They stood over Kage, frozen—stunned by what he'd just said.
"Big words from someone who can't walk another meter. Why don't you worry about yourself?!" Isolde glared down at him with open contempt.
Kage smiled gently, settling into place with Bei cradled in his hands, eyes drifting shut.
Haru stared, torn—caught between instinct and uncertainty. Kaito watched with empty eyes, his mind already calculating:
'The lady's rude, but she's right. Anything lurking in the Silent Grove has a 65% increased chance of coming for us. Brother Kage's breakdown has demoralized many—73% probability the group fractures, everyone left to fend for themselves. When that happens, running is optimal. But waiting here for brother Kage? We're exposed. A whopping 90% increased risk.'
Talia turned to the others, her back to Kage.
