The desiccated corpses

Two days later.

Night had fallen over the forest south of the Church's Magic Academy.

This area lay beyond the Academy's main barrier, but it was still within Church-controlled territory and was often used for field training by students with actual combat experience. Low-ranked magical beasts were common, medicinal herbs were not difficult to find, and as long as one avoided going too far east, most dangers remained manageable.

In a clearing surrounded by enormous trees, three students sat around a campfire.

Two men and one woman.

Their cloaks all bore the Academy's crest, though after two days in the forest, the fabric was already covered in dust and dirt.

The blond male student had placed his sword within easy reach of his right hand. The other young man was turning a piece of meat over the flames with a wooden stick, while the female student in a pale blue mage robe sat against a tree with her knees drawn up.