Chapter 267: Chapter 267: System’s Demon - 2

The silence that followed Zara's exit was broken by the sound of her own hurried steps returning to the crystal. 

Her mind was still processing the last image she saw: the monster launching itself at impossible speed toward Elio and Micah.

The arm she had lost was slowly beginning to regenerate, but the physical pain was insignificant compared to the anguish growing in her chest as the seconds dragged on without any sign of her friends.

"No!" she shouted, extending her hand toward the shining surface.

"Why aren't they coming out? We should go back!" Lila's voice trembled with fear and determination. Her hands moved nervously toward the crystal too.

But instead of the familiar pull of transportation, luminous words appeared in the air: 

"Access denied. The challenge has been completed. Access to the deposit's temple is available only through the upper entrance."