"Not bad, you're fast," Luen sneered, his voice laced with frustration. "What the hell is going on here? Is this your doing?"
Hutson shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "Nothing to do with me. I'm trying to figure out how to get out, just like you."
"It's the Moonlight Grove! That bastard must've set this up!" one of Luen's subordinates snarled, recognizing the robes Hutson wore.
Luen spared Hutson a single glance before scoffing.
"No. A mere first-tier apprentice wouldn't have access to advanced spatial magic. Something is wrong with this place."
Then his gaze sharpened.
"But if that's the case, we don't need him anymore. Kill him."
The moment the words left his mouth, Hutson turned and ran.
A barrage of spells flew toward him, but—
"Ice Shield!"
"Mana Shield!"
"Dark Energy Shield!"
The three defensive layers absorbed the attacks, dispersing the energy harmlessly.