The Northern Wastes were eerily silent in the aftermath of the fortress's destruction. The ground beneath the group's feet felt different, lighter, as if the Shadow's oppressive influence had loosened its grip. But the air was still thick with unease. The words of the Shadow—The cycle continues—lingered in their minds like an unshakable echo.
Ruby paced along the ridge, her eyes scanning the horizon. Though the fortress was gone, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was still watching them. "We need to regroup and reassess. This isn't over."
Zoe tightened her grip on her blade, her jaw set. "It never is. But we hurt him today. That has to mean something."
Finn sat on a rock, inspecting his battered device. "Well, it's not like we blew him out of existence. That was just a fortress. He's still out there, gathering strength. Probably planning his next move."