The coalition forces rematerialized beneath a calm, endless blue sky, their feet sinking slightly into soft grass as the teleportation light faded away.
For a heartbeat, no one moved. The abrupt transition, from divine ruin and collapsing worlds to peaceful open plains, left many reeling.
Some soldiers staggered and dropped to one knee, others braced themselves with trembling hands pressed into the earth, as if afraid the ground itself might vanish again.
Slowly, hesitant breaths filled the air.
They were back on the surface.
The horizon stretched wide and undisturbed, clouds drifting lazily overhead, the sun warm and gentle, so painfully ordinary that it felt unreal after what they had just endured. For a brief moment, relief washed through the ranks.
Then voices began to rise.
"The Marquis?"
"He didn't made it."
"My lord-my lord didn't come through!"
