The Price of Victory

The Demon Gate shivered and shook, releasing chaotic flares of mana every few seconds. The center of the swirling mass had long since reached the peak of the mountain, but there were no demons in sight. Instead, dozens of long, black lines ran through the gate, a sign of its impending collapse.

The archon's eyes flitted over the scene, taking in the me, the collapsed soldiers, and the broken gate. "Where are the others?" he finally asked.

My body was heavy with exhaustion, but I mustered the strength the shake my head. "We couldn't find them."

His eyes widened, dancing with a spark of anger. "They're still in there? Are they alive?"

"I think so," I muttered, dropping my eyes in shame. "T-They fell into a trap with most of the army, leaving us behind. By the time we destroyed the Gate Core, they still hadn't come back, and it was too dangerous to look for them."