilling to waste breath on words. One foot in front of the other—that was all that mattered. She focused on matching Slynn’s rhythm, pushing past the exhaustion.

  Despite the strain, something settled inside her. She was keeping pace with seasoned adventurers.

  As they pushed forward, her legs grew heavier with each stride, the relentless pace grinding against her endurance. Every step sent a jolt of pain up her calves, her muscles burning with fatigue. The thinning forest offered little relief, its sparse branches failing to block the relentless sun. Sweat trickled down her back, soaking into her clothes, the heat pressing against her like a weight.

  She gritted her teeth and pushed on. She refused to slow them down. But every fiber of her body screamed for rest.

  As the sky dimmed to a deep blue and night fell, they finally stopped for a brief respite. Elara stumbled, then collapsed onto the ground, her chest heaving as she gulped down air. She closed her eyes and felt the cool earth beneath her, the contrast to the sweltering day a minor relief.

  She forced her heavy-lidded eyes open to watch the others as they settled in, seemingly unfazed by the grueling journey. Envious of their resilience, she wondered how they could stay so strong while she felt about to break.

  Krill’s gaze fell on her, his brow furrowing. He walked over, crouching down beside her. "We've still got a ways to go," he said softly, his voice a blend of urgency and compassion. "You should try to get some sleep, Alira."

  She nodded, grateful for the chance to rest but feeling a pang of guilt deep in her chest. She hated being the weak link, the one who couldn’t keep up. The others seemed so capable, so accustomed to the harsh demands of the journey. She didn’t want to be the reason they were delayed, didn’t want them to think she was fragile.

  As she laid her head back against the rough ground, she closed her eyes. She could feel the coolness of the earth against her skin, the slight breeze that rustled the leaves above. She tried to focus on the sounds around her, the soft murmurs of the others, the distant calls of night creatures, the crackling of the small fire she had not noticed being built. With each breath, she willed herself to relax, to let go of the tension that had wound itself tight in her muscles.

  Sleep came slowly, and when it did, it was fitful and shallow. It felt like mere moments had passed when she heard the rustling of the others beginning to stir. The brief rest they had taken was over, and it was time to move again. The darkness was still heavy around them. She tried to push herself up, but her limbs felt like they were made of lead, heavy and uncooperative.

  A faint chime echoed in her mind, followed by the familiar system text.

  Vitality increased by 1.

  She exhaled through her nose, her lips pressing into a thin line. A small gain for the effort she had put in—but at least it was something. No point in dwelling on it.

  Her body ached from the relentless pace, each movement sending a sharp reminder of how little time she’d had to recover. She rolled her shoulders, willing some life back into her limbs, then forced herself upright. The fatigue clung to her, but she refused to let it dictate her pace.

  Every evening, as darkness fell, the group would take only a brief pause before pressing on through the night. Their meals were meager. Hastily consumed bits of dried meat and hard bread passed around while they walked. The food was tough and tasteless, but it provided the energy they needed to continue. Elara quickly learned to eat on the go, tearing off pieces with her teeth and chewing as she kept pace.

  During the day, she marveled at the changing landscape. The tall, wild grasses stretched as far as she could see, rippling like a verdant ocean in the gentle breeze. The sun would rise, casting a warm, golden glow over the meadows, and vibrant wildflowers punctuated the green expanse with splashes of color, purples, yellows, and reds that caught her eye and lifted her spirits. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn’t help but be captivated by the beauty around her. Each flower seemed like a little piece of a painting.

  As they crossed gentle hills, she noticed weathered boulders scattered across the land. These ancient sentinels stood like forgotten giants, their surfaces pocked and scarred by time. They seemed to watch over the untouched wilderness, silent witnesses to their passage. She wondered about their history, imagining the countless travelers who might have used them as landmarks over the centuries, the stories they could tell if only they had voices.

  The ground vibrated faintly beneath her feet—a subtle, rhythmic pulsing that grew stronger with each passing moment.

  Selly, who had been leading the group, stopped and crouched low, her eyes narrowing as she listened. The faint vibrations beneath their feet deepened into tremors. Her face hardened.

