No one questioned the commanders action.
They had come too far to treat this lightly.
"Scout," the captain called.
The scout stepped forward without complaint. It was routine, but this time it felt heavier.
Arthur moved closer to him and lowered his voice.
"Be careful," he said. "This isn't like the ogres. It feels… wrong."
The scout looked at him for a second, reading the seriousness on his face. Then he gave a small thumbs up.
"I know my job," he replied. "I'll be back."
Arthur nodded but didn't smile.
As the scout disappeared into the dungeon, the squad didn't relax. Not even slightly.
Weapons were checked again.
Shield straps tightened.
Potions counted.
One of the casters whispered a quick chant under his breath, readying mana in advance.
Arthur kept Sovereign's Perception active, stretching it forward carefully. The distortion was clearer now, but it felt unstable, like something was coiled and waiting.
His chest felt tight.
This isn't just a seal.
