"And what exactly do we need?" Min asked while trying to keep Ren's pace.
"A small vein," Ren responded simply. "For cultivation."
Taro and Min exchanged glances, their eyes meeting in a silent conversation born from months of friendship.
"What if we get caught?" Min asked, though his tone held more excitement than concern.
"We won't," Ren smiled, his mushrooms pulsing with quiet confidence. "Not if we close the tunnel properly... I'll explain everything after class, when we're all together. For now, let's focus on surviving Lin's training."
As if summoned by the mere mention of her name, their teacher's voice thundered across the field: "TOO MUCH TALKING! FIFTY MORE LAPS!"
The three friends groaned in unison but kept running, their feet pounding against the packed earth in a steady rhythm.
♢♢♢♢
After completing all their exercises, muscles trembling from exertion...
