Casey nodded. “Good idea. I’ll go first. So as you already know, I’m an airbringer. I can manipulate the wind and air around us.”

“That’s incredible,” said Max, sincerely. “Now tell me: can you deal significant damage with this wind ability.”

“At my current rank, no,” said Casey. “If I want to use it offensively, the best means is to amplify a projectile to give it more speed and damage.”

She then pulled out a pouch from her cardigan pocket and materialized a slingshot from the little bag.

“That’s why I have this slingshot!”

Max smiled. Paper airplanes and a slingshot. Behind the cute exterior, this girl was a devilish prankster.

“Okay, I’ve shown you my powers,” said Casey. “Show me yours.”

Max paused. He wasn’t sure how much of his trait he should reveal to Casey. Sakura told him to be very careful with who he trusted. He figured he could tell her a little bit though.

“So my slice ability is no ordinary ability,” said Max. “Even though I’m unranked, I have a slice ability at the level of B-rank.”

Casey’s eyes widened. “You have a B-rank ability!? You’re unranked and a student climber and a new kid and you have a freaking B-rank ability!? That’s incredible, Max! I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Max nodded. “I’d appreciate it if you kept what I’m telling you to yourself. I’ve been told to be very careful about trusting people here in the tower-zone.”

“My lips are sealed,” said Casey. “I’ll even pinky promise?”

She waved her pinky in Max’s face.

He gently moved her hand away. “It’s all good, I trust you,” he said.

“Bold move,” said Casey. “A pinky promise is an unbreakable vow. It’s basically the foundation of civilization. The social contract. To forego it...well, let me just say I’m honored you trust me so highly.”

Max shrugged. “I mean, it’s just a pinky promise. Isn’t that a kid’s thing?”

Casey replied with the most eloquent retort. She stuck her tongue out and made an odd noise.

Casey’s reply was definitely not persuasive at all, but he found himself silently taking back his words. He contemplated his sister, Elle. He had made a promise to her when they were little. Pinky or no pinky, promises were important. He understood that much.

Max turned his thoughts to Casey’s ability for a moment. She had the power to control the air and wind around them. Such a power could be used in so many different ways.

He shared with her the semblance of a plan.

“That sounds awesome,” she said. “Let’s do it!”

With that, they started heading deeper into the endless forest.

They walked and walked, waiting to come across a monster to attack.

“Where is everyone?” said Casey, looking around.

There were no monsters and no student climbers either.