By the time the sun had climbed higher, the group had already killed more monsters than they had counted.
The forest around Velaris was beginning to feel different.
Not safer.
They had learned better than to confuse familiarity with safety.
But they were no longer stumbling through every encounter. They had fought enough monsters now to recognize patterns, understand when to press an advantage, and, more importantly, know when to retreat.
Another creature came crashing through the trees.
Iris Appraised it.
"Level two."
Caleb raised his weapon.
"Mine."
He rushed forward before anyone could argue.
The creature swung at him, but Caleb ducked beneath the attack and struck its side. It stumbled. He followed with another blow, then stepped back as Benjamin came in from the opposite direction.
Benjamin's attack connected.
The creature collapsed.
A familiar notification appeared.
[Level 2 Monster eliminated.]
[EXP acquired.]
