The two guards returned.
This time, they grabbed the boys without a word.
But neither guard dared look them in the eyes.
Above, Envy stepped forward.
"Great Leader, the next test should benefit us."
The Great Leader glanced at him.
"Continue."
Envy smiled.
"The next test must aid our expansion."
The Owl tilted her head.
"Go on."
"Send them to the forest," Envy said.
"Your division?" the Great Leader asked.
"Yes."
Envy folded his arms.
"That forest is dangerous. Beasts roam freely, and many of our men have died trying to enter it."
He looked down at Greed and Sloth.
"If they clear the forest, the Apple gains new land."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"And if they die..."
He shrugged.
"We lose nothing."
Silence followed.
Then the Owl smiled.
"Smart."
For a moment, the Great Leader said nothing.
Then he nodded.
"Approved."
Below, Greed looked toward the distant forest.
Sloth yawned.
"Can I go back to sleep after this one?
Everything was prepared.
Envy stepped forward.
"Your next test begins now."
He pointed toward the forest.
"Kill every beast that stands in your way."
His eyes narrowed.
"Any creature smaller than your leg is beneath your notice."
A pause.
"But anything that attacks you..."
A cold smile formed on his face.
"Kill it."
The forest stood silent in the distance.
Dark.
Endless.
Watching.
Envy looked at the boys.
"Succeed, and you will earn the Apple's faith."
Sloth blinked.
"What?"
Greed stepped forward.
"We'll do it."
Envy raised his hand.
"Silver."
Silver nodded and lifted his arm.
"Go."
The signal was given.
Without hesitation, Greed and Sloth ran toward the forest.
Behind them, the leaders watched.
Ahead of them, the trees swallowed the sunlight.
And somewhere deep within the forest...
something was waiting