23 Monster Horde

Roderick, who had scouted ahead, returned with a grim expression. He motioned for the group to huddle together, his voice low. "We've got company—a whole horde of monsters headed this way."

Gavin straightened up, his eyes flashing with determination. "Alright, you know what to do. Serria, with me up front." He looked over at Zoe, who was already yawning, Snacks at her side looking equally uninterested.

"Do we have to?" Zoe sighed, stretching her arms overhead. "I mean, Gavin, these things always end the same way. Just give me five minutes of lying down time."

Snacks, who looked even more exhausted, gave an exaggerated nod before flopping onto his back, his feet sticking up into the air.

"None of that," Gavin chided, his tone filled with playful authority. "We've got a horde incoming—no time for naps."

"Fine, fine," Zoe muttered, reluctantly pulling out her staff. "But I'm telling you, I'm only giving you the bare minimum."