Kael remained motionless for a few moments, observing the lifeless landscape as if trying to absorb every detail—not to understand it, but to promise himself that he would never let something like this happen again. The biting wind swept through the frozen trees, emitting a strange sound, like distorted laments through the layer of black ice.
Sylphie finally stood up. Her face was more serious than anyone there had ever seen—not furious, not desperate… but determined. The green mana that enveloped her was soft and contained, like roots clinging to solid ground after a storm.
"I'm fine," she murmured, her voice still low, but steady. "Let's go. Let's not waste any more time."
Irelia nodded and approached to offer support, but Sylphie took a step back, breathing deeply.
"Thank you… but I can go on."
Amelia adjusted her staff, now holding it carefully, as if the atmosphere demanded respect.
