They headed north toward the Deepwood.
The A-rank guard was back at her post by the portal, wearing the quiet, composed expression of someone glad to return to work after an unexpected closure. She waved them through without much ceremony.
"The investigation team has cleared the level," she informed them. "Whatever happened to the Silver Vellum, it's no longer a concern. Normal hunting operations have resumed."
"Thank you," Bruce replied.
"Good hunting."
The three stepped through the portal.
The Deepwood felt almost exactly as it had two days earlier. Pale trunks stretched toward the luminous canopy, layered leaves cast a soft glow over the forest floor, and dense ambient soul-energy permeated the air. Bruce paused just beyond the entrance, taking a moment to listen.
The deep, rhythmic note of the Silver Vellum was gone.
So was whatever had been attacking it.
