The rhythm of the hunt settled upon Alaric's team. Days bled into a cycle of cautious scouting, brutal, targeted engagements, and efficient harvesting, punctuated by periods of rest, training, and Brita's steady consumption of Sixth Order cores.
They moved like ghosts along the ravaged coastline of the Suntouched Confederacy, appearing seemingly out of nowhere to obliterate Sea Monster patrols, then vanishing back into the desolate landscape before any significant retaliation could be mustered.
Their actions, though focused on resource acquisition, inevitably brought them into contact with the scattered, terrified remnants of the human population. Near the ruins of a place called Tidal Crest village, they intercepted a large Merrow raiding party attempting to drag away a dozen captured families. The fight was swift, decisive. Lyra's sunfire sword and Cassandra's azure wind blades carved through the Merrow ranks, while the mages provided overwhelming supporting fire.
