In the aftermath of the skirmish with the black masses, Bruce wasted no time.
Though his limbs still ached from the battle and his mana reserves were low, his priority was clear—get to the village and ensure its safety, then inform his young master.
He mounted his dust-covered horse once again and galloped with urgency, cutting through the forest trails with a focused expression.
The air still reeked faintly of corrupted mana, but it no longer felt as suffocating.
Upon reaching the village, Bruce was relieved to find the defensive formations intact. The villagers were shaken but alive, protected under the barriers Kyle had ordered.
The soldiers stationed here greeted him with wary smiles and thankful nods. Without wasting a moment, Bruce sat down to draft a report.
He detailed everything—the mass of formless creatures, their behavior, the direction of their spread, and how they seemed drawn to areas with dense mana or settlements.
