Even after the Hero's demise, the apothecary knows that their ordeal is far from over. Monsters still lurk in the shadows, their ominous presence a constant reminder of the peril she faces. As she carries the Hero's body, fear and uncertainty grip her. At any moment, she fears, the horde of monsters could strike.
But then, the Arbiter descends, his divine presence soothing her fears. He assures her that since the Demon General fell first, the victory belongs to the Hero. "As promised, you shall leave here alive," he declares. At his words, the monsters begin to vanish. It appears they were bound to the Arbiter's will, a hidden facet of the demon realm.
Observing the Arbiter, a realization strikes her. His movements, his aura - they're eerily familiar. The Arbiter is the Demon Sentinel, the very soul of the castle. With this revelation, the Demon Lord's castle stands vacant. The Arbiter's assurance brings a sense of tranquility to the apothecary. She knows that the Hero's sacrifice was not in vain. His victory has ushered in a new era, not just for her, but for the world.
With a heavy heart, the apothecary carries the Hero's body towards the colosseum's exit. As she steps outside, she's greeted by the sight of sprawling mountains. They've finally escaped the Demon Lord's castle.
She collapses to her knees, overcome with grief. This wasn't the adventure she had imagined. She had envisioned them returning home triumphant, their lives resuming as before. But now, everything has changed. The Hero is gone, their comrades betrayed them, and peace seems like a distant dream.
She gazes at the horizon, spotting a small cliff in the distance. She carries the Hero's body there, providing him with a burial as best as she can. It's not the grand hero's burial he deserved, but it's the best she can offer. The grave overlooks the land of Solandis, a silent sentinel watching over the world he gave his life to protect.
She casts one last look at the Demon Lord's castle. The Hero's journey has ended, but hers is just beginning. She's embarking on a new quest, one of seeking answers and exacting revenge. The apothecary's journey, her pursuit of truth and justice, has just begun.
As the apothecary sets off on her journey, leaving the Demon Lord's castle behind, a single flower blooms beside the Hero's grave. It's a symbol of life amidst death, a beacon of hope amidst despair. The grave is simple, a small mound of earth with a name etched on a stone: "Arlan, Hero of Solandis".
After the emotional upheaval of the Hero's death and the startling revelation about the Arbiter, she's desperate to put some distance between herself and the Demon Lord's castle.
A week of travel on foot brings her to the outskirts of the nearest village. This village, once under the constant shadow of demon threats, now lies in ruins but shows signs of rebirth. The villagers are gradually rebuilding, their spirits buoyed by the absence of the demon menace.
The journey has been more challenging than she anticipated. Exhaustion, both physical and emotional, has worn her down. As she steps onto the village outskirts, her strength finally fails her, and she collapses.
On the outskirts of the village, the venerable elder, out for his customary stroll, discovers Aria in a state of collapse. As he approaches her, he takes in her youthful features. She's just a teenager, around 16 or 17 years old. Her long, ginger colored hair is splayed out around her, a stark contrast against the green grass. Freckles dot her fair, white skin, giving her a youthful, innocent appearance. She's petite, her stature comparable to a child's.
The Apothecary's thin frame is draped in a tattered brown cloak, and she clutches a satchel tightly to her chest. Her ears, slightly pointed but not as elongated as a full-fledged elf's, hint at her mixed heritage. The elder assumes she must be half-elf.
With a vigor that defies his advanced years, he hoists her up and transports her to his abode, offering her a sanctuary. Here, under his nurturing care, she devotes the ensuing days to recuperating her strength. The elder's benevolence serves as a beacon of hope on her path, a testament that even amidst the bleakest times, there exist those who proffer a helping hand.
On the third day of her stay in the village, the apothecary awakens. She opens her eyes for the first time, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. She hears the laughter of children playing outside, the rhythmic hammering of carpenters rebuilding homes, and the distant chatter of farmers. Through the window, she sees the bustle of village life unfolding.
The village elder, a man named Eldon, visits her daily, bringing her meals and engaging her in light-hearted conversation. Their chats are comforting, a welcome distraction from her haunting memories. Eldon's tales of the village's resilience inspire her, and she finds herself looking forward to their chats.
One day, she steps outside for the first time. The village is alive with activity. Farmers are tending to their fields, their faces creased with lines of hard work and determination. Children are running around, their laughter echoing through the air. She sees animals grazing peacefully, their calm demeanor a stark contrast to the wild creatures she's encountered on her journey. The sky is a clear, brilliant blue, a canvas of tranquility that soothes her weary soul.
During the day, she ventures outside the village to gather herbs. She finds "Solace leaf" and "Detox root", plants known for their healing properties and used in making potions and antidotes. The names are unique, a reflection of their potent abilities.
She also spends time with the village children. Despite the hardships they've faced, their spirits remain unbroken. They remind her of her younger self, full of life and curiosity. She joins their games, her laughter mingling with theirs. These moments of joy amidst the hardship remind her of the times when she and her party would help other villages on their adventures.
Despite the peacefulness of village life, The Apothecary's thoughts often drift back to her past journey as an adventurer. She remembers the villages they've helped, the people they've met, and the challenges they've overcome. These memories, both bitter and sweet, serve as a reminder of the path she's walked and the journey that lies ahead.
By the fifth day in the village, the apothecary has regained enough strength to walk around. She decides to stay there for a while, finding solace in the simplicity of village life. She helps out in the fields, her hands becoming familiar with the rough texture of the soil and the rhythm of farm work.
After a week of staying in the village, the apothecary contemplates making this peaceful place her permanent home. Here, she can forget the painful memories of her past and lose herself in the simple rhythm of village life.
But deep down, she knows she can't escape her past. She knows she must return to her master in Cosmopolis. So, the next day, she thanks Eldon and the villagers for their kindness and hospitality. She bids them a heartfelt farewell, promising to remember their kindness. With a heavy heart, she tells them she's returning to the capital. As she leaves the village, she carries with her the memories of the peaceful days spent there, a bittersweet reminder of the life she could have had.
Just before she departs, she turns to the village elder and inquires about the name of the village. The elder smiles, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He tells her that this village has been ravaged many times by the demon Lord, but it has always risen from the ashes. It's a place that, like a tenacious plant, refuses to perish.
With a proud glint in his eyes, he tells her, "We'll call it Resilis Village, a testament to our resilience and our refusal to surrender, no matter the odds."
The apothecary nods, etching the name into her memory. With a final wave, she embarks on her journey, leaving Resilis Village behind but carrying its spirit with her.
Just as she's about to leave, the village elder calls out to her, "Wait! We never did get your name, dear." He looks at her with kind, curious eyes, realizing they've been aiding and conversing with this courageous woman without knowing her name.
She turns back to face him, a small smile gracing her face. "My name is Aria," she says, "Aria Nightbloom, the apothecary of the Hero's party."
The village elder nods, a newfound respect in his eyes. "Aria," he repeats, as if committing the name to memory. "Safe travels, Aria Nightbloom. Resilis Village will always welcome you."
With that, Aria turns away and resumes her journey, leaving Resilis Village behind but carrying its spirit within her.