One of Hekab’s front legs got hit directly and snapped, the broken parts flying into the air while the joint that connected the leg and the body drooped. Due to the tremendous pressure, some of its internal organs got pushed out through the dislocated joint, and Hekab was sent flying tens of meters away.

Mazdari crawled out from under the debris while dusting himself off.

“Damn it…Vasen? Are you okay?”

"Fairly...not great."

Mazdari turned around in surprise. Vasen was getting up, but his foot was twisted.

"Shit. Did it break?"

Mazdari bent down and reached for his bag, but Vasen shook his head.

"Mazdari, there's something you need to do."

"Right, it's better to carry you and run than to try and heal you."

"That's not it."

"Then what?"

Vasen looked at Ashurada as the Dragon wielded its sword at the expedition members that couldn’t yet escape.

Then he said, “The situation has changed.”

“I can see that too.”

"No, you don't understand. We're not losing."

"Then?"

"It's just...a change in circumstances. It means that the plan needs adjustments."

Mazdari allowed Vasen to speak first and then called over the nearby expedition member. The Troll quickly came over to help...