The rain poured heavily, and a storm loomed on the horizon. The trees in the Zia woodland swayed under the storm's force.
In the midst of it all, Ares stood unaffected by the raging weather, his grip firm on his sword, lost in a daze with emotionless eyes.
Rose was initially happy to see Ares's return, but when she noticed his battered appearance, her smile began to fade. His clothes were stained with blood, and his injured body showed signs of rapid healing from his regeneration skill. But what troubled her more was his expression, one of profound loss.
'What could he have gone through to wear such a look?' Rose wondered, her concern evident in the fluttering of her hair in the strong winds.
As she contemplated, Elaine finally emerged from the gate as well, and the gate soon vanished completely.