The aftermath of the mana explosion brought a breath of relief.
The wave of destruction had thinned out the monstrous horde significantly, their twisted bodies reduced to ash or scattered remnants.
The sky, which had seemed to close in under the weight of despair, lightened just a bit. The soldiers—battered, bleeding, and half-broken—found their second wind. Cheers erupted.
"We've got a chance!"
One cried.
"Push forward!"
Another shouted.
Weapons were raised again. Their feet, which moments ago dragged in exhaustion, now surged forward with renewed strength. Hope had returned.
The Grand Duchess's bold decision had bought them time—and morale.
But hope is a fragile thing.
Minutes passed. The humans fought bravely, cutting down beast after beast. But something was wrong. Melissa was the first to notice.
"Their numbers…they're… increasing again."
She said, her voice low with dread,
And she was right.
