Missing the Exam?

The next day, the atmosphere at the entrance of the Monster Forest was thick with concern.

The towering trees of the forest loomed ahead, casting long shadows over the gathered students.

It was 9 a.m. sharp, and the exam was set to begin in just thirty minutes. No one wanted to miss this crucial test, so nearly everyone had arrived early, their faces a mix of worry and nerves.

Mark and Lena stood close together among the crowd, their expressions far more anxious than most.

While others were focused on the upcoming challenge, Mark and Lena were consumed with worry for Aiden, who still hadn't responded to any of their calls or messages since the previous day.

Lena glanced at Mark, her brow furrowed. "We still haven't heard from him. What if something really did happen?"

Mark's jaw clenched, his mind racing with possibilities. "I don't know, Lena. I thought everything would be fine, but now…"