Lorin examined the Bracelet in his hand. The central gemstone had begun to emit a faint glow.

Even in the pitch-black night, this light was barely noticeable unless one looked closely.

"The direction should be right, but we’re still some distance off," he murmured.

The Bracelet’s reaction confirmed the other Bracelet lay this way. Yet its dim glow meant he wasn’t close to them yet.

It was deep night. Luckily, Lorin had slept soundly all day, so his energy held up well.

The Bookkeeper had long since imprinted this forest’s map into Lorin’s mind. He navigated the path with ease.

Just as Lorin scanned for Xueyi and Lilith, a figure darted from the bushes ahead.

They spotted each other too late to dodge. Collision was instant.

"Ow ow ow!"

Both clutched their heads. Even under his hood, Lorin felt a slight bump on his forehead. The crash had been hard.

Lorin looked up. The stranger wore a black cloak, just like him. Their purposes here seemed identical.

Instinctively, Lorin gripped the longsword at his waist, staying alert.

This forest was for student trials, but outsiders often caused trouble. Some even targeted fellow protectors to eliminate rivals for noble students.

The shadow glanced at Lorin. Seeing the matching cloak, he grinned. "Hey, bro! A fellow protector! Didn’t expect to meet one so soon."

Ignoring Lorin’s guarded stance, he strode forward. "Bro, got food? Quick—I’m starving!"

"Uh." Lorin was thrown off guard.

The man stayed casually familiar. "Seriously, bro. Hook me up."

Lorin sighed. He pulled out a sack of dried rations. Before he could share, the man snatched it, plopped down, and dug in while eating.

Mid-bite, he yanked off his hood, unconcerned about exposing his face.

What’s with this guy?

Lorin had never heard of hiring someone so unreliable for trials.

The man finished the last bite, grabbed his wineskin, and gulped loudly.

"Ah—saved!" He exhaled heavily, full and satisfied.

"You..." Lorin was speechless.

The man finally noticed Lorin still standing there. "Bro, you wouldn’t know—I haven’t eaten in three days. Almost didn’t make it. Glad I found you."

"You took this job while starving?" Lorin asked.

"No choice," the man wiped his mouth. "Work’s scarce lately. And this gig pays after completion."

His presence confirmed outsiders roamed here beyond the trial students.

"Alright." Lorin turned to leave.

The man called calmly, "No rush, bro. Few fierce beasts roam at night. Those nobles won’t get into trouble now. You can go later."

"You know this forest well?" Lorin asked.

"Of course!" He patted his chest proudly. "I come here three or four times a month. That’s why they hired me. Only worry is the Mountain Lord deep inside. Otherwise? Nothing to fear."

"Mountain Lord?" Lorin recalled the Bookkeeper mentioning it, but it hadn’t appeared in the original story. Details were scarce.

"Just an old thing sleeping in the mountain," the man shrugged. "Don’t disturb it, and you’re fine."

"Is that so? Thanks." Lorin relaxed slightly. This was his only clue about the Mountain Lord—and it didn’t sound urgent.

"No thanks needed, bros!" The man sized up Lorin’s slender frame under the cloak, contrasting his own burly build. "But I’m curious—is your noble student a boy or girl?"

"A girl." Lorin answered directly. The gender alone couldn’t reveal her family.

"Ugh, troublesome," the man waved a hand. "I hate noble girls. They scowl all day. Want something? They pretend not to, clinging to ‘noble pride.’ Say no. Then when you offer it—" He mimicked a high-pitched whine: "*No no no!*"

Lorin got goosebumps.

"Heh." Lorin forced an awkward laugh. "You seem experienced."

"Eh, I deal with them often."

The man brushed off dust, stood, wiped his hands, and extended one. "I’m Zeis."

Lorin couldn’t refuse. He shook it. "Lorin."

"Mm." Zeis nodded. "Need anything later? Just ask for me on Black Street."

"Uh, okay." Lorin doubted he’d need help from someone who stole his food.

Zeis pulled his hood up. Before leaving, he warned, "Bro—don’t go deep inside. It’s truly dangerous there."

Lorin nodded. He watched Zeis vanish into the dark.

With Zeis gone, Lorin sighed. The encounter was unexpected. It cost a little time, but not much.

And if Zeis was right, the forest at night held little danger.