541 Chapter 121.1 - Another One
As the team began to catch their breath and gather themselves after the intense battle, the atmosphere in the molten chamber shifted. A soft hum filled the air, followed by the flicker of a glowing rune that appeared near the entrance. It was the special signal, a direct message from Liana.
Moments later, the rune flared, and Liana stepped through the door. She moved with her usual composed grace, her eyes immediately scanning the area.
The molten fragments of the Fire Spirit still smoldered, and the oppressive heat lingered, but the massive creature had been effectively neutralized, just as Astron had planned.
Liana's sharp gaze fell upon the dormant core of the Fire Spirit, now significantly weakened but still intact. She raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by what she saw. The team watched as she approached, the faint glow from the molten rivers casting shadows on her face. She took a moment to observe the state of the chamber, her expression thoughtful.
"Impressive," Liana remarked, her voice calm but with a hint of approval. "Not killed, yet no longer a threat. Exactly as the mission required."
She knelt by the Fire Spirit's core, reaching out to inspect it closely. The mana flow within the core was faint but stable, and the creature's molten body had collapsed completely. It would take time for the Fire Spirit to recover, and by then, the mining teams would have extracted the valuable resources they needed.
Liana stood up, her attention turning to the group. Her eyes briefly met Astron's, acknowledging the precision of his plan without needing to say a word. She folded her arms and gave a slight nod of satisfaction.
"This was earlier than I expected," she said, glancing at the team with a knowing smile. "You've outdone yourselves. I was informed to come once the Fire Spirit was neutralized, but I didn't think it would be this soon."
Dorian let out a small chuckle, clearly pleased with the outcome. "Yeah, we don't mess around when we've got a plan."
Gareth, still maintaining his stoic demeanor, added, "Astron's strategy sped things up."
Liana's gaze shifted back to Astron, her expression thoughtful. "That must be the case." Since he was the addition to the team, something like this was bound to happen. That was what everything was about, after all. "The Fire Spirit was a formidable opponent, but you neutralized it without any unnecessary damage to the core or the environment. That's no small feat."
Astron remained composed, nodding slightly in response. "The mission was clear. We had to subdue, not destroy."
Liana smiled, her approval evident. "Precisely. That balance is difficult to maintain, especially under pressure. But you all worked together and executed the plan efficiently." She turned to the rest of the team. "Each of you played your part perfectly. You should be proud of the result."
Kurt, standing nearby with his shield still raised, couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, though his thoughts were already reflecting on how he could improve.
Elena gave Liana a slight bow, her expression showing her pride in the team's success. "We just followed the plan."
Liana nodded, her demeanor still professional but clearly pleased. "That's exactly what makes a successful team—understanding your roles and trusting the strategy."
She took a step back and surveyed the room once more, her eyes landing on the team's formation and the remnants of the battle. "I'll inform the mining teams that it's safe to begin. You've cleared the way perfectly."
With that, Liana's expression softened slightly, a rare moment of warmth in her otherwise composed exterior. "Well done, all of you. Guild master will be pleased with this result."
The team exchanged glances, the weight of the mission lifting slightly as they felt the satisfaction of a job well done. Liana's approval carried weight, and knowing they had met her expectations, and more, was a victory in itself.
Liana's eyes swept over the team once more, her expression settling into its usual composed demeanor. "You've done well here, but as per the schedule, there's more to come today. You'll have a short break, but be prepared—there are additional expeditions later."
The team exchanged a few knowing glances but didn't protest. Though the battle had been mentally taxing, the members weren't overly fatigued physically. They had executed their roles with precision, and the efficient use of their skills had left them with enough energy to continue.
Kurt rolled his shoulders, the weight of his shield now a familiar presence rather than a burden. "Not much of a breather, but we're ready for whatever's next."
Dorian, leaning casually on his swords, smirked. "Tiring, sure, but nothing we can't handle. Besides, it's better to stay warmed up."
Elena nodded in agreement, her staff resting at her side. "We've had tougher days. This is just part of the job."
Gareth, as stoic as ever, simply gave a small nod. "I'm good to go when needed."
Lila, with her golem now deactivated and floating back into her summoning device, smiled lightly. "Let's make the most of the break, but I'm with them. We're in good shape."
Liana observed the team's relaxed attitude with a small hint of approval in her eyes. This group had proven itself capable and resilient, adapting to whatever was thrown their way. She could see why they were trusted for such high-pressure missions.
"Very well. Take your time to recover and refocus," Liana instructed. "The next expedition won't be as intense as this, but stay sharp. We'll reconvene soon, and I'll guide you through the next steps. I'll be assisting you for the remainder of the week, so if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let me know."
The team nodded in unison, appreciating the brief respite before the next phase of their work.
As they began to file out of the chamber, Liana moved to the side, guiding them through the molten pathways with the same efficiency she had shown since their first briefing.
Despite the looming pressure of the upcoming missions, the atmosphere among the team remained relatively relaxed. They trusted each other, and their bond was forged through the shared intensity of battle.
Walking alongside the team, Liana remained a quiet but ever-watchful presence, her role as their assistant clear. She would be with them for each upcoming expedition, and her responsibility went beyond just logistical support—she would ensure that everything flowed seamlessly, allowing the team to focus on the tasks ahead.
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