Chapter 413: Chapter 413: The Shadows That Consume

The village, now a hub of activity and recovery, buzzed with a cautious optimism. The destruction of the dark crystal had relieved some of the immediate pressure, but Elara and her team remained vigilant. The forests around the village were being carefully monitored, and the artifacts recovered from the ruins were studied for any additional threats.

As Elara walked through the village, she couldn't help but notice the visible signs of change. The villagers, once on edge and fearful, were beginning to rebuild their homes and lives with a newfound sense of hope. Yet, beneath the surface of this recovery, an undercurrent of unease persisted—a reminder that the fight against dark magic was far from over.

Elara convened a meeting with her closest allies—Morgana, Elias, and the emissary from Arathor—in a secluded corner of the village. They gathered around a makeshift table covered with maps and reports from their recent investigations.