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The group moved steadily, the rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves blending with the faint rush of the river now visible in the distance. The sight of the flowing water brought a brief moment of calm, but no one let their guard down. The world had a way of turning even the most peaceful sights into traps.

Y/N, unknowingly, had slipped into a light sleep. Her body, finally succumbing to exhaustion, relaxed slightly against Hyung Sik's chest. He noticed immediately and adjusted his grip, careful not to jostle her or wake her. He knew she hadn't let herself rest properly in days-maybe weeks. The sound of the river seemed to lull her further into much-needed rest, though he remained acutely aware of every shift in her breathing, every twitch of her hand. She might have been asleep, but he knew her instincts would wake her at the first hint of danger.

RM, riding just to Hyung Sik's left, glanced over at Suga. The quiet understanding between them was clear: Y/N needed this moment of reprieve. Suga, his katana glinting faintly in the moonlight, gave a barely perceptible nod.

"She's sleeping," RM murmured under his breath, his tone laced with both concern and relief.

"For now," Suga replied, his voice equally low. His eyes scanned the treeline and open fields, ever-watchful. "But if something happens, she'll wake. She always does."

RM sighed, his grip tightening on the reins of his horse. "Let's hope she doesn't have to this time."

Behind them, Jin and Jungkook rode together on a strong stallion, whispering quietly. Jin's calm voice reassured Jungkook, whose worried glances toward Y/N were frequent. "She'll be okay," Jin said softly. "She's strong. Just like always."

Jungkook nodded, but the tension in his jaw didn't ease. He kept one hand near his weapon, his protective instincts kicking in.

Hobi, high in a nearby tree moments earlier, had rejoined the group, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead. He rode with his shotgun slung over his shoulder, the silencer firmly in place. "Clear so far," he reported softly, his usual cheer replaced by a quiet seriousness.

The sound of the river grew louder as they approached, and the sight of the flowing water under the moonlight brought a strange sense of hope to the group. Hyung Sik, his focus divided between guiding Orion and ensuring Y/N's comfort, allowed himself a brief smile. She had trusted him enough to relax, even if just a little. That was progress.

The others remained on high alert, their hands never straying far from their weapons. Even as the group moved through what appeared to be a safe area, they knew better than to assume. Ambushers and stalkers were often drawn to water sources. Jin reminded Jungkook of this as they whispered strategies, while Taehyung and Jimin checked their surroundings.

Hyung Sik glanced down at Y/N, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, her breathing steady but shallow. He could feel the tension still lingering in her muscles, even in sleep. He whispered softly, just to her, though he knew she wouldn't hear it.

"Don't worry. No one's going to be left behind. I'll make sure of it."

As they rode, the group remained tense but determined, their goal in sight yet still far enough to keep them vigilant. The river was only the beginning; they knew Minho's base wasn't far now, but they also knew the danger wasn't over yet.

---

The group came to a sudden halt, and Y/N's eyes snapped open, her instincts taking over immediately. She scanned her surroundings, noting the faint sound of the river rushing stronger now. It was clear they had to cross it. The terrain wasn't safe for horses, and she quickly realized walking beside them was the only option to prevent any accidents.

She looked to Hyung Sik, her voice calm but firm as she informed him of the situation. Before he could reply, she slipped down from Orion with practiced ease, steadying herself as her feet touched the ground. Without missing a beat, she retrieved her sword and bow, slinging the latter over her shoulder. Her movements were deliberate, measured.

Suga, watching from the side, shook his head slightly, muttering to himself, "Of course she's up and moving already."

The others dismounted as Hyung Sik confirmed her assessment, explaining the need to cross the river cautiously. Y/N moved toward the water, her steps quiet and precise, scanning for any immediate threats. She crouched near the edge, her hand brushing the surface of the cold water. The chill grounded her. Splashing her face several times, she let the icy sensation clear the last remnants of sleep and exhaustion.

She looked up, her gaze sharp as she assessed their surroundings again. The riverbank was too quiet. Too calm. The kind of calm that made her gut churn. Still, there was no immediate danger.

