Determination burned fiercely in Saphyra's golden eyes, brighter than the scattered sunlight breaking through the dense forest canopy above. Her ordinarily gentle demeanor was overtaken by an intense resolve that radiated through every step she took.

  "We can't let them terrorize innocent villagers," she declared firmly, her voice unwavering.

  Bernard studied her carefully, sensing a shift in her usual calm presence. "You're right," he agreed cautiously, "but we must approach this carefully."

  As the group advanced more deeply into the woods, Bernard gently signaled Chet to slow his pace, letting the others move ahead slightly.

  "You felt it too, didn't you?" Bernard murmured, eyes scanning the shadows.

  "I did," Chet replied softly, his voice low and thoughtful. There's someone here with powerful Igeni. I sensed it clearly when the villagers described their attackers."

  Bernard nodded slowly. "We'd better have Lydia and you scout from above. Try to stay out of reach."

  Chet glanced at Lydia, who was walking with an impatient air. "Lydia," he said quietly, drawing her attention. "We’re scouting from above. Stay quiet."

  Lydia smirked lightly but gave a nod. Instantly, dragon wings sprang from her back. They moved swiftly yet carefully onto the air.

  Not long after, they returned swiftly. "We found their settlement," Chet announced quietly, his dark eyes intense. "It’s just a small wooden house—nothing fancy, but they’re definitely inside."

  "Good job," Bernard said, nodding. "Let's approach carefully."

  They soon reached the settlement, crouching behind the thick undergrowth to inspect the situation silently. The house appeared simple, crafted from timber and partially obscured by thick vines and moss. Saphyra swiftly climbed a nearby tree, carefully maneuvering herself onto a sturdy branch to peer inside.

  "I can see movement," she whispered down softly. "At least five of them inside."

  Bernard, Tyana, and Chet exchanged serious glances, clearly pondering their next move. Yet before they could speak, Lydia and Jill declared in perfect unison, "Let's just beat them!"

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  Saphyra's golden eyes flashed, "I agree. They deserve it."

  Bernard hesitated briefly, again struck by Saphyra’s sudden aggressive stance. Tyana, ever the diplomat, stepped forward. "Wait, we should try talking first. Rathumans aren't always violent. We need to find out why they’re doing this."

  Lydia rolled her eyes. "That's way too forgiving, Tyana."

  Chet glanced at Bernard, silently signaling his agreement with Tyana. Bernard nodded decisively. "We'll talk first, but stay alert. If things turn violent, we’ll be ready."

  Bernard approached the door cautiously, knocking firmly. Unsettling and heavy silence followed. Suddenly, he felt a powerful surge of Igeni from within the house. "Everyone, get back now!" he shouted, stepping swiftly aside.

  Seconds later, the wooden door exploded outward violently, shards flying towards Bernard. With a calm, effortless flick of his finger, Bernard’s Destruction Igeni ignited, incinerating the debris instantly.

  From the smoking doorway emerged five figures—four Rathumans with nervous gazes and, towering above them, a lynx warrior. He stood slender yet muscular, his amber-gold eyes narrowed in disdain.

  "Welcome, students of SOL Academy," he sneered mockingly. "Are you lost? Maybe you need directions."

  Jill instantly moved forward, fists clenched, but Bernard gently stopped her. "Why are you attacking the squirrel villagers?" he asked sternly.

  "Because we can," the lynx replied with a wicked smile. "Simple as that."

  Bernard's eyes narrowed dangerously. Without another word, he raised his hand, combining Death and Destruction Igeni in a powerful display. A large rock beside him disintegrated instantly into fine dust. The Rathumans recoiled in terror, one immediately turning to flee.

  Saphyra was quicker. She drew her Igeni bow in one swift motion, releasing a luminous energy arrow that pinned the escaping Rathuman neatly to the forest floor. "Not so fast," she said, voice hard.

  Tyana took a step forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "This doesn't need to escalate further. Let's talk and end this peacefully."

  The lynx warrior watched Bernard cautiously, clearly reconsidering his approach. "Fine. How about a duel, then? One of you against me. If I lose, we leave. If I win, I take all your valuables—tokens, gems, books, anything worth."

  Chet's eyes narrowed, quickly analyzing the situation. "This might be a trap."

  Jill eagerly stepped forward, fists raised. "Let me fight all of them!"

  "Jill, no!" Tyana quickly held her back. "This isn't the time for recklessness."

  Bernard and Lydia exchanged thoughtful glances, debating quietly who should step forward. Suddenly, Saphyra moved decisively, determination blazing in her eyes.

  "I’ll fight," she said firmly, stepping forward.

  Lydia smiled approvingly. "I like your attitude, Saphyra."

  Bernard hesitated, studying her carefully. "Saphyra, are you sure? You've seemed... off since we found Mira. If Asteras gets close, he might overpower you."

  Inside Bernard’s mind, Cyrus's chaotic voice suddenly shouted, "Let her fight!"

  Saphyra met Bernard’s gaze unflinchingly. "I can handle this."

  With a heavy sigh, Bernard stepped aside. "Then it's decided."

  Saphyra stepped confidently forward, standing face-to-face with the imposing lynx warrior. His smile widened, anticipation glittering dangerously in his eyes. The clearing fell silent, awaiting the clash.