96 Lack Of Information

( The mid-term survival test, Unknown forest area, Floor Zero )

As Rocky stepped out of the teleportation gate, he emerged with his peers into a small clearing, encircled by dense forests.

Unlike the rest of his batch, who promptly began their quest for gathering evaluation points, Rocky hesitated, absorbing the new environment, when Sophia approached him with an inquiry.

"So, what's the plan, Rocky?" she asked and in response, Rocky offered a noncommittal shrug and gestured towards Erin and Buhara, indicating that they should contribute their thoughts.

Admitting his recent absence from their training, Rocky openly addressed his friends, "I've been out of the loop for months, while you all have kept up with the classes. Given our current predicament, what do you think our next move should be?"

Despite Rocky's recent absence from team activities, Erin and Buhara continued to regard him as their de facto leader.