The aftermath

The sun was setting over the smoldering remnants of the bandit camp. The once-thriving hideout of Korvan's men now lay in ruins, their ranks scattered and broken. Some of the surviving bandits fled into the wilderness, their resolve shattered by the deaths of their leaders, while others surrendered, hoping for mercy that would never come. The expedition team had done its job. The bandits were no more.

Lucavion stood beside Roderick, his arms crossed as they both watched the last of the stragglers disappear into the forest. The tension from the battle had faded, leaving behind a strange calm in the aftermath of the chaos.

"Well," Roderick said, his voice breaking the silence. "It seems we've done it. Ron is safe, and the bandits... well, they won't be troubling anyone again." He glanced at Lucavion, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But Korvan... did you really kill him?"