As soon as Mirage escaped, the last remnants of the unnatural energy fluctuation in the valley had finally subsided.

The survivors slowly opened their eyes and removed their hands from their ears. They looked at the real yet desolate scenery around them. Recalling everything they had just been through, everyone felt as if they were in another world.

Several injured guards collapsed to the ground. They gasped for breath, and their faces were etched with lingering fear.

Grace walked up to Dustin. Seeing his somewhat pale complexion, she asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

Shaking his head, he looked toward the direction Mirage had fled.

"I'm fine. Just drained from the mental battle," he replied. "Her core was damaged, so she probably won't dare show herself again anytime soon."

Judith pressed a hand to her chest, still shaken. "That was terrifying. Those illusions were practically impossible to fight. If Mr. Rhys hadn't figured out her weakness, none of us would have made it."