Chapter 37: What if it’s already too late?
Upon exiting the dungeon, Iker rushed into the forest without looking back. His breath formed white clouds as he ran, breaking branches, crushing snow, and frightening animals with his mere presence.
Anxiety pounded in his chest. He circulated copper-green mana essence toward his dantian, forcing its transformation into aura. A navy blue glow covered his legs, propelling him even further.
He didn’t think, he just ran.
How did he do it?
How could the seventh young master destroy everything in a matter of hours?
Was he alone? Did he receive help from someone else?
The questions mingled with blurred images: piles of corpses, warm blood still steaming, a stone of unknown origin. Each step plunged him deeper into confusion.
The branches beat him mercilessly. A spider web covered his face, blinding him for a few seconds. He swatted it away with his hand, without stopping.
The cold burned his skin, but sweat ran down his back under his armor, icy and cruel. His muscles protested with stabs that felt like knives.
The world blurred around him. Birds took flight as he passed. Insects fled from the crunch of his boots. His vision flickered, clouded by the effort.
I have to get there... before the others. I have to warn young Master Jasper...