But the victory's stillness lasted only moments. The scorched dungeon floor beneath them trembled faintly, cracks glowing with lingering embers. The crimson haze had dimmed, yet not vanished — like coals beneath ash, waiting for the right breath to burn again.
"We should move," Veyra said, tightening her grip on her blade. "The corruption here isn't gone. It's recoiling."
Allen gave a brief nod. "Stay close."
The group began to walk through the corridor that curved deeper into the dungeon. The air was thick and hot, shimmering like the breath of a furnace. Each step echoed against the burning walls — and as they moved, the faint flicker of mana panels appeared before them again, translucent windows of light.
["Oh no, not these things again,"] Yuki muttered, floating closer to Shellia's shoulder. ["Why do these always show up after we almost die?"]
