Lin retreated toward Ren's group's defensive circle.
Maintaining an advanced position was no longer sustainable when support had diminished.
She looked at Ren with an expression evaluating his condition quickly. Professional observation identifying exhaustion signs he probably didn't completely recognize in himself.
And something else…
A small resonance familiar from that battle where she'd fought him more seriously. She couldn't see the black marks on his chest but could already perceive them slightly. That black corruption trying to take root again. Now still barely perceptible... But present.
"Stop projecting your beasts externally," she suggested with a tone that was directive without being authoritarian. "It's taking too much from you, better to use your beast with your body. It's more efficient in terms of mana spent for results achieved."
Ren responded with an objection having genuine tactical merit.
