The moment Damian opened his eyes after successfully completing his trial, he found himself facing the same scene—the few surviving Highswords still locked in battle against the steam-and-charcoal-covered lava monster.
Relief washed over him. His years of effort had not been in vain. He could still save his friends—hopefully. His hand was already on the generator, continuing the mana generation process as he retrieved a forge and some steel ingots. Multitasking, he could begin crafting weapons and tools, preparing for the worst in case the Demon Lord caught up again. It shouldn't, though—not yet. That thing was still a good distance away.
