The next day, the monster capture mission wrapped up, and Vyan's team had wrangled enough creatures to satisfy the nobles' favorite pastime: monster hunting.
Exhaustion hung in the air like a heavy fog, with everyone teetering on the brink of mana depletion. The night had settled over the camp, the empty village's quietness thickening.
Once the gates clanged shut, Spencer began taking attendance.
Vyan slumped into a chair, rolling his shoulders, his face a canvas of pain. "I feel like a ragdoll run over by a carriage. There is no way I am going to be able to move tomorrow with these sore muscles."
Clyde, already lounging beside him, let out a hearty laugh. "Honestly, I am surprised you lasted this long. All this forest adventure must have turned you into jelly."
"It did," Vyan groaned, stretching his neck.
Clyde's eyes twinkled mischievously. "I would offer to massage your shoulders, but I know you would hate it."
