Magical power lanced from Woodhouse's outstretched hand as they peered down into the large space at the bottom of the stairs, seeing more insect spirits than troopers. The sight of so many writhing insect spirits was grisly, the screams and shrieks deafening, the stink of the roaches all but unbearable. And so tightly packed was the combat that neither Kyle nor Woodhouse could use a spell with an effect radius and not catch troopers. Kyle glanced over his shoulder and checked that mere was wood paneling behind him. The natural wood barrier would prevent the spirits from slipping past him astrally, so his back was protected.