Night deepened over the valley. The group sat quietly by the stream, the earlier chaos replaced by the gentle murmur of water.
Han Yi leaned back against a rock, eyes half-closed.
"…I can't believe we made it through all that… I feel like my body might collapse any second."
Mu Chen stretched stiff arms and exhaled slowly.
"…Pain aside… I think I finally understand what Ling meant. Surviving together—it's more than just staying alive. It's trust, timing, and knowing someone has your back."
Yue rested her hands on her knees, staring at the faint reflection of the moon in the water.
"…I never imagined I could move, think, and react this fast under pressure… but we did it. And together."
Lei Feng, sitting cross-legged, rubbed his hands over his sore legs.
"…I always thought I'd panic, freeze, or fail. But if we stick together, maybe I can handle more than I thought."
Ling walked slowly along the stream's edge, scanning the shadows even now.
