The dust was beginning to settle over the city square as Ryuto and his party took in the aftermath of their battle. Citizens emerged slowly from their homes, some dazed, others weeping, and a few stopping in their tracks to stare in awe at the fallen creature lying in the ruins of a nearby building. The monster's body was still, its once-vibrant green eyes now dull and lifeless. The eerie mist that had haunted Andriel was finally dissipating, clearing the air and revealing the extent of the damage.
Ryuto leaned against a crumbled stone wall, catching his breath as the last dregs of adrenaline ebbed away. He could feel the exhaustion settling into his bones, each muscle aching from the effort it had taken to bring down the monstrous abomination. Nina, Celeste, Roland, and Ruda gathered around him, each of them showing signs of wear and tear, but relief was clear in their eyes. They had won a hard-fought battle, and for a brief moment, it felt like peace had returned.
