The instant Kaelen finished those last words, the clearing exploded into motion. Students burst forward almost all at once, boots pounding against the earth as they charged into the forest with reckless enthusiasm, each of them driven by the same singular goal—to reach the mountain and finish the trial as quickly as possible.
Liam and his group moved as well, though their approach was noticeably different. Instead of sprinting headlong like many of the others, they settled into a controlled run, their pace measured and deliberate. It wasn't slow by any means, but it was clearly chosen with intent, designed to conserve stamina rather than burn it all within the first stretch.
