Inside Elien's hidden shelter, the group sat around a dim lantern, the weight of the earlier chaos still heavy in the air. Rayden leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his eyes narrowed after listening to the full report.
"So that's what happened at the west gate..." he muttered. "Makes sense now."
He looked up, voice low and steady. "The same thing happened at the southern gate. We only escaped thanks to Rodrick's teleportation skill."
Julian sat near the entrance, brows furrowed in thought. "Then it's likely the eastern side experienced the same chaos…"
Lucia turned her gaze toward him, tone sharp but slightly worried. "You're concerned about Celestia, aren't you?"
Julian didn't hesitate. He gave a single nod. "She's strong, but if the situation there is anything like ours... I'm not taking the chance."
Clarissa stepped forward, her voice calm. "Be careful. If the infection spreads that fast, it might already be too late."
