"And there's more," Elio continued. "The next ring has stronger monsters. It's obvious he's setting a trap for us, but..."
"Then let's return," Selene interrupted. "We can't…"
"No," Elio's voice was firm. "You return. I'm going to follow him."
"The city needs you," Selene's voice cut through Elio's determination.
"The new barrier will need constant feeding, and after what happened today, the people will need their leader more than ever."
"But that monster..."
"Will still be there," Selene interrupted. "But right now there are people who need your attention. There are families who will want to know why their loved ones won't return. The entire city will need to reorganize to handle any new threat."
Elio clenched his fists, his eyes still fixed on the distant figure of the artromus. The thirst for vengeance burned within him, but Selene's words found echo in a deeper part of his being.
