"Ludwig," Van Dijk spoke, his voice carrying its usual authority, though his eyes betrayed the weight of the situation at hand.
"Yes, master," Ludwig replied without hesitation, his tone brisk.
"Go and meet up with your friends. I'm still needed here," Van Dijk instructed, his gaze sweeping across the area, scrutinizing every detail of the outer carnage left behind.
The djinns must have put up a fight against the forces of the old man. But nothing but bodies remained... if you can call them bodies.
"Oh, is the Black Tower Master staying to help us uncover this ritual?" the old man nearby interjected, his voice a mix of awe and intrigue. His hunched form leaned forward, revealing a face lined with decades of experience, yet still keen with curiosity.
"Yes," Van Dijk replied evenly. "This type of dark magic falls squarely under my expertise."
