The fifth day of the battle had arrived, and the world above was almost unrecognizable. The once-clear sky was now shrouded in eternal dark clouds, with conceptual lightning born from the clashes deep below the sea striking relentlessly, burning distant forests and flooding rivers with salt water tainted by darkness. The beach where Sofia, Alicia, and the little treant had taken shelter was now cracked land, its sand mixed with coral debris hurled from the depths. Stacia, who had regained consciousness but was still weakened by her injuries, sat beside them, her eyes fixed on the churning sea that writhed like a living creature in agony.
"Five days already…" Stacia murmured, her voice faint but filled with worry.
Sofia continued channeling her light magic, not only to heal but also to withstand the shockwaves that came every few minutes. Alicia hugged her knees, the little treant curled tighter, its leaves wilting from exhaustion.
"Sylvia… is she alright? This is taking too long."