  "Vorpax Swarm," she said grimly. "If they spot us, we’re dead. They eat anything."

  Alarm flickered through the group. Without waiting for questions, Selly gestured sharply toward a nearby cluster of massive boulders.

  "Move! We need cover—now."

  They rushed toward the rocks. The boulders offered a decent vantage point—and more importantly, hid them from the open plains below.

  Selly's eyes scanned the horizon as the ground beneath them continued to quiver. "They could pass quickly if they don't feed." She turned back to keep watch.

  Through the tall grass that swayed violently with the tremors, the first signs of the swarm became visible—hundreds of dark, chitinous bodies, their movements rapid and synchronized like a fluid, living mass. The creatures, resembling oversized beetles with razor-sharp mandibles and gleaming, segmented shells, moved as one entity. Their multitude was so vast that they seemed to merge into a dark wave rolling across the landscape, devouring everything in their path with terrifying efficiency. The sight of them so close, yet partially obscured by the vegetation, sent a shiver down Elara's spine.

  From their vantage point, the group could hear the muffled sounds of the swarm's relentless advance—the rustling of thousands of bodies skittering through the grass and the occasional sharp crack as larger obstacles were dismantled and consumed. The air was filled with the earthy scent of disturbed soil and the faint, acrid odor of the beasts' excretions.

  As the group huddled behind the boulders, the thunderous vibrations of the Vorpax swarm filled the air.

  Slynn, his brow furrowed turned to Selly. "Is it already time for the Vorpax to migrate? It seems far too soon."

  Selly nodded grimly. "You're right. The Adventuring Guild probably hasn't sent anyone to intercept them yet."

  Elara faced Selly. "What exactly are these Vorpax?"

  Selly's gaze remained fixed on the horizon as she spoke. "The Vorpax swarm are a pest. They breed like crazy, and after the summer, they make their way across the plains with one goal: to eat and get fat for the colder seasons."

  Elara's eyes widened. "They travel in such huge numbers to eat?"

  "Yeah," Selly confirmed. "They eat everything in their path. Seeing them ransack a town is a sight you won't forget."

  Esme, her face etched with worry, chimed in. "I just hope this swarm isn't headed for any settlements."

  Selly nodded in agreement. "That would be a disaster. The destruction they will cause..." She trailed off, letting the unspoken consequences hang in the air.

  Elara did not like that. "Is there anything we can do?"

  Esme met her gaze, her expression grim. "Believe me, I would have been all for stopping the swarm if we had the right tools. But without Ignatius and his magic, we don't stand a good chance against a swarm this size."

  She glanced at the unconscious Velma, her brow furrowed with concern. "And we have other priorities right now."

  "The only thing we can do is stay hidden until the swarm passes," she continued. "And when we reach Heimshore, we must inform the authorities about what we've seen. They'll need to take action to protect the settlements in the swarm's path."

  The thought of letting the Vorpax swarm pass weighed heavily on Elara's mind.

  But she knew she had to trust more experienced people such as Esme. They had a more pressing matter at hand—getting Velma to safety.

  She forced herself to focus on that goal, pushing the thoughts of the Vorpax's potential destruction to the back of her mind. They had to trust that the proper authorities would handle the swarm, that they would take the necessary actions.

  As they waited for the swarm to pass, each minute felt longer than the last. The vibrations continued, the sound of the Vorpax's relentless advance filling the air. Elara shifted uncomfortably, her muscles tense.

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  Unable to bear the silence any longer, she turned to Selly. "How long will we have to be here?"

  Selly met her gaze, her expression grim. "It looks like it could take hours," she replied, her voice low and serious. "This Vorpax swarms is massive, and they move slowly. We have no choice but to wait it out."

  Hours. They could be stuck here for hours, while Velma's condition worsened with each passing minute. Elara glanced at Esme, hoping for some reassurance, but the warrior's face gave nothing away.

  She watched the Vorpax swarm advance, the vibrations growing stronger.

  She turned to Selly. "Is there any way we can speed this up?"

  Selly considered the question, her eyes narrowing as she observed the movement of the swarm through the swaying grass. "They're driven mostly by hunger," she explained. "If they catch scent or sight of something more nutritious, they might divert, but it's a gamble."

