"That's not going to help anything at all, Brittany..." Roderick's voice cut through the tense silence, his tone calm but resolute.
Before Brittany could respond, a sudden crackle filled the air.
Bzzzt!
Blinding flashes of light erupted around them, striking every bandit in the vicinity. One by one, they collapsed, lifeless, their weapons clattering to the ground. The villagers, still held captive moments ago, stood frozen in shock, their eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Brittany turned to her father, stunned by the suddenness of his action. "Father… was that necessary?" she asked softly, though there was no anger in her voice—only concern for the villagers still trembling in the aftermath.
Roderick's gaze softened as he looked at her, his power fading as quickly as it had surged. "Sometimes, Brittany, mercy is not a luxury we can afford in the face of danger. They were too far gone." He then glanced at the villagers, still in a daze. "Let's get them to safety."
