The forest surrounding the city was dense, but still navigable. Several dirt roads cut through the trees, paths once constantly traveled by local farmers.
Well, used to be traveled. Before all this mess happened.
Most people living outside the city's main district had been forced to seek shelter, abandoning their homes and lands entirely.
The result? The forest felt strangely empty, even during daylight hours. The sight of abandoned farms was a bleak one.
"Will this place ever actually recover?" William asked.
He glanced to his side, catching Zanyi's worried expression. He let out a heavy sigh.
"I hope so... but the only way that happens is by destroying that portal—the one bringing monsters through." His gaze drifted toward the horizon. "But what if others appear? That's always a possibility."
He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I need to strengthen this region's security with my magical formations even more."
