Game's Extra

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Aiden sat by the dwindling campfire, his eyes heavy with fatigue but alert. He hadn't slept, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. The soft rustling of movement signaled the awakening of his teammates.

"Morning, Aiden," Elena said, stretching and yawning. "Did you even sleep?"

Aiden shook his head. "Couldn't. Someone had to keep watch."

Felix and Olivia joined them, offering their own groggy greetings. The group quickly fell into discussion about their next move.

"We can't stay here," Felix said, brushing dirt off his sleeves. "The ones who chased us might come back."

Olivia nodded in agreement. "We should pack up and find a new spot."

With that, they dismantled their camp, ensuring no trace was left behind. After a short trek through the forest, they stumbled upon a clear stream. The sound of rushing water was a welcome relief.

"This spot seems ideal," Elena remarked. "Water supply and some cover."

Aiden scanned the area. "Agreed. Let's set up here."

They quickly established a new camp, then split into pairs to search for flags. Aiden and Elena ventured deeper into the forest together, the silence between them occasionally broken by conversation.

"So," Elena said, walking beside him, "what's your deal, Aiden? You're… different from most people."

"Different how?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the path ahead.

"You're resourceful, clever, and oddly calm under pressure. It's almost like you've done this before."

Aiden smirked. "Let's just say I'm good at adapting."

Elena rolled her eyes. "You're annoyingly vague, you know that?"

"Maybe," Aiden replied, a hint of amusement in his tone.

Their search eventually led them to a clearing where they spotted movement. Three forest jackals prowled around, one with a flag tied to its back.

"Three of them," Elena whispered, crouching behind a bush. "What's the plan?"

Aiden motioned for the group to gather. Felix and Olivia joined them, their expressions tense.

"We lure two away first," Aiden explained. "Felix, Olivia, you'll handle them. Elena and I will deal with the third one after."

Felix nodded. "Got it."

Olivia grinned. "Let's light them up."

Felix and Olivia moved into position, drawing the attention of two jackals. Olivia conjured a stream of fire, forcing the beasts to scatter. Felix followed up, his sword crackling with electricity as he slashed at one of the creatures. The jackals snarled and lunged, their claws swiping dangerously close.

Meanwhile, Aiden and Elena focused on the third jackal. Aiden touched the ground, activating his Overhaul ability. The earth beneath the jackals shifted, forming a fan-shaped slope that sent the beasts tumbling.

"They're off-balance!" Elena shouted, unleashing a bolt of lightning that paralyzed the creatures.

Aiden didn't hesitate. Using his Overhaul, he reassembled the ground into sharp wooden spikes that pierced through the jackals, killing them instantly.

"Nice work," Elena said, catching her breath. "You're scary good at this."

"Thanks," Aiden replied, avoiding her gaze. "Let's help Felix and Olivia."

They rushed to join their teammates. Aiden touched a nearby tree, pulling a spear from the wood and hurling it at one of the remaining jackals. The weapon struck true, and the creature collapsed.

Elena followed up with a barrage of lightning, her magic searing the last jackal until it fell lifeless.

"Teamwork makes the dream work," Olivia said, panting. "That was intense."

Felix grinned. "We did it."

Aiden wiped his brow, a dull ache forming in his head. "Let's take a breather."

The group rested by the stream, catching their breath and tending to minor injuries. Aiden leaned against a tree, his headache worsening slightly.

"You okay?" Elena asked, sitting beside him.

"Yeah, just overdid it a bit," he admitted.

After their rest, they collected the three flags from the jackals and made their way back to camp. Along the way, Elena teased Aiden about his seriousness, eliciting an awkward chuckle from him.

Back at the camp, Aiden fashioned a wooden spear and began fishing in the stream. His patience paid off as he caught two fish, which he handed to Felix.

"Your turn to cook," Aiden said with a small smile.

Felix rolled his eyes but took the fish. "Fine, but don't complain if it's overcooked."

While Felix cooked, Aiden returned to fishing, catching a few more to ensure everyone had enough. The aroma of grilled fish soon filled the camp, and the group gathered to eat, their spirits lifted after a successful day.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they settled in for the night, their thoughts already turning to the challenges ahead. The second day of the test loomed, promising more trials and surprises.