Chapter 207: Regroup
Arthur stood still for a moment, watching the wolves gather again.
They came slower now.
Not like before when they rushed in without pause. This time, there were gaps between them, hesitation in their movements. Some circled at a distance, others crept forward like they were testing him.
He yawned.
Actually yawned.
"...You guys are getting boring."
Another wolf stepped forward, growling low.
Arthur didn’t even bother moving immediately. He just watched it, head slightly tilted, like he was deciding if it was worth the effort.
Yeah... I’m done.
He had stayed long enough.
More than enough.
The flow of the fight had already changed. His attacks were faster than their numbers now. Every time they tried to regroup, he wiped them again. There was no pressure left.
Just repetition.
And worse—
He could feel it.
That quiet satisfaction from the system.
Intent Points stacking.
Not slowly.
Not in small amounts.
But steadily enough that it didn’t even feel worth dragging this out anymore.
I’ve gotten what I need.
Another wolf lunged.
Arthur lifted his hand lazily.
Wind gathered and fire followed immediately.
He didn’t shape it as carefully this time.
Didn’t need to.
The spear formed in an instant and shot forward, tearing through the wolf and exploding a few meters behind it.
The blast pushed the rest back again.
Silence followed.
Arthur stretched his neck slightly.
"...Yeah. That’s enough."
He turned his back on them.
Just like that.
No hesitation.
Behind him, the wolves started to regroup again, their growls rising as they prepared to charge.
Arthur glanced over his shoulder.
"Alright... one last one."
His hand lifted again, and this time he let it build just a bit more.
Not too much.
Just enough.
Wind and fire twisted together, tighter than before, more compact, more violent.
Then he released it straight into the center of the regrouping pack.
The explosion that followed was louder than the rest.
It tore through the area, kicking up ash, dirt, and broken remains in every direction. Flames spread briefly before dying down, leaving behind another cleared stretch.
Arthur didn’t wait to watch it settle.
The moment the blast went off..
He moved.
His body blurred forward as he activated his step.
The world shifted around him, distance folding in short bursts as he followed the direction the others had taken.
He didn’t need to guess.
Not for long.
A few seconds in..
He saw it.
Faint, but clear enough.
Marks along the ground.
Broken twigs.
Light scratches where boots had passed deliberately.
Arthur smirked.
"...Not bad."
They had thought ahead and left him a trail.
He adjusted his direction slightly and moved again, faster this time, using the marks as a guide.
Step.
Shift.
Step again.
Each movement precise, controlled as he didn’t have to search too long for them.
Ahead, the group had slowed down.
They didn’t stop immediately after leaving the battlefield, but once the explosions behind them started to space out... then stopped completely...
They knew.
Torren was the first to say it.
"...He’s done."
Selene nodded, glancing back briefly.
"Or he’s coming."
Ryn didn’t speak right away, but his gaze stayed on the path behind them.
He understood Arthur enough by now.
"He’s on his way."
Althea let out a small breath she didn’t realize she was holding.
"...Good."
They moved a bit further before finally stopping at a safer spot, one that wasn’t too exposed.
"Short rest," Ryn said.
No one argued.
Torren dropped down with a sigh.
"My arms needed that."
Selene stayed standing, but her posture relaxed slightly.
Althea leaned lightly against a tree, still alert but clearly relieved.
Nox didn’t stay.
"I’ll check ahead."
Ryn nodded.
"Don’t go too far."
She waved him off and moved ahead without another word, light on her feet as she disappeared into the trees.
They didn’t wait long.
A few minutes at most.
Then... a shift in the air.
Subtle.
But familiar.
Selene turned first.
"...He’s here."
Arthur appeared not long after, stepping into view like he had just taken a walk instead of fighting off a swarm of monsters alone.
Same posture and same relaxed look.
Like nothing had happened.
He raised a hand slightly.
"Miss me?"
Torren let out a short laugh as he stood up.
"You talk too much for someone who planned to get himself killed."
Arthur shrugged.
"Wasn’t close enough."
Ryn walked up to him and without warning..
Hit his shoulder.
Not hard enough to hurt.
But enough to mean something.
"...Good job."
Arthur blinked once, then smirked.
"Didn’t know you cared."
Ryn shook his head, but there was a faint smile there.
Selene stepped closer after, giving him a quick once ..over.
"You took your time."
"I was busy," he replied.
"With what? Showing off?"
"Obviously."
She almost rolled her eyes, but didn’t.
Althea didn’t say anything at first.
She just looked at him.
Making sure he was actually fine.
"...You’re not hurt."
"Disappointed?" Arthur asked lightly.
She shook her head.
"Just confirming."
Nox came back right then, stepping into the clearing before she noticed Arthur.
Her face lit up instantly.
"You’re back!"
She closed the distance quickly, stopping right in front of him.
"That was insane! That fire and wind thing you did..."
Arthur coughed lightly, scratching the back of his head.
"...Thanks."
"It wasn’t just good, it was amazing! The way it moved, and the explosion after..."
"Alright, alright," he cut in, a bit amused. "I get it."
She grinned.
"I’m serious!"
"I can tell."
Arthur glanced around briefly.
The others were staring.
Not casually or lightly.
They were watching him.
Measuring.
That earlier moment hadn’t passed completely.
Yeah... here it comes.
He sighed inwardly.
Nox, you’re a such ignorant soul.
She had raised the tension without even trying. Not aware of the stares of the rest of squad members.
Ryn stepped forward again, his expression more serious this time.
"So... when were you planning to tell us?"
Arthur tilted his head.
"About?"
Ryn didn’t look amused.
"Your wind element."
A pause.
"And that combination."
The others didn’t interrupt.
But they were clearly waiting for his answer.