"Move," she signaled, gesturing for the others to begin crossing. Hyung Sik led the way, steady and deliberate, guiding Orion carefully through the current. One by one, the others followed, their weapons ready but their focus on keeping their footing. RM stayed close to the middle, his watchful eyes on the group, but when he turned to Suga for confirmation, Suga gestured for him to go ahead.

"I've got her," Suga said quietly, waiting for Y/N.

Y/N stood, her steps sure as she approached the water. She adjusted her gear, ensuring her sword was easily accessible, her bow ready at a moment's notice. She felt calmer now, a sense of focus returning after the hours of rest-a calm she hadn't felt in what seemed like forever. She couldn't even remember the last time she'd allowed herself to relax.

Suga fell into step beside her, his gaze lingering for a moment as if trying to read her. She didn't acknowledge it, her focus entirely on the task at hand. Her movements were steady, too steady, and too calm for some of the group to believe. Was she truly relaxed, or was she masking her exhaustion again? Either way, she gave no indication of faltering.

The group crossed the river carefully, the sound of rushing water filling the air as they guided their horses through the uneven terrain. Every step felt deliberate, every movement cautious. On the other side, they regrouped, ensuring nothing had been left behind and no one had been injured.

Y/N's mind was already on the next steps. Her body moved with precision, her focus unwavering, but she knew her group would wonder. Was she genuinely recovered, or was she just pushing through again? For now, she didn't care. They had a mission, and her rest, as short as it felt, had been enough to steady her resolve.

Suga stayed close, his katana at his side, his sharp eyes scanning the area. He didn't say much, but the slight tilt of his head toward her spoke volumes. He was watching, waiting, and ready if needed.

As the others began mounting their horses, Hyung Sik couldn't help but watch Y/N, his gaze lingering as she stood still for a moment, her eyes focused on the ground. She appeared to be lost in thought, as if trying to sense something. The group exchanged confused looks, wondering what she was doing, but Hyung Sik merely smirked, knowing she had likely noticed something they hadn't.

Without warning, Y/N moved a few steps ahead, crouching low as she reached down, drawing her blade from its hidden sheath in her boots. The faint moonlight made the blade gleam, casting an eerie reflection on the water's surface. The others tensed, wondering what she was planning.

"Stop!" someone called out, but it was too late.

Y/N smirked knowingly, her focus unwavering as she hurled the blade into the trees. A soft whoosh echoed through the air, followed by a thud as the figure she targeted fell to the ground, silently incapacitated.

Hyung Sik couldn't help but stifle a laugh, remembering the first time he had fallen victim to Y/N's precise aim. He shook his head, amused. "She's still as sharp as ever," he muttered under his breath.

The group, some still mounted on their horses and others on the ground, remained alert, their eyes scanning the area. Even with the immediate threat taken care of, the tension hung in the air, each of them aware that there was no such thing as a simple night under these circumstances.

Suga, RM, Hobi, Tae, JK, Jimin, and Jin all kept their guard up, their hands hovering near their weapons.

As the figure fell, Y/N chuckled softly, recognizing who it was. She was in a playful mood, and it was hard to resist teasing him. She walked toward the groaning figure on the ground, laughing at his dismay.

There he was, Lu Han, groaning and cursing her in multiple languages. Y/N couldn't stop herself from laughing, clearly enjoying his frustration. She sensed another figure approaching, and sure enough, a voice called out, "Don't! I'm coming! No need to greet me in that style!"

Lu Han muttered, "If you wanted to meet, you could've just asked politely... Why attack with a blade?"

Y/N smirked, standing in an awkward yet playful stance. She didn't respond, just enjoying the moment. Then, the other figure came into view-Chen. He burst into laughter when he saw his friend on the ground.

Meanwhile, her group stood off to the side, eyeing the two newcomers with curiosity. "Who are they?" RM asked, exchanging a glance with Suga.

"They're friends," Y/N replied nonchalantly, keeping it light.

Lu Han and Chen were part of Minho's group, and Y/N knew there could be others nearby. But she wasn't about to share too much with the group, especially at this hour.

"Is the area clear?" Y/N asked, her tone shifting slightly as she looked to the two men. They exchanged serious glances, their playful expressions now gone.

"The area's clear," Lu Han confirmed, his voice now more focused.

