The clearing was unnervingly quiet. Too quiet.
The root was still. Contained. But I didn't trust it.
Not yet.
"Professor…" Wallace's voice was barely a whisper, his breath labored.
I glanced at him. He was pale, drained, and barely upright. His hands trembled as he wiped the sweat from his brow, the remnants of mana exhaustion weighing him down.
"Sit down, Wallace," I murmured, my tone softer this time. "You've done enough."
He didn't argue. For once.
Wallace slumped against a nearby tree, his eyes drooping as the weight of everything settled over him.
"Felix, keep an eye on him," I said, turning toward the others.
"Right…" Felix's voice was shaky, but he moved to Wallace's side, staying close.
I surveyed the rest of the group.
Julien was still standing, but his stance was looser—like he was ready to drop. His sword hung low, the glow around the blade almost gone.
Mira's dagger was steady, but her mana was flickering dangerously. She'd pushed herself too far.
Leo…
