Chapter 212: Chapter 212: The Echoes of Sacrifice

As they moved away from the collapsed ruins of the ancient city, a sense of foreboding settled over the group like a dark cloud. The relic, now nestled safely in Elara's grasp, was the key to their victory, but its power was unlike anything they had ever encountered. The faint glow that emanated from it pulsed with an otherworldly energy, a constant reminder of the untold sacrifices that had been made to retrieve it.

"We can't stay here," Elias finally said, breaking the tense silence. His voice was strained, as if the weight of their ordeal was pressing down on him. "If the collapse of the city attracted any attention, we'll need to be far from here by the time anyone comes to investigate."

Elara nodded, though her thoughts were still with the city they had left behind. "You're right. We need to find shelter and regroup. We'll need time to understand this relic and how to use it."