They slowed near the edge of the dunes as the last echoes of battle faded. For a brief moment, the desert fell quiet except the sound of their breathing.
Erend turned first. His gaze moved from Aesa to Eccar, sharp with concern.
"Both of you still able to go?" he asked.
Aesa nodded even though her fingers trembled faintly before she clenched them into a fist.
"I'm fine," she said, forcing control back into her tone. "It hurts, but I won't lose myself again. Besides, we need to keep moving to kill this source of corruption."
Eccar exhaled slowly. "I can move. That's enough." he replied.
Erend studied them for another heartbeat, then nodded. He didn't press further. He knew that his words would only make their reopened wounds felt worse.
He stepped toward the black door rising from the sand, its surface swallowing light. Without hesitation, he placed his hand against it and pushed.
The door opened.
They crossed into Level 56.
