Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Into the Mist

Dawn broke with a soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over the fortress as the company assembled in the courtyard. The air was thick with anticipation, a shared silence heavy with the weight of the unknown. Elara, Ethan, and Lyra stood at the forefront, their gazes fixed on the horizon, where the first tendrils of the Shrouded Vale's mist could be seen creeping over the distant hills.

The warriors were clad in light armor, chosen for mobility rather than protection, each piece meticulously crafted and maintained. Their weapons gleamed in the morning light, ready for the trials that awaited them. They moved with quiet efficiency, making final adjustments to their gear, but their eyes kept flicking towards the east, where their path would soon take them.