"That should be the end… right?"
Lisa looked around, breath ragged. She had expected more somehow—some grand closing moment, a flash of light, a melody declaring her victory. But all she felt was exhaustion.
Her legs ached, her armor clung uncomfortably to her sweat-soaked skin, and her body screamed for rest after walking for what felt like kilometers. With nothing left to eat or use for healing she desperately looking for a way out.
Then, her shield glowed softly.
The next moment, she found herself back at the crystal city near the twin gatekeepers. The same ones who had watched her leave now stood in quiet surprise as she passed through. Their glowing figures seemed to have moved slightly to acknowledge her return.
"Interesting... You finished faster than expected," a voice called from nearby. "Your ability to survive in the Chaos Abyss is rare as only shadows remain there now."
