Three-tailed centipede

Thirty minutes into the journey, the sound of growling stomachs echoed through the crowd.

They were hungry and mentally exhausted from being on constant alert at every sound.

Viktor’s stomach groaned. He discreetly pulled out a chocolate bar from his space ring and chewed to stave off his hunger.

“Pass me some,” Zane whispered, inching closer. Viktor glanced at Cyra—her eyes fixed on the forest—and, feeling safe, slipped him another bar.

“Eat it openly. No point hiding… you’ll just be back on snack ban for another month.”

Cyra’s sudden voice nearly made their hearts leap out of their chests.

“It wasn’t me—it was Zane’s idea,” Viktor blurted, pushing the blame to the stunned Zane.

“I didn’t force you to do it—you’re not blaming this on me,” Zane shot back, refusing to take the fall alone.

Viktor opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, Cyra suddenly dashed forward.