As the suffocating aura of madness and contamination faded, nothing but devastation remained at the scene.
The frozen space-time began to flow again. Light and sound returned to their senses, leaving everyone who had just been freed from stopped time feeling as though a lifetime had passed.
"Yay! Done!" Iglanias was the first to jump up. She waved her little hand, her face blooming with a brilliant smile. "See? Once Senior Elysia steps in, this level of contaminant is nothing!"
Her boisterous voice shattered the silence.
Only then did everyone gradually recover from their shock, their complicated gazes focusing on the center of the battlefield.
Elysia had already withdrawn her magnificent, imposing combat attire and returned to her white gown.
Gently supporting the unconscious Wanda, she descended slowly to the ground as soft pink light enveloped the Scarlet Witch's frail body.
Pietro was the first to rush over. He dropped to his knees beside his sister, reaching out with trembling hands to take Wanda.
"She... she's all right now?" His voice was hoarse, thick with lingering fear.
"Her vital signs are stable, and the mental contamination has been removed."
Elysia's voice was gentle as she carefully placed Wanda in Pietro's arms. "But she has expended far too much—both her magical power and mental essence are nearly depleted. She'll need a long period of rest and recovery. During that time, it would be best for her to be nurtured by stable mental strength and kept from any stimulation."
Pietro carefully took Wanda from her, feeling her steady breathing and the no-longer-violent fluctuations of her energy. It was as if a massive weight had finally been lifted from his chest.
He bowed deeply to Elysia with utmost solemnity. "...Thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
Steve and the others gathered around