After spreading his awareness across the mountain, Arthur frowned.
There is nothing...
His enhanced perception swept every crevice, every cave, every potential hiding place where a protector's presence might linger.
The mountain stood empty.
Barren.
Devoid of the spiritual resonance that had marked the challenge he had in his village's mountain.
No soul fragment. No guardian spirit. No tests of worthiness.
The absence spoke louder than any discovery could have.
This complete void suggested only one possibility.
The protector died alongside the demons that came. Total annihilation.
Arthur dismissed speculation in favor of action. Whatever had happened here was history.
The present required his attention.
Without further delay, Arthur activated his spatial talent.
Reality folded repeatedly as he teleported in rapid succession, each jump carrying him closer to Village 419's perimeter.
Time to see what remains.
The village stood before him.
