82. The Claimant is Already Inside

The road to Aurelian Settlement had never looked alive before.

Gold light ran through the old stone like water. It crossed the empty plain beyond the cultivation district, passed broken farms and disappeared toward the sealed western gates.

Carlos reached the road with Kaia, Brann, Nessa, Cosmic, Lydia and the two Lizardmen.

Nobody spoke much during the first hour. Carlos kept looking back toward the cultivation district.

Cedric was standing by the repaired third channel when they left while Rowan was beside him. One sat near the regulator and Blue floated above the water.

It was not enough protection against every possible problem. But it was all Carlos could leave without stripping Ironroot and the district empty. He needed to show the upcoming party his strength too.

Cosmic noticed where he was looking.

"You already checked the map five times, bro."

"Six, actually"

"That is worse."

Carlos just chuckled.