Jake took a deep breath, gathering his courage to speak the truth.
He knew that honesty was his best chance at gaining their trust, even if it meant facing the consequences of his actions head-on.
"Allow me to explain," Jake began, his voice steady and resolute.
"Before the demonic attack, our team had split into four different directions to cover more ground. It was a strategic decision, intended to increase our chances of success."
He glanced at Adolf, hoping to convey a sense of sincerity and transparency.
Then, his gaze shifted to Felix and the other mages, meeting their eyes with unwavering determination.
"As luck would have it, I found myself in a position where I was not directly in the path of the demons' onslaught," Jake continued.
"While my comrades faced the brunt of the attack, I managed to evade their attention and remained unharmed."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, aware of the weight they carried.
