Rylen beamed in joy after seeing the snack. "T-Thank you, sir!"
"Save the thanks. After the Wave, you're helping us test this theory." Shane straightened as he tossed a glance at Minerva. "Get the alchemists working on a rock-dissolving solution. Mild—we're not melting the whole mine."
She nodded. "On it."
***
Before leaving, Shane distributed Safety Protection Tokens, Acacia Slayer Tokens, and Crimsonheart Healing Tokens.
"Depending on the situation, I might use the portal to help during the Wave," he reminded everyone. "And Rylen—you stay in the evacuation with other children and non-combatants… No heroics."
The boy puffed his chest. "But I can help—"
"By being alive," Shane interrupted. "Your Talent's useless if you've become zombie food."
Rylen deflated but nodded.
With that, Shane left the Portal Hall, and this time, his destination was the Springriver Manor.
This place controls the Iron Mine, a large field that grows various crops, and a huge orchard…