  Elara's brow furrowed as she contemplated the information.

  She met Selly's gaze, her eyes alight with the beginnings of a plan. "Would seeing a person be able to create a diversion? Something to draw them away faster, so we can continue without waiting for hours?"

  Selly's eyes widened slightly, and she exchanged a glance with Esme. The warrior's expression was unreadable, but Elara could see the wheels turning in her mind.

  "It's risky," Selly said slowly, her tone cautious. "The Vorpax are relentless. If they catch sight of a person, they'll pursue them until they're caught, or the person manages to outrun them."

  Elara nodded, her jaw set with determination. "But it could work, right? If someone could lead them away, even for a short time, the rest of the group could continue on."

  Esme stepped forward, "Alira, I know you want to help Velma, but this is too dangerous. We can't risk anyone's life like that."

  Elara met Esme's gaze, her eyes pleading. "But we can't just sit here and do nothing. Every minute we wait is another minute Velma's condition could worsen."

  “I could try to lead them away,” she offered, her plan forming quickly. “I would teleport near them and bait them to make it across the plains quicker.”

  The group was hesitant, but her confidence and the lack of better options swayed them.

  "Alira, no," Esme objected once more, her voice firm but laced with worry. "It's too risky."

  Elara felt a trace of irritation at Esme's coddling. She appreciated her friend's concern, but it was important that Esme trust her judgment. "I understand the risks," Elara insisted, her eyes steady. "But Velma can't wait."

  Esme opened her mouth to argue further, but Selly raised a hand, silencing the objection. Kneeling, Selly rummaged through her pack, pulling out a small, carved horn. She pressed it firmly into Elara's palm, her gaze solemn.

  "Use this," Selly instructed. "Sounding it will attract their attention faster and ensure they follow you."

  Elara grasped the horn, its polished surface smooth against her fingers. A silent understanding passed between her and Selly.

  Esme watched the exchange, her brow furrowed with concern. "Alira, please reconsider," she pleaded, her voice softening. "We can find another way."

  But Elara had already decided. She tucked the horn securely into her belt and turned toward the direction of the approaching swarm.

  Her patience had worn thin, frayed by the overwhelming urgency of the situation. "Velma can't afford to wait for the swarm to pass," she declared, her voice resolute. With these parting words, she vanished into the void, briefly appearing a meter above the ground.

  In that fleeting instant suspended midair, she caught a glimpse of the massive, churning swarm. Then gravity reclaimed her, and she landed softly in the tall grass, the dense blades reaching up nearly to her chest. Gratitude surged through her once more, keenly aware of how invaluable her voidwalk ability was.

  She could feel the intense vibrations beneath her feet, the tremors significantly stronger now, thrumming up her legs and echoing through her bones. The earth trembled beneath the relentless advance of the swarm, a tangible warning of the sheer number of creatures approaching.

  Her pulse quickened sharply as she noticed several Vorpax break from the main mass, clearly drawn to her sudden appearance. Their accelerating approach forced her breath to quicken and her fingers to tighten around the intricately carved horn Selly had entrusted to her.

  Inspect, she commanded instinctively, her eyes locking onto the nearest creature.

  Vorpax [lvl 16]

  Elara blinked. Only level 16? She had expected something far worse, given Selly's urgency—and the way the ground still shuddered beneath her feet.

  Still, levels didn’t matter much if there were hundred of them and you didn't have a crowd control skill.

  She had successfully gained the attention of a few—now she needed to hold it.

  She raised the horn to her lips and blew a piercing blast; the sound echoing through the surrounding landscape. It was a clear, resonant note that carried far and wide, cutting through the cacophony of nature and drawing the attention of every creature within earshot.

  The sound hung in the air for a moment before silence descended once more. All eyes were locked onto Elara, drawn to her like moths to a flame.

  For a brief moment, she felt a thrill of exhilaration at being the center of attention. But that feeling quickly gave way to unease as she realized the full extent of what she had done. She was now the target of thousands upon thousands of voracious insects, each one eager to sink its fangs into her flesh.

