The Veil of Desperation

The team stood amidst the silence of the forest clearing, their breaths heavy but steady. The spire's destruction had left behind a peculiar calm, the oppressive weight of the Shadow's presence noticeably diminished. Yet, Ruby's instincts screamed that their fight was far from over.

"What do you have, Finn?" Ruby asked, her voice breaking the quiet.

Finn adjusted the controls on his device, his brow furrowed. "No energy spikes, no readings. It's like the spire wiped itself clean when it collapsed. But…"

"But?" Caleb prompted, slinging his rifle over his shoulder.

Finn hesitated. "The remnants of the Shadow's energy—they're… dormant. Not gone, but scattered. Whatever central control he had here, it's been severed. For now."

Selene stepped closer, her glowing blade still in hand. "For now isn't good enough. We need finality."

Ruby nodded. "Then we push forward. Finn, keep scanning. Zoe, Caleb, stay sharp. This isn't over."