Bone Spirit

Benjamin glanced twice more at the blood-stained ground. Only after confirming that the three liches had been completely destroyed did he retract Deep Sea Domain. Turning to the mages, he said, "Gather any usable materials, then return to the academy."

The mages froze for a moment at his words.

"...We're going back now?"

Benjamin nodded.

Seeing this, the mages naturally raised no further objections. There was still enough food and water in their packs to continue, but if Benjamin wished to end this expedition, they had nothing more to say. Their gains so far had already been considerable.

They cautiously stepped forward, took out their specially made tools, and began collecting the remnants left behind by the exploded undead bit by bit.

Miles, however, suddenly came to Benjamin's side, his expression unpleasant.

"We can keep exploring. The Undead World... this is only the beginning." He lowered his voice. "Don't you want to know what lies deeper within?"

Benjamin did not answer at once. Instead, he gestured for silence, then turned and urged the mages to move faster.

"There's no need to take those bone fragments. Hurry—we'd better leave this place within ten minutes."

"O-okay..."

The mages found it a little strange, but they did not ask any questions. They merely hastened their work. They gathered as many of the three undead creatures' skulls as possible, stored some blood in small bottles, then carried everything with them as they flew into the air alongside Benjamin.

"That's everything, Headmaster. Let's go."

Benjamin nodded and turned around, just about to leave this place...

Yet at that very moment, billowing smoke suddenly rose throughout the entire forest! The bones scattered across the ground began to quake violently, while the branches of the trees swayed from side to side as though an earthquake had struck.