The group spread out and began collecting.
Monster cores, scraps of armor, traces of mana crystals embedded in the walls. It was slow, methodical work. Arthur joined in, his movements efficient but unremarkable. All the while, his senses stayed sharp.
He watched paths. Counted people. Noted who wandered too far and who stayed clustered.
He waited.
Minutes passed.
And finally, opportunity stirred.
At the edge of the chamber, movement.
Two goblins emerged cautiously from a side passage, green skin mottled, eyes darting. They didn't rush in blindly. They paused, watched, whispered to each other in low, guttural sounds.
Kael reacted immediately. "Contact. Two goblins. E rank. Front left."
The group shifted into formation smoothly. Kael gave short, clear commands, and the explorers responded without panic.
But Arthur stayed back.
He didn't draw his weapon. He didn't move forward. His eyes stayed on the battlefield, but his mind was already stepping elsewhere.
