The morning after our return, the camp was quieter than usual, a subdued but resolute energy filling the air. It wasn't just the aftermath of the corrupted beast's defeat—it was the dawning realization that our fight was evolving. Survival was no longer the only priority. Rebuilding, securing, and creating a foundation for a lasting future was the new challenge.
I stood in the center of the camp, watching as villagers moved purposefully about their tasks. The shelters were beginning to resemble real homes. Wooden beams supported sturdy walls of thatched reeds and stone. A central hearth had been built, its warmth radiating outward in a comforting glow. It was far from perfect, but it was progress.
Raven approached, her strides brisk, her expression focused. She carried a weathered scroll in her hands, one I recognized immediately as the map Zara had painstakingly pieced together from her explorations.
