diff --git a/docs/reviews/2026-05-31-NEO-109.md b/docs/reviews/2026-05-31-NEO-109.md
index da17681..c17dfc9 100644
--- a/docs/reviews/2026-05-31-NEO-109.md
+++ b/docs/reviews/2026-05-31-NEO-109.md
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ None.
 
 - ~~Nit: Plan lists optional **`requiredNpcInstanceIds` count** in **`encounter_start`** payload; the comment block omits it. Fine for prototype; add when E9.M1 shapes the catalog schema.~~ **Done.** Payload comment includes **`requiredNpcInstanceIdsCount`**.
 
-- Nit: **`EncounterCombatWiring`** removed `return;` after the deny log block — behavior unchanged (method ends immediately after the delegate comment). Harmless; no action needed.
+- ~~Nit: **`EncounterCombatWiring`** removed `return;` after the deny log block — behavior unchanged (method ends immediately after the delegate comment). Harmless; no action needed.~~ **Done (Bugbot PR #148).** Restored early **`return;`** after failure log to match guard-clause pattern in **`TryProcessCastOutcome`**.
 
 - Nit: **`encounter_complete_denied`** is not in the Epic 5 Slice 3 telemetry list — plan documents the **NEO-56** deny precedent; acceptable.
 
diff --git a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Encounters/EncounterCombatWiring.cs b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Encounters/EncounterCombatWiring.cs
index a5a036b..4d8c06e 100644
--- a/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Encounters/EncounterCombatWiring.cs
+++ b/server/NeonSprawl.Server/Game/Encounters/EncounterCombatWiring.cs
@@ -88,6 +88,7 @@ public static class EncounterCombatWiring
                 playerId,
                 encounterId,
                 completion.ReasonCode);
+            return;
         }
 
         // encounter_complete / reward_attribution hooks: EncounterCompletionOperations.TryCompleteAndGrant (NEO-109).