The first rays of dawn struggled to pierce the dense, humid canopy of the Tigerwood Forest. Pale, grey light filtered through the morning mist, casting long, dancing shadows across the ancient wooden walkways.
Kale Ardentis stood at the guild gates, his light green hair tied back loosely. He felt the heavy weight of the two artefacts he wore, the Stamina Band and the Blessed Headband, pulsing with a steady rhythm that grounded his enhanced senses.
On his shoulder, Neo remained silent, though all six of its golden eyes tracked every movement of the guild guards.
Lazek Oberon appeared from the morning gloom as if he were a part of the shadows themselves. His pale face was devoid of its usual manic grin, replaced instead by a cold, surgical focus.
\He did not offer a greeting. He simply gestured for Kale to follow.
