In the midst of the crowded settlement, the air was thick with tension. A blend of fear, hope, and anticipation clung to every soul gathered. Some sat quietly, hands clasped, praying silently for safety. Others kept glancing toward the settlement walls, their expressions shadowed with unease, worried that a beast might break through at any moment.
Among them were students—young, inexperienced, yet burdened by the knowledge of the chaos beyond. Despite the soldiers stationed nearby, clad in armor and standing like pillars of strength, many students couldn't shake the gnawing anxiety pressing into their chests. Even with the protection, fear had a way of creeping in unnoticed.
But not everyone was paying attention.
Sarah stood alone in the crowd, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her gaze was distant, eyes fixated on nothing in particular. She was lost in thought—so deeply absorbed that the bustle of the crowd became a mere background hum.
