[Special wave concluded. Congratulations on a decisive victory!]
He fell. No, please get up, Yue Fei!
[Your population is fully healed.]
I watched in disbelief as his torn-off leg began to heal. Flesh and muscle reconstructed bit by bit until a completely new leg appeared. His complexion became rosier, but he didn't awaken. Around me, the people injured by the zombies were also restored, their bodies made whole again.
I looked around. Through fire, we had united as one, but I could still see the sadness in their eyes.
"Send some people to bring the general back and let him rest in his house," I ordered. As I turned, my eyes fell upon the lifeless bodies of the five men, laid side by side. Their faces were calm yet haunting, etched permanently into my memory. Some people cried; others turned away, unable to face the reality. This isn't a game. I've always known that. I always knew there was a chance for this to happen, but seeing death right in front of me was nauseating, a truth I couldn't ignore.
I called Xiao over and instructed him, "Organize everyone to clear the battlefield. After that, let everyone rest and prepare a banquet for tonight to commemorate the victory. For those who didn't make it, prepare a bonfire."
The people gathered around the fire. The bodies were cleaned and dressed in white garments, their faces serene. The air was tense as the fire burned, consuming the physical remains of those who had fallen. Grief hung heavily in the air. These men weren't family, lifelong friends, or lovers. But war had brought us closer, binding us through shared trust and the looming shadow of death. The bonds forged on the battlefield were like magic.
As the fire crackled and the flames rose higher, the people began to look at me. Their eyes were filled with expectation, silently pleading for me to say something, to calm their hearts. It was I who had promised to be their light in this dark and treacherous path. My throat dried under their gazes, the weight of their hopes piercing me like needles. No, I thought, this is a step we must take. Today we sow the field, and tomorrow we harvest what we've planted.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at each of them and began to speak:
"In my hometown, there is a custom that, when our loved ones pass away, we say their spirits free themselves from the mortal body to protect those they held dear. My people, these brave souls gave their lives for you, to protect you. So who dares to be saddened in their presence? Let this be known to all: through fire, we became one, and through fire, we shall free ourselves!"
"F*** THOSE BEASTS!"
"Damn it," a strong man said, fiercely wiping his tears.
"We promised to drink ourselves until we fell, Xie, you bastard!" a man shouted, tears streaming down his face.
"waaaa"
The crowd erupted in shouts of defiance, their grief transforming into a shared determination.
Not even glancing at the rewards, I opened the festival store.
[FESTIVAL STORE]
Points: 6,320
Browsing through the options, my mouth watered at the sight of the goods. I spent 20 FP on forty barrels of honey beer and left them with Xiao. After that, I returned to the palace to take a shower.
Standing in front of the mirror, I stared at myself. Without the mask of bravado, I saw the weight of everything we had endured. The memories of the fallen replayed in my mind like a cruel loop. The nausea returned, and I doubled over, emptying my stomach.
"I am too weak," I muttered bitterly, the weight of my own thoughts crushing me. "The fruit really doesn't fall far from the tree." The words dripped with sarcasm, but their sting was real. I thought I'd hardened my heart, frozen it solid against everything and everyone. How wrong I was.
Deep down, I loathed her—my mother. She was too gentle, too compassionate, always giving when she should have stood firm. Always forgiving when she should have fought back. That softness destroyed her. I swore I'd never be like her. Yet here I am. A self-deprecating smile crept across my face.
Later in the evening, after resting, I went to the future commercial center again. The people who had once been crying and hopeless were now smiling, talking loudly, laughing, and drinking. Don't think they've moved on simply because they chose not to show sadness. No, they trusted my words. Tonight was not a night of lamentation but one of festivities. It was a celebration of life and a way to honor those who gave their lives. Though they were no longer here in body, their spirits were with us. After all, this was a party for everyone.
Looking at this scene, my heart calmed. This feeling—it wasn't so bad. The burden of leadership, the weight of their hopes and dreams, felt lighter in moments like this. For the first time in what felt like forever, I smiled genuinely.
"Well, let's enjoy the party!"