"D-don't think this ends here!" Zara whispered fiercely before hurrying ahead, leaving a stunned and flushed Elio behind.
♢♢♢♢
Organization quickly reclaimed Elio's mind, the familiar patterns of duty providing a welcome distraction from the lingering warmth of the moment.
They gathered the main advancement group.
The system they had developed was a carefully orchestrated dance of progression and work, with each participant playing a vital role in their collective city management.
Diana, Kriz, Brok, Lila, Mei, Aria, Valeria, and Taron, along with Zara, maintained their position one level behind him.
The detailed information Elio provided after each victory allowed them to advance with calculated risks, minimizing the possibility of casualties. Each report was a roadmap written in experience and often Elio's blood, marking safe paths through increasingly dangerous challenges.
