At the verge of the forest

"Sir, we found forty-three mana stones in total!" Pavrien reported as soon as the group finally started to move again. 

"Great. What about other resources? Something valuable or useful enough to get my attention?" Layn asked, nodding his head to the man in gratitude. 

Even though the reunion between Irea's group and the people that Layn brought was limited to a short hug between Layn and Irea, the archmage still felt grateful to all the people that loyally followed him.

Even if following him was performed by following Irea, who apparently instantly claimed the spot of Layn's regent while he was away. 

"So you *** Layn, huh?" the burly man spoke up, instantly forcing the archmage to pay him some attention.