The Shards of the Shadow

Caleb exhaled sharply, wiping soot from his face. "Let's just hope we don't have to do this again. Once was enough."

Ruby nodded, her resolve unbroken. "We'll make sure of it. But first, we need to regroup. Let's head back to the base."

The return journey was quieter than expected. The oppressive weight that had followed them throughout the Wastes was gone, replaced by a strange stillness. It was as though the land itself was recovering, finding its balance after the Shadow's hold had been severed.

Finn walked beside Ruby, his device clutched tightly. "Do you think it's really over?" he asked, his voice low.

Ruby glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "I think we've won this battle. But wars have a way of leaving ghosts behind. We'll need to stay vigilant."

Selene, walking a few paces ahead, overheard and turned slightly. "Vigilance won't be enough. The Shadow's influence stretched deeper than we realize. Its remnants could take years to purge."