As Ace ventured beyond the shelter's confines, a desolate and haunting sight awaited him. The once-thriving city lay in ruins, a stark testament to the ferocity of the beast tides' attacks. The streets that had once bustled with life were now strewn with debris and wreckage. Buildings, once towering symbols of civilization, stood broken and shattered, their structural integrity compromised by the relentless onslaught of the creatures.

The eerie silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the occasional creaking of damaged structures and the distant echoes of what had transpired. It was a chilling reminder of the chaos and devastation that had befallen the city.

Ace's heart sank as he navigated through this post-apocalyptic landscape, his determination to protect his family bolstered by the stark reality before him.

Ace couldn't help but reflect on the astonishing speed at which devastation had engulfed the city. It had been just 30 days, a mere month, yet the cataclysmic transformation from a thriving urban center to a desolate wasteland was staggering.

With a heavy heart, he harnessed the unique abilities of the Nine-Tailed Illusion Fox. invisibility, he began his cautious journey through the ruined cityscape. Every step carried the weight of his family's safety.

As he moved silently among the wreckage, Ace's senses were on high alert. The invisible shroud of illusion provided cover, but it was his keen instincts and resolve that guided him. He knew that within this forsaken landscape, danger lurked in every shadow, and the unexpected could spring forth at any moment.

As Ace navigated through the grim aftermath of the city's devastation, he encountered a haunting tableau of death. Countless human and beast corpses lay scattered about, a chilling testament to the brutal conflict that had ravaged the once-thriving metropolis. Among the lifeless forms, some still bore the twisted and fearsome visage of the beasts that had wreaked havoc.

Thankfully, Ace remained concealed beneath the protective shroud of invisibility granted by the Nine-Tailed Illusion Fox. His presence, though amidst the carnage, went unnoticed by the remaining beasts. The stealth provided by the illusion's power allowed him to move undetected, a silent observer of the macabre scene.

The invisible veil around him was a sanctuary in this perilous environment. As Ace continued to explore the gruesome aftermath, he remained vigilant and cautious, recognizing that even in his hidden state, the dangers of the world around him were far from extinguished.

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While Ace stealthily navigated the devastated city, he stumbled upon a grim scene: dark cult members ruthlessly taking the lives of innocent people. Swift and resourceful, he managed to intervene and rescue a few individuals from the clutches of these malevolent assailants. His actions were fueled by a deep sense of duty and compassion, but he couldn't save everyone.

The weight of the lives he couldn't protect weighed heavily on his conscience. In the midst of chaos and cruelty, Ace found himself grappling with the harsh realities of this world. The dark cult's brutality was a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers lurking in every corner of the city.

As Ace stealthily advanced through the desolation, his eyes fell upon a remarkable sight. Amidst the ruins, a woman with the bearing of a mage stood resolute despite her severe injuries. In her trembling hands, she clutched a mysterious box, her last line of defense against the encroaching dark cult members.

With unwavering determination, she unleashed fiery projectiles upon the cultists, each fireball a testament to her fierce will to resist. Her bravery shone brightly amidst the chaos, as she fought valiantly to protect herself and the enigmatic box she held.

Ace couldn't help but be both awed and moved by her courage. The scene was a stark reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there were individuals who would stand their ground and confront evil with every ounce of their being.

As Ace witnessed the mage's valiant struggle against the dark cultists, it became evident that her injuries were dire, and she teetered on the brink of death. Her desperate plea to protect the mysterious box clutched in her feeble hands tugged at Ace's heartstrings.

However, Ace was not one to stand idly by in the face of such imminent tragedy. With unwavering resolve, he reassured her that she had the power to save herself. With practiced skill and deep compassion, he invoked his ultimate healing abilities. A radiant aura enveloped the mage as Ace channeled his healing magic, mending her grievous wounds and restoring her to a state of vitality.

As the healing light suffused her, the mage's strength was miraculously rejuvenated. Her eyes widened in astonishment and gratitude as the pain and weakness ebbed away. The box she had fought so fiercely to protect remained secure in her grasp.

Ace's actions were a testament to his unwavering commitment to aiding those in need, even in the direst circumstances. The mage's life had been spared, and her mission to safeguard the enigmatic box could continue, thanks to Ace's compassion and extraordinary healing prowess. With newfound strength, they stood united, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in their shared quest for justice and protection against the dark cult's tyranny.

Despite the mage's healing, the toll of her injuries persisted. Overwhelmed by the loss of blood, she ultimately succumbed to unconsciousness.

Ace carried the unconscious mage to the 28th shelter, where his family sought refuge.