57

The child stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his gaze sweeping the clearing with a mixture of relief and trepidation. The air was thick with the acrid scent of burnt magic and the lingering traces of Damian's dark power.

Beside him, Anya, Phillip, and Damien approached, their expressions a blend of awe and concern.

"Child," Anya said, her voice a low, rumbling tone. "What you did... it was incredible."

The child felt a twinge of unease, his mind still reeling from the sheer power he had wielded against Damian. He knew that the man's defeat had been necessary, but the weight of his actions still hung heavily on his shoulders.

"I... I did what I had to," the child replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Damian's actions threatened us all, and I couldn't let him win."

Phillip stepped forward, his weathered features etched with a mixture of pride and concern.

"You saved us, child," he said. "But at what cost? That power you wielded, it's unlike anything I've ever seen. How did