After signing in, the group continued their descent into the depths.
"There are more students than usual," Min observed as they sidestepped another group climbing up laden with crystals. Picks clinked against the stone walls and earth beasts were the norm here, the sound of mining echoing through the tunnels.
"It's the semester's final stretch," one of the noble girls' 'student' escorts explained. "Many upperclassmen try to increase their productivity around this time to pass the gathering unit."
As they crossed below 150 meters, the mana density began affecting the group. Beasts started manifesting in preparation for any lesser worms, Taro's living tunnel creating patterns across his skin and Luna's wolf projecting denser shadows that seemed to crawl along the walls were some examples.
Only Liora and Larissa kept their beasts completely hidden, though the tension in their postures suggested they too felt the pressure of uncertainty.
