However, the explosion was as loud as it was deadly, and every single bug in the surroundings noticed the commotion. Erik and the others rushing inside just made it worse.
It was one thing to leave the area of the nest to chase a lure; it was another one to allow humans to enter their nest. They couldn't allow the second.
Their hunting instincts were triggered. They abandoned their scavenging and swarmed toward the group.
Hundreds of chitinous bodies scuttled across the battlefield, mandibles clicking in alarm since something was headed for the tunnels.
Erik glanced over his shoulder, seeing the wave of creatures chasing them.
"Keep moving!" he said, never slowing his pace.
They reached the cave entrance just as the first wave of bugs drew near. Erik turned around, planting his feet on the ground. He channeled mana again. This time, instead of fire, he conjured earth and stone.
