Oliver stood tall in the wreckage of the carriage, his eyes sweeping the tightening circle of armored soldiers.
His chest rose and fell in the breathing technique he'd mastered for combat over the years as he quickly ran through what he had at his disposal.
He had merged with a Bog Slime years ago, earning affinities most men would sneer at. Poison, Water, and Preservation. Yet these were enough. More than enough.
They'd seen him through years of combat, where a single mistake meant death. Now, they would see him through this one too.
His eyes swept over the soldiers once more, keeping an eye out for any sudden movement, before quickly glancing behind him.
Cecilia was crouched over Noah, golden eyes locked on the half-finished teleportation formation glowing faintly between her palms.
She didn't even look up. Her focus was absolute, but he was... uncomfortable with her current vulnerability.
