The captain walked up to him, gaze steady.
"You saved us," he said plainly.
Arthur shook his head lightly. "I slowed it. That's all."
"That was enough."
Silence settled again.
But this time it wasn't confusion.
It was understanding.
This wasn't normal ogres anymore.
This was a variant that could launch massive stones over a long distance with insane precision.
Arthur turned his gaze deeper into the dungeon where the stone had come from.
His chest was still tight.
The distortion was stronger now.
Whatever had attacked them was still watching them.
And it knew they were here.
Arthur flexed his fingers once, steadying himself.
"It's not random," he said quietly. "It's targeting us."
Some of the explorers were still on one knee, coughing hard, a few even spitting blood as they tried to breathe properly.
Dust filled their lungs.
The shockwave had not been gentle, even after Arthur reduced most of the force.
"Report!" the captain shouted, his voice rough.
"I'm good.."
