Winking
The group didn't even consider stopping for a break. They had been inside the underground structure for hours, and they had experienced awful experiences. The sadness and grief caused by the loss of two of their companions were intensifying in their minds, and they didn't want them to burst out in a random spot in the wilds. Zeliha's condition was also awful, so they prioritized getting back inside the academy.
The few hours that divided the team from [The Pure Trees] helped the students realize what they had just experienced. It wasn't too rare for the Niqols to lose assets during hunts or missions. It sounded like a cruel and cynical process, but it also was a core part of their society.