For a few seconds, nobody outside the Gate moved.
The massive distortion that had occupied the clearing for so long continued to shrink until, with one final pulse of unstable mana, it disappeared completely. The oppressive presence that had hung over the area vanished with it, leaving behind an eerie emptiness.
The Gate was gone.
Silence settled over the Canadian Association's forces.
Several Titled lowered their weapons while others simply stared at the empty space where the Gate had been, their expressions heavy with the realisation of what had likely happened.
They had lost people.
The two scouting teams had never returned, and the allied clearing squad had entered knowing that the Gate was unusually dangerous. Everyone had understood the risks, but that didn't make the waiting any easier.
Now that the Gate had finally disappeared, the Canadian operatives could only assume the worst.
"They're not coming back."
The words were spoken quietly.
Nobody responded.