  With newfound urgency, she took off running, her legs pumping furiously as she fought against the resistance of the tall grass. She could feel their eyes on her back, tracking her every move as they prepared to give chase.

  She held off on using her voidwalk ability until the swarm got much closer. Better to let them think they had caught up with their prey.

  The grass grew thicker and taller around her, making it harder to breathe and see where she was going. But Elara pressed on, driven by adrenaline as she fought to stay ahead of her pursuers. She could hear their buzzing growing louder by the second, signaling that they were closing in fast.

  With a burst of energy, she leaped into action, activating her voidwalk ability just as several Vorpax broke free from the main swarm and lunged towards her from all directions. They collided with empty air as she vanished into thin air before reappearing mere meters away from them, leaving them disoriented and confused in her wake.

  The swarm erupted into chaos as more Vorpax attempted to follow suit, but found themselves unable to catch her. With a grin on her face, she continued weaving in and out of their grasp, using her skill to evade capture at every turn while simultaneously leading them across the plains.

  She kept up her cat-and-mouse game with the swarm. She could feel their frustration growing as they failed to catch her, their buzzing becoming more frantic with each passing moment.

  Eventually, the swarm had been led far away from the group, that she felt comfortable leaving them here.

  Once more and she vanished into thin air. She reappeared back at the spot where she had left her group. The only person greeting her was Selly. The others were nowhere to be seen.

  Selly's eyes widened in surprise as she she appear out of nowhere. "Are you alright?" she exclaimed, rushing over to check on her. "You did pretty good."

  Elara smiled weakly. "I'm fine," she said, trying to brush off her worry. "Just a little unnerved at being so close to them."

  Selly looked at Elara. "That was quite the display you put on," she commented, gesturing towards the direction of the dispersed swarm. "That skill looks really handy. How often can you use it?"

  Elara hesitated for a moment before responding. "I... I can use it a few times," she said vaguely, not wanting to explain too much.

  Selly nodded slowly, sensing her reluctance. She glanced toward the path ahead, biting her lip thoughtfully. "The others moved ahead ," she explained, her voice tight. "We couldn’t afford to wait any longer. Esme didn't like leaving you behind."

  Elara's chest tightened, understanding but still disquieted. She forced a steady breath, nodding once. "I get it," she said softly, pushing down the unease creeping into her voice. "They needed to keep moving."

  Selly gave a brief nod, scanning their surroundings. The faint echo of buzzing lingered behind them, growing fainter by the second. "The swarm will keep traveling," she warned, her voice tense. "Can you keep going?"

  "I'll manage." Elara squared her shoulders, trying to hide her exhaustion behind confidence. The strain from her earlier exertion lingered. "Lead the way."

  Selly set off at a brisk pace. Elara followed.

  They traveled in tense silence, the afternoon sun slipping lower, casting long shadows that twisted menacingly through the trees. Anxiety gnawed at her, fueled by thoughts of Velma, Esme, and the others pushing forward without them. How far ahead had they gone?

  "Selly," she said abruptly, breaking the oppressive silence, "how much further do you think they've gotten?"

  The scout hesitated, her steps slowing momentarily before she regained her stride. "They'll have reached Wildrush River by now," she admitted softly. "Esme will want to cross before sunset."

  Elara quickened her pace, determination burning away her fatigue. "Then we better hurry."

  The distant roar of rushing water grew steadily louder, pulling Elara's focus ahead. Wildrush River came into view, its wide expanse stretching before them like a formidable barrier. The current churned with an almost menacing force, and a knot of unease tightened in her chest. How were they going to cross it?

  On the bank ahead, familiar figures stood silhouetted against the turbulent water. Relief surged through Elara, loosening the tension coiled in her muscles.

  "Krill!" Selly called out, quickening her steps.

  Esme spun around sharply, her guarded expression softening into a smile as she spotted them. Slynn waved with enthusiasm, and even Krill, usually reserved, lifted his hand slightly in silent greeting.

  Esme approached quickly, concern shadowing her face. "You two took too long."

  "You weren't exactly easy to catch up to," Elara teased, masking her lingering unease.

  Slynn chuckled, crossing his arms with a smug grin. "You should've moved faster."

