Sunlight filtered through the thick canopy above, casting speckled patterns of gold and green upon the forest floor. A gentle breeze whispered through leaves, carrying the soft aroma of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Chet closed his eyes momentarily, his senses sharpening, detecting every faint rustle and subtle scent. He could hear the panicked heartbeat of the injured squirrel girl, Mira, her shallow breaths quickening.

  "She's losing blood," Chet murmured, urgency clear in his usually calm voice.

  Tyana quickly knelt beside Mira, her eyes filled with concern. She gently placed her hands over Mira's gashed leg, beginning to channel her Life Igeni. A soft, warm glow emanated from her palms, bathing the wound in gentle green light. "Bernard, I'll need your help, dear," she said quietly.

  Bernard quickly stepped forward, kneeling beside Tyana. He focused his energy, guiding and stabilizing Tyana's power. Together, their combined Igeni gently knitted the torn flesh, sealing the wound. Mira's tense body slowly relaxed as pain receded from her petite form.

  After a brief moment, Mira opened her eyes, looking in awe at her healed leg. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice trembling with gratitude and lingering fear.

  Lydia, impatient and restless, crossed her arms. "Alright, kid, tell us what happened. Who did this to you?"

  Mira hesitated, eyes darting anxiously. "I… I fell," she stammered softly.

  Jill smiled warmly, trying to ease the tension. "You need to be careful, it's—"

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  "She's lying," Chet interrupted calmly but firmly. His black eyes, piercing and focused, studied Mira's nervous expression intently. "Tell us the truth. We can't help you unless we know what's really happening."

  Mira lowered her gaze, tears brimming in her eyes. "It's… It's my village. Rathumans attacked us. They stole everything and hurt people. I ran away, but they... they hurt me."

  A heavy silence settled over the group. Saphyra's eyes sparked with determination, clearly moved by Mira's plight. "We should help them," she said decisively. "We can't just leave them defenseless."

  Bernard glanced at Saphyra thoughtfully, noting her unusually fervent interest. "Alright," he agreed, "Let's see what we can do."

  The small village soon appeared, a quiet, rustic settlement carved gently into the forest. Wooden homes built around and within the mighty trees appeared quaint and harmonious. However, the tranquility was marred by evident destruction. Crops were flattened, trampled ruthlessly into the soil. Several homes bore visible scars of violence—shattered doors, broken windows, and splintered wood.

  As soon as they emerged from the forest path, a squirrel woman, her fur a shade darker than Mira's, dashed toward them, eyes wide with fear and relief. "Mira! Oh, Mira, you're safe!" She embraced her daughter fiercely, tears streaming down her face. After a heartfelt moment, the woman turned anxiously to the group. "Who are you? How can I ever thank you for saving my daughter?"

  Bernard stepped forward respectfully. "We're travelers from SOL Academy. My name is Bernard, and these are my companions. We found Mira injured on the roadside."

  Recognition flickered in the squirrel woman's eyes. "SOL Academy? You must be powerful students of Igeni." Her tone was hopeful. "Please, our village desperately needs your help. The Rathumans took everything. They've threatened to return."

  Villagers, drawn by the commotion, began to gather around. Each face was marked with fear and desperation, and their pleading eyes spoke volumes.

  Lydia quickly stepped forward, her voice strong and clear. "Do you know where these Rathuman thieves went? We can roast them up."

  The woman, introducing herself as Dara, shook her head slowly. "We believe they've made camp west of here, deeper in the forest. We’re too afraid to confront them ourselves."