"You guys done?" Ella's voice cut through the tension of the battlefield, formal and curious, as she and Claire walked toward the group. In her hand, she held the Golem Guardian's core, glowing faintly with residual energy. Claire stood beside her, arms crossed, wearing an expression that was more amused than exhausted.
Ceil, still catching her breath after the fierce battle, nodded in response. She lowered her sword and surveyed the battlefield, ensuring there were no immediate threats left.
The others turned toward the brown-haired young man who had just finished off the last monster. Adrian stood a medium distance away, his sword gleaming with the blood of his foes. He wiped his blade clean, ran a hand through his tousled hair, and glanced in their direction. The girls were stunned for a moment.
While, there was a flicker of surprise on Adrian's face, though he quickly masked it, his usual calm demeanor returning as he met their gazes.
