"It's time to return," Elio announced after the echoes faded.
"Our families wait, and we have to honor our companions as they deserve."
♢♢♢♢
As they were advancing in their journey back to the city, the first glimpse of the walls stopped them in their tracks.
The familiar white stone had undergone a transformation, new patterns of blue light coursing through its surface like glowing veins.
The group halted halfway as they spotted the column of soldiers approaching from the city. Lucien and Diana marched at the head, with Ren organizing the formations behind them.
The two hundred men and women advanced with determination, their system armor gleaming under the setting sun.
When both groups met, Diana spoke first, her face tense with concern. "How many artromus did you kill?"
"Seven eliminated," Elio responded, exchanging a look with Selene. "One managed to escape."
