A cheer went up from the group, surprising even Arthur with its enthusiasm. These villagers, these ordinary people with extraordinary potential, had tasted true battle and emerged changed. Not broken but tempered.
"Now then," Arthur said, picking up Jasmine's staff and handing it to her with a knowing look, "Return to the village. You will take today as a rest day, and tomorrow you will keep training."
He swept his gaze across the battered but resilient group. "You won't have to worry about the demon anymore. My summon has killed it."
Cheers erupted from the exhausted fighters.
"Curse the evil demon! He is nothing in front of our master!" someone shouted, and others quickly joined in. The relief was evident in the way they were acting. Surviving something that should have killed them had created an instant bond.
Arthur smiled, the expression softening his features. "Come on, off you go."
