Osric's gaze lingered on the two bodies sprawled near Cole's feet. Their limbs twisted unnaturally, blood staining the ground beneath them. He activated his mana eyes, their faint glow betraying his focus. A subtle sigh of relief escaped his lips when he saw the faint flicker of life within them. They were alive, though just barely clinging to it.
He turned his attention back to Cole, a smile spreading across his face. "I didn't expect you to handle this all on your own," he said, his tone light but probing.
Cole didn't respond. He stood there, his bloodied sword resting lightly in his hand. Its blade gleamed ominously, reflecting the flickering light from the mana lanterns and the silent sky. His silence only added to the tension.
The four Master realm cultivators exchanged glances, their frowns communicating what their voices couldn't; a subtle nod passed between them, an unspoken agreement.
