If there was distant breathing somewhere, Peony either didn't hear it or just wasn't bothered. And if there was something sinister, he never had the chance to really see the monsters and battles up close, so that would be pretty awesome.

On second thought, wherever those footsteps and breathing were coming from was where Peony wanted to be, because, dude, that would be exciting.

"So you two must know each other pretty well, huh. Same rank and order and everything. Cause you always hear about how close guys get in those situations, right?"

Peony headed towards the steps, all ready forgetting that he had just given Jade permission to take the lead.