His eyes scanned the edge of the forest.
No more movement.
The fight was over.
For now.
Mei looked over at him.
Her eyes didn't hold surprise.
Just quiet understanding.
She didn't ask anything.
She just nodded once.
And Ethan nodded back.
They didn't need to speak.
Sera stepped closer, still catching her breath. "That… that was insane."
The air still smelled faintly of scorched leaves and smoke. The ground was torn in places where claws had raked and feet had pivoted.
But the lions were gone—some fled, others down. None remained to fight.
Mei exhaled softly and turned away, checking the surroundings again like she didn't trust the silence. But nothing moved. Even the wind seemed to have calmed.
Ethan hadn't relaxed yet. His body was still on edge, just in case.
But somewhere behind the simulation...
—In the real world—