  "We moved fast enough," Selly shot back, her tone sharp.

  Krill stepped forward, eyeing Elara carefully. "Are you injured?"

  Elara shook her head firmly, offering a reassuring smile. "Just tired."

  Esme glanced toward the surging water. "We need to move. The river won't get calmer."

  Elara eyed the river, anxiety gnawing at her gut. "How exactly are we crossing this?"

  She knew with voidwalk it would be no problem for her, but what about the others? Could they make it across as well?

  Selly chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "We walked it last time. It wasn't easy, but we made it."

  Elara found that hard to believe, given the strength of the current. Krill joined in the conversation, his brow furrowed. "An anchor on the other side would make things easier," he mused aloud. "And a rope to hold on to."

  The others nodded in agreement. They have to do this, after all.

  Elara chewed her lip, considering the problem. A flicker of an idea sparked in her mind. "Hey," she said, her voice a mix of hope and uncertainty, "I could across and tie a rope to something on the other side? If you guys can manage to get the rope over there."

  Esme gave her a small smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Smart kid," she chuckled. "Krill?"

  Krill, his brow furrowed in thought, looked up, his gaze settling on Elara.

  "That would help," he confirmed, a slight nod acknowledging her suggestion. He made a grasping motion and suddenly a long, heavy rope appeared in his hand. How long it was, she couldn't tell, but it seemed substantial enough to withstand the rapids.

  She focused her will, feeling the familiar pull of voidwalk. The light blurred, and for a moment, she felt suspended in a void of muted colours before landing on the opposite bank. Looking back, she saw her companions gathered on the bank, watching her.

  From her position across the rushing water, she watched Selly rummage through a pile of debris by the riverbank. She came back a moment later, clutching a thick branch. She pulled her dagger from her belt and expertly whittled away at the rough edges, shaping it into a point.

  She tied the other end of the rope to the sharpened branch, handed it silently to Esme, who took it with a grunting nod. Esme's eyes scanned the branch up and down, assessing its strength.

  She took two steps back, her muscles bunching beneath her armor. Then, with a grunt, she pulled her arm back, bringing the branch up behind her shoulder. Elara watched, as Esme threw the branch, sending it hurtling across the churning river.

  She squinted, trying to track its trajectory. Would it land in the shallows? What if the rope detaches? Would it…

  The branch sliced through the air, spinning wildly, before landing with a satisfying thud on the opposite bank, mere meters from Elara.

  She scrambled forward, grabbing the rope dangling from the branch.

  Relief flooded her.

  "Fasten it around that boulder!" Selly shouted, pointing to a large, moss-covered stone jutting out from the bank.

  Elara nodded, tugging the rope taut. Getting it wrapped around the boulder proved tricky. The rope, thick and rough, resisted her efforts. Her fingers slipped, and the rope slipped, threatening to fall back into the river.

  She cursed under her breath, adjusting her grip. Finally, after several attempts, she looped the rope around the boulder, securing it with a double knot.

  She raised her thumb high in the air, signaling to her companions that the rope was secure. The boulder hadn't budged when she'd given it several hard tugs, and the knots held firm.

  From her position on the bank, she watched the others prepare for the crossing. Their voices carried across the water in fragments, broken by the rush of the current below. Krill moved to Esme's side, his hands working methodically to adjust the straps holding Velma to her back. He checked each binding twice, tugging on them to ensure they wouldn't slip during the crossing. Velma's head lolled against Esme's shoulder, still unconscious.

  Slynn stood patiently as Selly helped him with the rope, her nimble fingers working to secure it around his waist. She pulled the knots tight, checking them with quick, efficient movements. The bard's usual smile was replaced with a look of concentration as he tested the bindings himself.

  After finishing with Slynn, Selly moved to help Esme. She worked carefully around Velma's limp form, making sure the rope wouldn't interfere with the unconscious warrior's bindings. Her movements were precise, each loop and knot placed with purpose.

  Krill was the last to be secured. He waited at the end of the line as Selly fastened the rope around his waist, checking the knots one final time. The healer's white staff was strapped firmly to his back, its pristine surface catching the light.