Chapter 60: A Troubling Discovery

The cavern was eerily quiet in the wake of the battle, the only sounds coming from the team's labored breathing and the faint hum of the mineral veins in the walls. George lowered his weapon, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of movement. The creature's smoky remnants had dissipated completely, leaving behind no trace of its existence except the lingering tension in the air.

"Lucy, let me see that," George said, stepping toward her. His voice was calm but firm, his eyes full of concern.

Lucy waved him off with a small smirk, though her movements were slower than usual. "Relax, George. It's just a scratch. Nothing I can't handle."

Still, George didn't let her brush it off. He gently moved her hand aside to inspect the shallow claw marks on her shoulder. The cuts weren't deep, but they were surrounded by an odd blackish discoloration that made him uneasy.

"Akari," George called, his voice steady but urgent. "Can you take a look at this?"