As the trio neared the campfire, they finally spotted the soldiers who'd been acting strangely. Wolfgang, calm and curious, stepped closer to them, observing their blank expressions.
One of the soldiers swung his sword in Wolfgang's direction, but Wolfgang dodged with ease, bending his body just enough to avoid the strike.
He quickly kicked the sword from the soldier's hand, leaving him defenseless, but the soldier just stood there, unresponsive.
"They're dead, Captain," Wolfgang said, turning back to Maverick with a steady voice.
Maverick's eyes widened. "They're dead? So… they're being manipulated?"
Wolfgang scrutinized the soldiers further, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's like they're being controlled with strings, like puppets."
Julius stiffened, his eyes narrowing. He turned to Maverick with urgency. "Maverick, get the soldiers to retreat immediately. We're dealing with a Ruler."
