"Go."
It was the only word spoken by the official in charge of the second stage of the tournament, and suddenly a wave of rapid motion surged among the competitors. The ground beneath their feet was nothing but a rocky ledge overlooking a dense forest, and in the far distance, the Arenval Mountains appeared… the destination.
Valerian set off with swift steps, but he did not run; instead, he deliberately slowed down.
"I shouldn't go too far ahead," he muttered to himself before turning his head back, casting a glance at some competitors who rushed forward recklessly.
To his left, he heard a heavy exhale... Zenith. As usual, he said nothing, only fixed his eyes forward and moved with calm steps.
"Zenith!" Valerian called, offering a half-smile, "You don't mind if I tag along, do you?"
Zenith didn't reply, but he didn't object either. That was enough.
