Elio emerged from the tunnel while voraciously absorbing cores. His elephant summon disappeared in a flash of light, ready to be called upon when needed.
He moved away from both the tunnel and the rock blocking their advance. He chose a direction that formed an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the point where these two references were located.
As he walked, the darkness around him was almost tangible.
He continued, moving far enough from the tunnel to not compromise its safety.
After several minutes of constant advance, Elio decided he had put enough distance between himself and the tunnel.
He sat down, taking out the provisions he had brought with him. While eating, his book continued to automatically absorb cores.
"Well, Gust," Elio murmured to his swift, which was fluttering near him. "Looks like it's just you and me for now."