As the brilliant azure flames faded into wisps of smoke, a wave of exhaustion washed over Simon. The exertion of channeling such intense magic had taken its toll on his body, leaving him feeling drained and weak. With each breath, he felt as if his very essence was being consumed by the flames he had conjured.
His companions rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern as they saw the toll that the battle had taken on him. Thaddeus knelt beside him, his hands trembling as he reached out to touch Simon's shoulder.
"Simon, are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Simon managed a weak nod, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Every fiber of his being screamed in protest, the pain coursing through him like a raging inferno. But despite the agony, he refused to give in, clinging to consciousness with all his strength.
Alaric leaned in closer, his brow furrowed with concern as he examined Simon's injuries. "We need to get him out of here," he said, his voice urgent. "He's in no condition to continue fighting."
Thaddeus nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "We'll take him back to Alaric's house," he said. "He'll be safe there."
With gentle hands, Thaddeus and Alaric lifted Simon from the ground, supporting him as they made their way out of the ruined chamber. The journey was slow and arduous, each step sending waves of pain coursing through Simon's battered body.
As they emerged from the cathedral into the dim light of the crypt, Simon felt a sense of relief wash over him. The cool air felt soothing against his skin, the darkness offering a welcome respite from the chaos of battle.
But even as they made their way through the winding corridors of the crypt, Simon could feel his strength waning with each passing moment. His vision blurred and his limbs felt heavy as lead, the pain threatening to overwhelm him.
With a final burst of effort, they reached the entrance to the crypt, the pale light of dawn filtering through the crumbling stone walls. Thaddeus and Alaric lowered Simon to the ground, their faces drawn with worry as they watched over him.
"We need to get him back to the house," Thaddeus said, his voice tinged with urgency. "He needs rest and healing, and I fear that his injuries may be more serious than we thought."
Alaric nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on Simon's pale, sweat-soaked face. "I'll fetch some water and bandages," he said. "We'll do everything we can to help him."
As Alaric hurried off to gather supplies, Thaddeus remained at Simon's side, his hand resting gently on his friend's shoulder. In the quiet stillness of the crypt, the weight of their journey bore down upon them, the enormity of their task looming large in their minds.
But amidst the darkness and uncertainty, a glimmer of hope remained. For despite the trials they had faced and the challenges that lay ahead, they were not alone. Together, they would weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side, united in their quest to save Asteria from the forces of darkness that threatened to consume it.