Chapter 59: The Secrets of the Mineral

The silence after the shadow creature's disappearance was heavy, as if the mountain itself were catching its breath. The team stood frozen for a moment, each of them processing what had just happened. The reality of their mission was sinking in, this mineral was powerful, perhaps more powerful than they had anticipated, and it was clearly protected by forces beyond their understanding.

George scanned his team, making sure everyone was unhurt, and then turned his attention to Akari, who was still focused, her hands glowing faintly from the energy she'd just wielded. She looked exhausted, beads of sweat dotting her brow, but there was a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

"Good work, Akari," George said quietly, his voice laced with gratitude. "We wouldn't have made it through that without you."