Y/N nodded and then asked, "Why come here so late?" They both exchanged another glance, and she could tell they were waiting for an answer, but she simply shrugged, clearly not wanting to elaborate. They didn't push further, knowing it was best to let her be.

After a short pause, Y/N motioned toward her team. "Alright then, we'll be heading to Minho's base. We should be there by morning," she said, gesturing for her team to prepare. "You two keep doing your duty, don't slack off."

Lu Han gave her a playful look. "We'll be fine, just don't give us too much trouble."

With a final laugh, Y/N responded, "Don't worry, I won't. Just make sure you do your work properly and Stay Safe."

As she turned to leave, the group began moving toward their destination. The mood lightened a bit as they walked, but the road ahead would still be long. Tomorrow, they would reach Minho's base, where the next part of their journey would begin.

---

Y/N was struggling to keep her posture upright, her body clearly exhausted from pushing herself too hard. Hyung Sik could feel the tension in her frame, the slight tremor in her hands as she held the reins. She had been fighting it for hours, but he could tell she was barely holding on.

Her nose had stopped bleeding, but that didn't mean she was fine. He knew all too well that it could come back. Still, she refused to acknowledge her limits, focusing instead on the urgency of their mission. He could feel the heat rising off her body, the subtle signs of fatigue she was desperately trying to hide.

"Y/N," Hyung Sik murmured, his voice soft but firm. His hand moved to steady her as she swayed slightly on Orion, not trusting her to hold herself steady anymore. She was too stubborn, and he was starting to get worried.

"Relax," he said, his tone gentle but insistent. "You're not fooling anyone. You need to rest. Let me help you."

She didn't respond right away, her face still determined but pale. He could see how much effort it took just to stay upright. Suga and RM, a few paces ahead, exchanged glances, clearly noticing her exhaustion. They let out resigned sighs, helpless to change her mind. This was Y/N after all-always pushing herself, no matter the cost.

Hyung Sik, however, wasn't going to let her keep this up. He guided Orion to a slow pace, gently pulling her in toward him. With a quiet sigh, he encouraged her again, his voice a soft whisper. "Rest, Y/N. Just for a moment."

Without another word, Y/N allowed herself to collapse against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. She was too tired to argue, the weight of exhaustion pulling her down. Hyung Sik instinctively wrapped one arm around her, keeping her steady between him and the reins as he held Orion in control with the other. He could feel her breathing softly against him, her body still tense but gradually relaxing, giving in to the moment of rest.

"Just breathe," Hyung Sik murmured, his grip on the reins tightening. "We'll keep moving, but you need to take it easy."

Y/N didn't say anything, but the tension in her shoulders finally began to melt. She was still fighting it, still too proud to admit she was struggling, but for now, she allowed herself a brief moment of peace. Hyung Sik could feel her head heavy against him, her breath slow and steady. He wasn't letting her go until he knew she had enough rest to continue.

Suga and RM looked back at them, the familiar helpless sighs escaping them once more. They knew how stubborn Y/N could be. Despite all the danger they were facing, it was moments like this that made them wish she would just take care of herself.

"She's too stubborn," RM muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with concern.

"I don't think even the apocalypse could make her slow down," Suga added, shaking his head with a small smile.

Hyung Sik didn't respond, but he understood. He would make sure she was safe, even if he had to push her limits for her. For now, he focused on keeping her safe, her head resting gently on his shoulder as they continued their journey.

The journey was still long, but for now, they were a team-no matter how much Y/N tried to pretend she didn't need help.

---

As the first light of morning crept over the horizon, Y/N remained perched against Hyung Sik, her exhaustion palpable but her senses razor-sharp. She wasn't truly sleeping-no, she was simply resting, but her mind was on high alert, scanning every sound, every movement around them. She trusted the group, but she never let her guard down completely, especially not in the wild unpredictability of the world they now lived in.

Her grip tightened slightly on Orion's reins, her body suddenly tensing as something caught her attention. Without a moment's hesitation, Y/N pulled on the reins, halting Orion in an abrupt motion. The sudden stop was so jarring it caught everyone off guard. Hyung Sik, who had been holding her steady, barely managed to steady her in his arms. Without him, she would've been thrown off balance completely.

