The early morning light filtered through the dense Carpathian forest as the team made their way back to the vehicles. The atmosphere was somber, the adrenaline of their recent battle beginning to wear off, leaving them feeling drained. The towering mountains seemed less menacing now, but the weight of what had just transpired lingered heavily in the air.
Ethan led the group, his mind still racing with the implications of the Architect's words. The mention of the old gods and the awakening hinted at a much larger threat than they had ever anticipated. As they approached the clearing where their vehicles were parked, he glanced back at the ruins of the fortress, a sense of unease settling in his gut. They had won the battle, but the war was far from over.
