The morning sun barely peeked through the trees when Saphyra and Tyana quietly left the house, leaving their friends fast asleep. Birds sang faintly above as the two girls followed a narrow path toward a nearby stream.

  "Let's start with water," Tyana said, pulling a small metallic cube from her pouch—a Token container. Channeling her Creation Igeni, she expanded the token into a sturdy, barrel-like container.

  "I’ll get the water," Saphyra offered, stepping toward the stream with her token pouch. She activated her Creation Igeni, expanding multiple smaller flasks and jars to gather water and herbal extracts. Tyana smiled approvingly, enjoying how much easier these containers made their work.

  "I don’t know how Oliver thought of this," Tyana said as they filled the containers. "But honestly, these Tokens are a lifesaver."

  "Imagine if we had to carry all this by hand," Saphyra added, carefully storing medicinal herbs inside a small glass jar. "We’d never leave camp."

  Once everything was packed, Tyana closed her token container, shifting the items to a compact form and quickly slipping them back into her pouch.

  Back at camp, Bernard and Jill faced each other in the clearing, stretching their arms. The morning dew still clung to the grass, and the air was cool against their skin.

  "You ready for round two?" Jill asked with a grin.

  "Only if you’re ready to lose," Bernard shot back.

  "We’ll see about that," Jill smirked.

  They circled each other carefully, neither making the first move. Without warning, Bernard lunged, aiming a swift jab. Jill dodged with surprising ease, sidestepping and retaliating with a quick strike to his ribs. Bernard staggered but quickly regained his footing.

  "You're faster," Bernard muttered.

  "I’m always faster," Jill teased, dashing forward again.

  The sparring match continued, and neither did they use their Igeni — only the martial arts techniques taught by Ulric. Jill’s movements were quick and precise, fueled by her Barbarian blood. Despite her more petite frame, her strength surpassed Bernard’s.

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  In a sudden burst of speed, Jill darted behind Bernard and launched a spinning kick, striking him in the shoulder. Bernard hit the ground hard, groaning as Jill stood triumphantly above him.

  "Told you," Jill grinned, offering her hand to help him.

  Seated on a log nearby, Lydia watched with amusement, lazily chewing on a piece of dried bread. "You’re slipping, Bernard."

  "She’s just strong," Bernard muttered, rubbing his shoulder.

  "You know what would be better?" Lydia smirked. "A real challenge. Come on, Chet." She turned to the pale boy sitting quietly nearby. "Let's spar."

  Chet shook his head without hesitation. "No thanks."

  "Aw, come on," Lydia pressed. "You barely moved yesterday."

  "That’s the plan," Chet deadpanned.

  "Coward," Lydia teased before turning her gaze back to Jill. "Alright, Jill — rematch?"

  "Gladly," Jill grinned, already raising her fists.

  The two began to circle each other, and the fight was fierce this time. Lydia’s powerful counterattacks met Jill’s rapid strikes. Spins, jumps, and precise kicks created a blur of movement as they battled for dominance. After several minutes, both fighters paused, winded but grinning.

  "Call it a draw?" Jill panted.

  "Fine by me," Lydia replied, grinning back. Bernard, acting as referee, signaled the end of the match.

  "Not bad," Lydia said, stretching her arms. "You’re pretty tough... for a human."

  By late morning, Tyana and Saphyra returned to camp, their Token pouches brimming with supplies.

  "Looks like you two had fun," Tyana said, spotting Bernard’s dirt-streaked clothes.

  "Let’s just say Jill’s still dangerous," Bernard added.

  "I need some help," Tyana added, pulling out her token pouch. "I’ll need you and Saphyra to channel some Creation Igeni to help me minimize our house without draining myself."

  "Sure," Bernard agreed, standing beside Tyana. Together, the three focused on minimizing the beautiful house into a token.

  "Much better," Tyana sighed in relief, her energy preserved. "Thanks, guys."

  "We should get moving," Bernard reminded the group. "We’ve got a long walk to Tyura’s Port."

  The group started along Arias Road, a winding path that cut through the dense forest—hours passed quietly, with occasional chatter filling the air.

  "Do you hear that?" Saphyra stopped suddenly, her ears twitching.

  From the brush ahead came a faint whimper, weak yet distinct. Bernard stepped forward, cautiously pushing branches aside.

  A young squirrel girl with brown fur matted in blood was lying in a bed of leaves. Her breathing was shallow, and her tiny hands clutched her injured side.

  "Oh no..." Tyana whispered.

  "She’s hurt," Bernard said grimly, kneeling beside her. "We need to help her."

  The group exchanged worried looks as the morning calm turned suddenly cold.