Y/N took a steadying breath, trying to regain her composure. Her head was still heavy from the strain, but she wasn't about to let herself slip into unconsciousness. Not yet. Not now.

Hyung Sik, still holding her steady, quietly asked, "You okay?"

"I'm fine," she said, her voice a bit strained but firm. She pushed herself up, straightening her back with determination, refusing to let weakness show. She quickly surveyed her surroundings, her eyes sharp, scanning for any signs of danger.

Once she was sure there was no immediate threat, she relaxed slightly but still remained cautious. "Stay alert," she ordered, her tone a mix of exhaustion and authority.

After a moment, she turned to Hyung Sik, her gaze clear. "We need to keep moving. Dismount. I'll be fine."

Hyung Sik hesitated for a second, still sensing her unsteadiness, but seeing the determination in her eyes, he dismounted as instructed, trusting her judgment. He gave her a last worried glance before moving away, still ready to act if necessary.

"Everyone, stay here," Y/N said, now giving orders more than ever. "I need you to keep watch. I'll go up there with Orion to check the area from a higher ground."

She pointed toward a high vantage point in the distance where they would be able to see the surrounding area clearly. With a swift motion, she mounted Orion again, urging the horse forward. Her body was still weak, but her resolve was stronger than ever.

Hyung Sik and the rest of the team exchanged glances but didn't question her decision. They knew better than to argue with her when she was in this state of mind. With a quiet sigh, Hyung Sik nodded and held back, trusting her lead.

Y/N spurred Orion into a canter, the horse's hooves pounding against the earth as she moved ahead with purpose. Though she was exhausted, her instincts and sharp gaze never wavered. She needed to see everything, to confirm there were no immediate threats. After all, she wasn't just leading her group through this-she was protecting them too.

---

As Y/N reached the high point, she brought Orion to a halt, her heart pounding as she surveyed the landscape. She pressed a hand to her forehead, her thoughts racing. The sun had yet to rise, and the darkness stretched ominously over the terrain. Her group wasn't far, still within her line of sight, but the horde-a mix of 40 to 45 stalkers and ambushers-was far too close for comfort. She could sense the danger in the air.

She pressed her fingers against her temple, trying to steady her throbbing head as she weighed her options. If they moved and let the horde follow them to Minho's base, it could lead to disaster. Minho was already dealing with a rival gang, and bringing this additional threat to his doorstep was out of the question. No, she couldn't risk it. But the sheer size of the horde was troubling.

Her real fear wasn't the stalkers or ambushers; she had fought them before and knew how to handle them. What worried her was the possibility of Goliaths being among them. A horde this size almost certainly meant one or two of the towering monsters were present, and their destructive power could turn the tide of any battle. She scanned the area again, her eyes narrowing as she searched for any signs of movement.

The faint light of the coming morning brought a small relief: there were no Phantoms in sight. Daylight diminished their activity, and she silently thanked the heavens for this minor mercy. But the situation still demanded action.

She exhaled slowly, gripping her bow and arrow. Her decision was made. Despite her health and the pounding in her head, she would confront the horde. This was not a situation she wanted, but it was one she had to face. If she didn't, the consequences could be catastrophic.

She glanced back at her group, ensuring they were still safe, and whispered to herself, "You've got this." She crouched slightly, her muscles tensing as she prepared to fight. Drawing an arrow from her quiver, she took aim, her hands steady despite her exhaustion.

Her gaze hardened as she whispered, "Not today." With a deep breath, she released the arrow, its whistle cutting through the air as it struck one of the stalkers with precision. The fight had begun.

The group-RM, Suga, Hobi, Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, Taehyung, and Hyungsik-stood together, their eyes fixed on Y/N. They watched her ascend to the high point, Orion moving with practiced precision beneath her. None of them knew what had caught her attention so abruptly, but the tension in the air was palpable.

"She's up to something," Suga muttered, narrowing his eyes as he watched her silhouette against the faint light of the coming dawn.

Hyungsik frowned. "She wouldn't act without reason. Something's wrong."

"She's still in sight," RM noted, his tone measured but concerned. "Let's