296: Over for Good? - Part 2

The dust had barely settled from the final clash, and the rebel forces were securely detained. A collective sigh of relief rippled through Layla's group, their exhaustion finally catching up with them after the grueling battle. Victory seemed within grasp, and the thought of a world free from the rebel leader's tyranny was almost tangible.

But the moment of peace shattered abruptly. The rebel leader, bound and on his knees, let out a chilling laugh, sending a wave of unease through the air.

Mary, visibly irritated by his sudden outburst, stormed over to him and smacked him upside the head. "What's so funny, you lunatic? You've lost! What could possibly make you laugh at a time like this?"

The rebel leader raised his head, his eyes gleaming with a dark amusement that sent chills down their spines. "You think you've won?" he sneered, his voice dripping with malevolence. "You're too late. Whatever you hoped to save... it's already beyond salvation."