After a few long, agonizing minutes, Ereskia's condition had stabilized, just barely.
The potion had done its job, dulling the pain, slowing the bleeding. Her breath came a little easier now, no longer sharp and gasping. The frantic rhythm of her pulse had steadied. But even with that sliver of relief…
They were still far from safe.
In truth, they were trapped.
Escape was no longer an option, not in the state they were in.
The battle had drained them completely. Their mana cores were scorched dry, no more than husks. Their limbs were heavy, their muscles torn and trembling from exhaustion. Every breath came with effort. Just staying conscious felt like a battle in itself.
Even if the temple doors opened wide and the path lay clear, they wouldn't make it past a few steps, let alone getting past all the shadow monsters outside to go home.
And yet, staying wasn't a good option either.
