Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Picking Up the Pieces 

The night sky was still burning as Sophia's team made their way through the dense forest, the remnants of the Black Phoenix facility glowing like embers in the distance. The weight of what had just transpired hung heavily over them—Marcus's sacrifice, The Architect's twisted vision, the destruction they had barely escaped. The adrenaline that had fueled them was starting to wane, replaced by an aching exhaustion that seeped into their bones.

Sophia led the way, her thoughts a whirlwind of grief and determination. Marcus's final words echoed in her mind, a reminder of the cost of their mission. But she couldn't afford to dwell on it now; there was still work to be done.