"We need to talk privately," Elio said.
Once the meeting room door closed behind them, Elio began sharing all the important information. While finishing the details of his experience in levels 8 and 9, the discussion centered on the city's current situation.
His expression made Lucien and Selene tense, there was something beyond what they had witnessed at the wall.
"The deposit..." Elio began, his voice controlled but heavy with weight. "We conquered it, but the cost..." He paused a moment, organizing his thoughts. "Micah didn't make it."
The silence that followed was heavy. Selene stepped forward, but Elio raised a hand and continued:
"He sacrificed himself to prevent the monster from obtaining information. But I didn't include it in the general report..."
"...I'll tell Zara myself," his voice hardened slightly. "She needs to hear it from me. I can't risk her going out to look for the monster in her grief."