The rest period stretched to nearly three hours, a rare oasis of calm inside the tomb.
The group had eaten their fill of dried rations, rehydrated with canteens, and patched wounds as best they could.
The dull ache of exhaustion had finally dulled, replaced by the grim determination etched across hardened faces.
Arthur rose first,he rolled the stiffness from his shoulders, adjusted the strap of his gear, and gave a single nod.
One by one, the others followed, commanders tugging straps, archaeologists collecting scattered notes and carefully securing scroll cases, soldiers checking magazines and blades.
Jace flexed the bandaged stump of his arm, the vial Arthur had given him earlier having stopped the bleeding entirely.
Dr. Ren helped him stand, though his face remained pale.
The mood was sober. Everyone knew the rest was temporary.
They gathered before the massive stone arch at the far end of the room.
