The branch creaked slightly beneath them as Ren adjusted his position, crouched with his arms resting on his knees.
A faint wind stirred the leaves around their perch, rustling softly like whispers from below. Far beneath them, the mist covered forest stretched in every direction, deceptively calm.
Ren broke the silence. "This exam was designed to incite conflict. Brutal conflict."
Lilith leaned back against the thick trunk, arms crossed. "Obviously. One prize, too many competitors, and a time limit? It's built to create pressure. And bloodshed."
Thorn nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "And with only until sundown… we're talking eight hours at best. Shorter days this far up the mountain."
"That's the point." Ren glanced at Thorn. "A compressed window. Everyone knows they can't afford to play it safe. The ones who hesitate will lose."
