Another wave surged from deeper within the crystal plains. The swarm density was absurd, the Labyrinth truly was dominated by this species, the air itself seeming to belong to them. They reformed in massive spirals, attempting to overwhelm through sheer volume. Coordination patterns shifted, wing vibrations altering frequency as they adapted.
Bruce expanded his awareness further.
'Heal.'
A cooling sensation threaded through his mind, stabilizing the strain building behind his eyes.
[You've healed.] [Your mental strength has increased.]
Suppressing Frost Fang Monkeys had already pushed him. But these were S-Ranked targets in massive numbers, and each required finer control, greater precision, more mental allocation. The Authority didn't cost mana, but it demanded something else entirely. Will. Focus. Endurance.
The pressure behind his eyes intensified again, sharp and pulsing. His range trembled faintly, as if testing its own limits.
