Nexus stalked away from Ren and conjured a collection of dark blue lights around his hands. In moments, they traveled up his armed, and ate away at his body, until his was completely gone in a plume of magical resurgence.

	The townsfolk were locked up inside, but once Ralph noticed Ren's figure through the slit in the large wooden doors, he unhinged the lock and let him in. Several people rushed to care for him after he spoke, bringing bandages and ointment to treat his wounds. Laura looked down at him, confused by his statement.

	"We couldn't stay and fight that... [i]Thing,[/i] Ren.."