Lucas took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. The air in the cavern was thick with tension, the elves shifting nervously. He could see their exhaustion, their fear—but also a glimmer of hope. They had been freed, but their suffering was far from over.
His gaze landed on the blonde elf—the one who had saved him from the lava slime. Her emerald eyes, though dulled by hardship, still carried a fierce spirit. She straightened, taking a steady breath before finally speaking.
"My name is Sylmira," she said, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. "Thank you for saving us."
Lucas nodded. "Lucas. But I didn't do it alone."
He glanced at the slime, which was still pulsating slightly, its gelatinous form shifting and trembling. Then, before anyone could react, a glowing circle of intricate runes appeared beneath them.
"What now?!" Lucas shouted, instinctively stepping back.
