The remaining students gathered in small groups, their faces filled with anxiety and confusion. Some murmured among themselves while others kept glancing toward the distant World Tree, whose burning branches illuminated the night sky with an ominous fire.
"What's going to happen if they can't put out the fire?"
"Can the World Tree really be destroyed? I thought it was supposed to be immortal!"
"I heard the strongest elven mages are already trying to stop it, but even they can't do anything."
"Then what are we supposed to do? We can't stay here forever!"
Whispers of fear spread throughout the gathering.
A few students approached Damien, Ken, and Arisha to ask about their injuries, relieved to see that their classmates were still alive. Others remained where they were, too exhausted or frightened to do anything but wait.
Meanwhile, Brandon stood nearby, watching the exhausted students with a troubled expression.
