Ron watched in disbelief as Fray and his group continued toward the bridge. Frustration boiled to the surface, and he turned sharply to Luke. "Why did you let them leave!?"
Luke kept his eyes on the departing figures, his expression thoughtful. "It's not the right time to fight them," he said calmly. "We know nothing about their abilities or limits… and besides, they don't look like they're in perfect shape." His gaze lingered on Fray's arm, noting the stiffness in his movement.
Aslin stood quietly behind them, her eyes locked on the retreating group. (They finished the challenge alone. No help, no backup… they must be exhausted. So why do they still look so calm? So confident?) The questions swirled in her mind, deepening the mystery of the Merciless Clan.
At the edge of the bridge, the group paused.
Adam took off his bracelet and handed it to Elisa without a word. She nodded and accepted it, her expression steady.
