Waiting Worriedly

Anxiety slowly got to me as I sat down, waiting for the girls to return. However, with Hekate beside me, constantly reassuring me that everyone would surely complete the trials with flying colors, I could at least retain a sliver of calmness.

However, after five minutes more passed, I became even more worried.

"What's taking them so long...?"

I whispered, trying to stay calm. Hekate could only repeat her words, saying to trust in them and wait.

Another five minutes passed, and there were still no signs of them returning. At that point, if not for the girls' connection with me still being present, then I'd probably call them back instantly.

Then, a change finally occurred at the fifteen-minute mark.

"...!"

One of the portals wavered before two figures came out of it. The ones who returned first among the girls were the pair of Ember and Fang.

I quickly stood up, rushing to their side and checking their state.