The mushrooms were collected—one hundred and seventeen total, well over the mission requirement. They could return now, claim their reward, and advance in the adventurer ranks. A successful first mission by any measure.
"We're not leaving yet," Leon said, examining the scattered bones beneath their feet. "Those lightning beasts are why we really came here."
The bones told a disturbing story. Whatever had happened here wasn't natural predation. The skeletal remains lay in patterns suggesting panic, desperate flight, and failed last stands.
"We're investigating what's happening in this forest," he continued, his voice firm.
Seraphine nodded without hesitation. Whatever he wants, she thought. As his wife, she'd follow his lead anywhere. Her own curiosity burned bright about this mystery, and she knew how abnormally strong Leon was. That confidence in his abilities made her fearless.
