Emily's small frame trembled.
She cried without sound, her shoulders shaking as she clung to Alice like she'd fall apart otherwise.
Alice didn't speak.
She just held her and continued patting her head.
Her skill [Miracle of Grace] activated again, casting a faint glow.
The skill had already leveled up twice from healing everyone earlier. That was enough to tell her how powerful the mist's negative status effect had been.
The gentle warmth spread from her palm.
It was soothing the weight of fear still clinging to Emily's heart.
Emily slowly calmed down. Her body stopped trembling. Her arms relaxed, and though her eyes were still red, the tears had stopped.
"Are you okay now?" Alice said softly.
Emily didn't let go, but she nodded into her chest.
Alice looked up and turned toward Professor Catherine. "What kind of monster was that?"
Professor Catherine didn't answer immediately. Her eyes followed the fading mist as it drifted across the cracked landscape.
