The aftermath of the brief, brutal fight settled over the valley.
Daniel stood over the corpse of Ragnar, the higher-level Awakened who had so arrogantly believed them to be easy prey.
Daniel took a deep, calming breath, the adrenaline from the encounter fading, leaving behind a cold, clear focus.
Lia, her A-Grade Staff of the World Ash glowing with a steady emerald light, finished mending the last of the damage to Ayra's back.
The potent toxin from Ragnar's [Backstab] had been nasty, but Lia's A-Grade healing and Ayra's own S-Grade resilience had neutralized it.
Ayra sat slumped against a rock, her face pale, her usual fiery defiance replaced by a quiet, thoughtful brooding.
She watched Daniel, her expression a complex mix of gratitude, frustration, and a dawning, profound respect.
"Are you alright, Ayra?" Daniel asked, walking over to them.
She looked up, managing a weak glare. "My pride is more bruised than my back, Vance.
