Laura's journey back to the base was slow and cautious. She deliberately chose a different route, steering clear of the path she'd taken to the resort.
Earlier, she had spotted a cluster of monsters—a group she had no desire to engage. Her body was sore, her mana reserves still low, and her mind heavy with the revelations of the day. She needed rest, not another fight.
The city around her was bathed in the warm hues of sunset by the time she reached the base. The fractured skyline was painted in orange and gold, a stark contrast to the ruins that sprawled beneath it.
Laura paused for a moment, her sharp eyes scanning the streets and rooftops for any sign of danger before approaching the familiar structure.
As she entered the base, the sound of voices and occasional laughter reached her ears. It was a welcome change from the silence she had endured during her journey. She climbed the stairs to the rooftop, where she found her team mid-practice.
