"Hold position," Henrik ordered. "Let your eyes adjust and essence senses acclimate. Dungeons have higher ambient essence than surface environments. It affects perception."
Kai expanded his essence sense carefully, feeling the chamber's dimensions and the three passage entrances. The concentration of ambient essence was indeed higher although not dangerously so, but enough to create a subtle pressure against his awareness.
Lin stood nearby, her water orb floating above her palm. The light caught in her red hair, making it shimmer with blue-tinted highlights. She was breathing carefully, clearly working to control nervousness.
"Formation check," Ben called. "Sound off!"
Each student confirmed their position. The formation was solid—combat specialists at front and rear, support protected in the middle, scouts ready to range ahead.
