Kaelen soared above the purified plains, his wings tracing luminous arcs across the sky.
The wind carried his words in a whisper that only the other Guardians could hear.
> "My Lord… the lands are purified. The curse has been broken, the soil is fertile and ready to welcome the people of Ashen," Kaelen announced gravely.
A heavy silence followed his words. The other Guardians remained motionless, their forms perfect and impassive. Then Kaelen heard the sharp voice of Tavric:
> "Too slow," said Tavric, his voice cutting like metal.
"Even a mere fragment of this power would have been enough to accomplish this task in a fraction of the time."
Kaelen slightly bowed his head, his expression calm yet firm:
> "Every breath, every root, every stone had to be purified with care. The land had to be reborn perfectly, not halfway."
Liora spoke next, in a sterner tone:
> "Perfection comes at a price. But do not forget… our duty also requires swiftness. Time waits for no one, not even for the Lord."
Kaelen remained silent for a moment, his wings shifting slightly in the breeze. Then he replied in a low, respectful, yet assured voice:
> "I followed the Lord's will. Nothing will be left to chance. Even the smallest impurity could have compromised the future of these lands."
Eryndor, in a grave and measured tone, concluded:
> "Very well. But remember that slowness can be costly. The kingdom of Ashen demands vigilance and efficiency."
Kaelen inclined his head one last time and resumed his flight.
The plains below sparkled under the sun, and every breath of wind seemed to whisper the name of the one who had purified the world.
The report was made, the critiques heard, yet Kaelen's resolve remained unshakable.
> "The lands are ready… and I will never fail," he murmured to himself.