The valley stretched wide before them, the sunlight bright on the grass. Small bushes dotted the area, but there was little cover until the far side. Ling kept the group tight and their pace steady.
Han Yi spoke quietly.
"…We can see far… good, but stay ready."
Mu Chen nodded.
"…Keep scanning the edges. One step at a time."
Yue glanced ahead, focusing on the far tree line.
"…Almost there. Let's stay together."
Lei Feng pointed out a few uneven patches in the ground.
"…Careful footing. Step by step."
Step by step, the team moved across the open stretch. The sun was warm, and the ground firm, but no one relaxed their alertness. Every glance and every step was cautious, keeping the rhythm of moving and watching.
As the far tree line grew closer, Ling signaled to slow down.
"Trees ahead will give shade and cover. We reach them carefully. Step by step, together."
