It was the same routine as last time. All the students gathered at the city gate, where they were split into three separate groups, each assigned to a different hunting area. Every group would hunt in the same region for a month before rotating, and Ray's group was once again heading to the forest.
When they all met up, Ray noticed that everyone's equipment had improved. Gary, Monk, Kyle, and Ian had upgraded to basic-tier beast equipment, leaving behind their standard gear. Slyvia, on the other hand, had opted to use her own intermediate shield instead of the Voli bear crystal that Ray had given her.
He didn't mind. He had given it to her as a thank-you for helping him, and she was free to do as she pleased with it.
As they walked toward the forest, Ray's roommates kept approaching him with gratitude.
"Ray, I can't believe what you did. Thank you," Monk said sincerely.
"You're the best!" Kyle added enthusiastically.
