An hour passed while I remained at the base camp, using the time to plan our next strategic moves. The examination was progressing, but the resource situation was becoming increasingly clear.

No additional shrines had been spotted by any of our teams except for the contested one where Seraphina's group was operating. Similarly, no white donkeys had approached our river position despite our advantageous location.

'The resources are becoming scarce and difficult to find,' I thought to myself. 'This will force teams to start targeting each other directly to acquire Crest Marks.'

This development was predictable. As easily accessible resources depleted, the examination would naturally evolve into more direct competition between teams. The academy had likely designed it this way intentionally, testing not just puzzle-solving and hunting abilities, but also tactical combat and resource denial.

The communication crystal suddenly rang, interrupting my strategic planning.

"We are about to engage with Seraphina's team. Just wanted to update you," came Emmet's voice through the device.

I could hear the anticipation in his tone. This was exactly the kind of direct confrontation he had been hoping for throughout the examination.

"Understood," I replied calmly. "Remember the priorities, figure out who has the contents first, engage in combat second. Coordinate with the scouting teams for numerical advantage, and maintain communication discipline."

The pieces were finally moving into position for what could be a decisive engagement. If executed properly, this confrontation would significantly strengthen our position while weakening one of our primary competitors.

"Keep me informed of major developments," I added. "Good hunting."

The waiting phase was over.

Elen walked towards me after seeing me end the communication call, her curiosity evident in her expression.

"Who was it?" she asked.

"It was Emmet. He's engaging with another Elite class team," I replied matter-of-factly.

Elen's eyes widened in surprise, she hadn't been informed about this development during her focus on the alchemy work.

"Does he need help? Should we go support him?" she asked with obvious concern.

I shook my head firmly. "It's fine. He can handle the situation. How is the concoction work progressing?"

Her eyes immediately brightened, and she began speaking with genuine excitement about her recent progress.

"It's going wonderfully! There are so many useful resources scattered throughout this forest area. I'm gaining practical experience with potion brewing without having to consume the expensive materials I purchased back at the academy. It's like having a free outdoor laboratory with unlimited supplies."

She continued enthusiastically about the various herbs and components she had discovered, and the ones that I had brought, describing their properties and potential applications with the passion of someone truly engaged in their craft.

I couldn't help but laugh at her infectious enthusiasm. "That's excellent progress, as long as you're certain they're actually healing potions and not accidentally poisonous concoctions."

"That's mean!" she pouted in mock offense before breaking into laughter alongside me.

Minutes passed by without any updates from Emmet or the other team members. The silence was concerning, but I forced myself to wait patiently for news from the field. Contacting them during crucial moments could distract them and prove to be a terrible mistake.

I was bound to get new from them, whether successful or not.

Ten minutes finally elapsed before a response came through the communication crystal.

"Captain... We have retrieved the crystals, but Emmet is refusing to back down from the fight with Seraphina. He's also threatening any of us if we dare to join in on the fight, he wants to fight her alone," one of the team members I had sent reported with obvious frustration and worry.

A frown formed on my face. Emmet was clearly not following the plan I had set to him. He had gotten so caught up in the combat that he no longer cared about our broader objectives or team coordination.

The mission's success was within hand's length. Yet, Emmet wasn't complying.

I took a deep breath before asking, "What about Seraphina's team?"

"We have immobilized them," came the reply.

"Good. Bring the crystals back to the shrine entrance, then withdraw. Leave Emmet alone," I ordered firmly.

"But Captain, shouldn't we—"

"I said leave him!" I interrupted, my voice carrying clear authority.

Knowing Emmet, with his mind clearly set on fighting Seraphina. Even my words won't change anything. Thus, I decided to change the plan and work around Emmet's issues to regain the advantage we had.

"Yes, Captain," the team member responded reluctantly.

I stood up from the log I had been sitting on and immediately sought out Marcus, who was overseeing the camp's defensive preparations. His presence would be crucial for maintaining security in my absence.

"Marcus, there's been a complication," I explained quickly. "Emmet has engaged in solo combat and is refusing to disengage. The team secured the shrine's contents, but I need to handle the situation personally."

Marcus nodded with his calm, and understanding expression. "The camp will remain secure. How long do you expect to be away?"

"Unknown. Maintain vigilance and be prepared for potential retaliation if other teams become aware of our activities. Keep Elen and the others focused on their tasks, and don't let anyone leave the perimeter without explicit orders."

"Alright, take care." Marcus nodded.

I gathered my equipment and prepared to depart immediately. Emmet's reckless behaviour was threatening to compromise our carefully planned strategy, and direct intervention was now necessary to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

The distance to the contested shrine would give me time to consider how best to handle a teammate who had lost sight of our mission objectives in favour of personal combat satisfaction.

My body blurred through the various trees, bushes and undergrowth inside the forest. My destination was clear and my purpose was set. I needed to reach the shrine where Emmet was fighting.

As for the hostages and my other team, I wasn't worried about them. They should be enough to deal with Seraphina's team, they are hostages for a reason after all.

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