The hunters did not argue and quickly left, not wanting to waste more time than was necessary.
The farther they moved from the battlefield, the more the land felt bruised. Mana currents stumbled over themselves, flowing unevenly through roots and stone.
Patches of moss crumbled to dust beneath careless steps. The air remained thin and metallic, like the aftertaste of lightning.
Kael kept the pace steady but fast, leading them along winding animal paths that skirted dead zones and avoided the worst distortions. Mirela and Ssil flanked, alert but silent.
Dorg's breathing gradually evened out, though his shield arm trembled faintly from exertion. Lysa checked the treeline constantly, finger never straying far from the trigger.
Ashanti walked among them still thinking of what Jax would do for her upcoming test, but Jax didn't seem particularly fussed, walking beside her with loose hands and a relaxed expression.
