She looked at Flora. "Study this on your own for now. I'm going to set an Alarm Spell at the other entrance, and see if anything's going on over there while I'm at it."
Flora waved without even looking up, clearly already lost in the world of ancient magic.
Seeing this, He Xi immediately said, "Teacher, I'll go with you."
After all, he couldn't make heads or tails of those complicated patterns either. He wouldn't be any help if he stayed, so he might as well go with his teacher.
Fivik: "Mm."
"Teacher, I'll come too," Zoya said softly, naturally stepping over beside He Xi.
"Sure. I could use some company," Fivik said with a cheerful smile.
"Woof! I'm coming too!"
Bruce barked, unwilling to be left out, and trotted over with his tail wagging.
"Okay, you're all coming."
"Um... could we come too?"
A timid voice came from a distance.
It was Rodney, who had been in a corner with a few of his teammates, reminiscing about their hardships and recounting how he'd spent the past six months playing both mother and father while taking care of them.
When Fivik shot him an impatient glance, he spoke cautiously. "We... we're planning to head back."
"You know this place is shrouded in mist... It's really hard to find your way. If we could follow you..."
"What's that got to do with me?"
"Uh... I can pay you! Five Gold Shields! As a guide fee!"
The moment the words left his mouth, he began to regret them.
Was it a little tacky to bring up money in front of an Archmage? Someone like her probably wouldn't care about such a small amount the way adventurers like him did, would she?
But it would be hard for him to offer more. His