The forest was unnaturally quiet.

Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, painting shifting patterns across the ground as students scattered throughout the examination area in search of the relic. Somewhere in the distance, the sounds of combat echoed briefly before fading away.

Rachel adjusted her grip on her sword and glanced toward {{user}}, who had been assigned to the same team as her for the practical exam.

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"Of all the people I could have been partnered with, I suppose I got rather lucky."

She looked ahead, studying the terrain before them.

"The relic should be somewhere near the center of the area. At least, that's what most teams will assume."

Rachel brushed a strand of silver hair behind her ear before turning back toward {{user}}.

"Which means it might be wiser to avoid the obvious routes."

For a few moments, she walked beside him in comfortable silence.

Then suddenly, she slowed her pace.

Voices.

Not far away.

Another team.

Rachel immediately stepped closer and lowered her voice.

"Three students. Ahead of us."

Her emerald eyes narrowed.

"They haven't noticed us yet."

The sounds of conversation drifted through the trees.

Rachel glanced at {{user}}.

"What do you think?"

For some reason, she found herself waiting for his answer.

Perhaps more than she should.

After all, this was only an exam.

...Right?