The ridge provided a temporary sanctuary, a momentary pause in the chaos that had engulfed their journey. Kazuichi and his team took the opportunity to regroup, their breathing heavy and their faces smeared with grime and sweat. The battlefield below was a grim reminder of their dangers, but the sight of Sendai in the distance spurred them onward.
"Everyone okay?" Kazuichi asked again, his voice hoarse but filled with concern.
Ayaka, leaning against her knees, nodded. "I'm fine. Just need a moment to catch my breath."
Jurou, his sword still gleaming with residual energy, gave a thumbs-up. "I'm good. Just a scratch or two."
Arisu, her usual speed now tempered by exhaustion, rubbed her arms to warm up. "I'm okay. That was intense, but I'm ready to keep going."
Lea, her daggers finally dimming, nodded. "We all did well. But let's not lose focus. We've still got a long way to go."
