Page 71 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

It wasn't elegant. It wasn't sporting.

It was devastatingly effective.

Within minutes, the path to the Corruption Core was clear.

The Core pulsed with malevolent energy, a crystalline structure about the size of a man's torso, radiating wrongness that made Caspian's skin crawl.

Destroying it wouldn't be simple. Corruption Cores were reinforced with dark magic, designed to resist normal attacks.

Good thing Caspian's attacks were anything but normal.

He approached the Core, feeling the matter that composed it. Crystalline structure, yes, but still matter. Still subject to the fundamental laws he could manipulate.

Caspian placed his hand on the Core's surface.

And then he simply... unmade it.

His power flooded into the crystalline structure, finding the bonds that held it together, the patterns that gave it form. And then he twisted those patterns, broke those bonds, reduced the entire structure to its component elements.

The Corruption Core didn't explode or shatter.

It simply ceased to exist.

The effect on the remaining Blightspawn was immediate. Without the Core's coordinating influence, they became disorganized, confused. Easy prey for his well-trained soldiers.

Caspian turned to survey the battlefield. His troops were finishing off the stragglers with professional efficiency. The nest was broken. The incursion was effectively ended.

All that remained was cleanup and securing the perimeter.

Tomorrow morning's work.

Which meant they could ride back to Frostholme tomorrow.

Edwin appeared at his side, breathing hard from combat but grinning. "That was absolutely terrifying, Your Grace. Remind me never to make you impatient."

"The Core is destroyed," Caspian said. "The threat is neutralized."

"In record time," Edwin agreed. "You just personally dismantled a Corruption Core with your bare hands. I've never seen anyone do that before."

"It's an efficient approach."

"It's showing off," Edwin corrected. "But very effective showing off."

Thomson approached, looking slightly shell-shocked. "Your Grace, we've secured the perimeter. Minimal casualties on our side. The nest is... well, it's completely destroyed."

"Good. We camp here tonight, clear any remaining stragglers at first light, then ride for home."

"Home," Edwin repeated, still grinning. "Interesting choice of words."

Caspian shot him a look, but Edwin was right. He'd said home, not Frostholme. When had that shift happened?

When had his cold military estate become somewhere he was eager to return to?

He knew the answer. He'd known it since the courtyard three days ago when Caroline had looked up at him with worried amber eyes and told him to be careful.

"Get the men settled," Caspian ordered. "I want scouts on watch rotation. No surprises tonight."

"Of course, Your Grace."