Location: Dark Forest, Mid Ring → Hidden Cave | Doha (Lower Realm)
Time: Day 488, Late Afternoon
Jayde's boots hit familiar stone as she ducked through the cave entrance, Reiko's massive form flowing behind her like liquid shadow. Two weeks of Mid Ring hunting had changed them both—Reiko moved with confidence now, shoulders broader, muscles defined under obsidian fur. She felt different, too. Stronger. More certain.
Eighteen successful engagements. Zero critical injuries. Partnership effectiveness exceeds projections.
The cave's cool darkness welcomed them home. Jayde dropped her pack near the entrance, rolling shoulders that ached pleasantly from exertion. Good ache. The kind that came from work well done.
"Fifteen thousand merits in two weeks." She couldn't quite keep the satisfaction from her voice. "Not bad for a Voidforge kid and a shadowbeast cub."
