An Uneasy Feeling

Elder Garrick's voice rang through the clearing, sharp and unforgiving.

"Don't even try to hide! I know exactly where you are! Come out from behind that tree, all three of you—now!!"

"Shit… we got found out," muttered Instructor Park, his voice barely audible as he scowled at the two instructors leaning heavily against him.

"This is all your fault! Why the hell did you both have to lean on me with all your weight?"

One of the instructors whispered back, "Oh, don't act like it's only us! You're the one who wanted a closer look!"

Before their argument could continue, Elder Garrick's voice erupted again, each word a thunderous command.

"What are you still doing back there!? Get out here right now!"

With little choice, the three instructors stepped out from behind the tree, each trying to look as inconspicuous as possible under Elder Garrick's piercing gaze.

"What are you doing here?" Garrick's voice was filled with barely contained irritation.

"Didn't I tell you to go back? Then why are you still wandering around?"

The instructors exchanged uneasy glances before Park cleared his throat, forcing a shaky grin.

"E-Elder Garrick… we… um… we were patrolling here, right, guys?" He nudged the others, who immediately straightened up.

"Y-Yes! Patrolling! Just doing our rounds in the forest. You know… keeping an eye out… making sure everything's in order," added one of the others, nodding enthusiastically.

Elder Garrick's gaze hardened, his patience wearing thin.

"You guys…! Do you think I'll fall for that pitiful excuse? Don't even try it! Now quit your bluffing and tell me what you were really doing here, or I'll make sure you regret it!"

The three instructors fumbled under Garrick's glare, all sense of confidence evaporating.

"W-we were… just…" Park stammered, his face growing paler by the second.

Before Elder Garrick could continue his reprimand, a calm, commanding voice cut through the tension.

"Elder Garrick," Elder Lysandra's words held a quiet authority that made even Garrick pause, "calm yourself. Don't lose your temper just yet. We have more pressing matters at hand."

Her gaze shifted briefly toward the instructors, who immediately stiffened, feeling the weight of her words.

She continued, her tone cool yet resolute.

"Our priority is to understand the disturbance in the forest and the cause of the alarm's activation. You know as well as I do how serious this is—we can't afford distractions. Let these three go for now."

Garrick took a measured breath, casting a long, withering look at the instructors before muttering.

"Haa… fine. I'll let them go for now… I won't pursue this any further—"

A wave of relief passed over the instructors, and they managed faint, hopeful smiles. "Th-Thank you very much, Elder Ga-"

"But once I'm done with the investigation…" Garrick's voice turned low and menacing, "I'll deal with you three personally!"

The three of them shivered, their faces blanching. "S-s-sorry… Elder Garrick… w-we won't do something like this again. Please, forgive us…"

Elder Lysandra nodded, her tone firm but calm. "It's settled, then. You three," she directed her gaze at the instructors, "are to stay here until we return from the forest. Don't wander off, don't try anything foolish, and wait for our return. Understood?"

Park straightened up and nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, Elder! We won't go anywhere until you're back…"

Elder Garrick shot her a surprised look. "Wait…what do you mean? Are we going in there personally?"

Lysandra gave a faint, knowing smile. "And who else would you suggest, Elder Garrick? Do you really think it wise to send them"—she glanced pointedly at the instructors—"to investigate a potential danger in the forest?"

The three instructors flinched, their eyes widening with a mixture of fear and pleading.

"W-What!? E-Elder Garrick… P-please don't be like that!" Park stammered, his face pale. "We know we made a mistake, but please… don't send us in there. We promise we'll never ignore orders again! Please… show us mercy!"

Garrick huffed, exasperated. "These little—" He cut himself off, rubbing his forehead.

"That's not what I meant. I just think… if this disturbance could be serious, maybe we should at least inform the Grand Elders or Headmaster before heading in ourselves…"

Lysandra shook her head, her tone thoughtful but resolute.

"Of course, I considered that. But if this is just a disturbance caused by some wild beasts or maybe shifting magical currents, then it would be unnecessary to trouble the Grand Elders or Headmaster over a false alarm. They have many matters to handle, and it would be unwise to bother them for something that might amount to nothing."

She folded her arms, her gaze steady. "Let's go in, assess the situation ourselves, and if there is any real threat, we'll inform them at once. No need to raise alarms without cause."

Garrick exhaled deeply, clearly not thrilled but recognizing her logic. Despite her calm, confident demeanor, he couldn't shake his unease. Years in the field had taught him to trust his gut, and right now, every part of him screamed that something was off. But Lysandra simply moved forward, dismissing his silent worry with barely a glance. To her, the forest was just a puzzle waiting to be solved, and she was ready to handle it.

With that, Elder Garrick, Elder Lysandra, and two Barrier Wardens made their way toward the small gate in the bottom left corner.

The moment they crossed the threshold, a subtle shift overtook the air. The shadows beneath the trees seemed to deepen, absorbing the faintest flicker of light as the forest embraced them in its ancient silence.

An unnatural chill prickled at their skin, making the Barrier Wardens exchange wary glances.

Garrick clenched his jaw, his gaze sweeping the shadows. 'I don't know why, but something doesn't feel right about this. There's a weight in the air… like a storm brewing, hidden beyond our sight,' he thought grimly.

'If this truly is no simple alarm, we may be in for more than we bargained for. Well… whatever it is, we'll soon see.'

And with every step they took into the depths of the forest, the uneasy feeling grew stronger—a warning from the unseen forces that waited, silent and vigilant, within the heart of Shadowveil.