The clearing in the forest was serene, the golden light of the setting sun filtering through the dense canopy above. It cast an almost ethereal glow over the group, who stood amidst the remnants of their recent trials, their breaths still heavy with the exertion of their efforts.

Mori stood apart from the others, her hands tracing the curves of her new bow, Artemis’ Last Stand. The sleek weapon shimmered faintly in her grip, exuding a quiet hum of power. She marveled at its weightlessness, its perfect balance. Tentatively, she drew the bowstring, and with no effort on her part, an arrow of pure mana materialized, crackling faintly with energy.

The sound of the bowstring snapping back into place echoed through the clearing as she tested it. A smile crept onto her lips. She opened her status screen and froze for a moment when she saw it—level 36. Her chest swelled with pride and disbelief.

“I’ve surpassed him,” she whispered to herself, her gaze flickering to Boreas, who stood sharpening his newly acquired shortsword, Warden’s Fang.

Mori had always looked up to Boreas, her mentor, as a figure of unshakable strength and wisdom. For years, he had been the one to guide her and Neres, his experience as a seasoned ranger carrying them through countless challenges. Now, she had surpassed him—not just in strength but in potential. A mix of pride and guilt tugged at her.

“Don’t look so smug, Mori,” came Neres’s playful voice.

She turned to see him darting back and forth across the clearing, his Hermes’ Steps glowing faintly as they propelled him forward with supernatural speed. He moved almost silently, his steps barely disturbing the underbrush beneath him.

“I’m not smug,” Mori replied, her voice carrying a teasing edge. “Just appreciating my hard-earned progress.”

“Oh, I’m sure you are,” Neres said, stopping in front of her. He crossed his arms, his grin wide. “Level 36, huh? Don’t think I didn’t notice. You’re feeling pretty invincible now, aren’t you?”

“Not invincible,” Mori said with a shrug, though her tone was light. “Just better than you.”

Neres’s grin faltered, replaced by mock indignation. “You’re lucky I’m such a gentleman, or I’d challenge you to a duel right here.”

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“Gentleman?” Mori scoffed. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

Before Neres could reply, Boreas cleared his throat.

“Enough, you two,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. His eyes, however, sparkled with amusement. “If you’re going to bicker, at least do it while you’re sharpening your weapons or preparing for the road ahead.”

Mori and Neres exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Midas stood silently at the edge of the clearing, watching his companions with a quiet smile. His arms were crossed, his Celestial Armor shimmering faintly around him, a testament to the power he had gained in his own trial. He had already surpassed their levels by a significant margin, but he saw no need to mention it. His growth wasn’t just about numbers—it was about ensuring that the people around him had the strength to face whatever lay ahead.

“Enjoying yourself?” Boreas asked, stepping up beside him.

Midas nodded. “It’s good to see them like this. Confident. Strong.”

“They’ve earned it,” Boreas said, glancing at his companions. His gaze lingered on Mori for a moment, pride evident in his expression. “She’s grown so much. They both have.”

“And you?” Midas asked, his tone unreadable.

Boreas raised an eyebrow. “What about me?”

“You’ve grown too, Boreas,” Midas said simply. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed. You’re stronger, sharper. More focused.”

Boreas chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s flattering, coming from you. But let’s not forget—I’m the old man of this group. My days of rapid growth are behind me.”

“Doesn’t look like it to me,” Midas said, his smile widening.

Before Boreas could respond, Mori called out, “Alright, enough standing around! Are we moving or what?”

Midas turned to face her. “Impatient, are we?”

Mori grinned. “Just eager. We’ve been in this forest long enough.”

“Agreed,” Neres added, stretching his arms. “I’m ready for some real civilization. Or at least a bed that doesn’t involve dirt and leaves.”

“Dawncrest is just beyond the forest,” Boreas said. “It’s a frontier town, so don’t get your hopes up for luxury. But it’ll do.”

The group began to gather their things, preparing to leave the clearing behind. As they moved, Midas fell into step beside Mori.

“You’re handling that bow well,” he said.

“It feels natural,” Mori replied, glancing at him. “Like it was made for me.”

Midas nodded. “It probably was. It seemed like the trials don’t give out rewards lightly. That bow’s a reflection of your potential.”

Mori’s expression softened. “Thank you, Midas. For believing in us.”

Midas smiled, his gaze fixed ahead. “You’ve always had it in you, Mori. All of you have. The trials just gave you the tools to realize it.”

As the group stepped out of the clearing and into the final stretch of the forest, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. The air was charged with anticipation, their bond stronger than ever.

Ahead, the walls of Dawncrest loomed in the distance, promising new challenges and opportunities. For the first time in what felt like forever, Midas allowed himself to feel hopeful.

“We’ve come this far,” he thought to himself. “Let’s see how far we can go.”