The fields stretched endlessly before them, a soft glow of dawn painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. Ryuto stood at the forefront of the group, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword as he surveyed the road ahead. Behind him, the villagers shuffled forward in silence, their faces etched with exhaustion and grief.
Celeste stirred weakly in Nina's arms, her pale complexion illuminated by the morning light. Nina glanced down, relief flashing across her face. "She's waking up," Nina called softly to Ryuto, her voice tinged with hope.
Ryuto turned, kneeling beside them. "Celeste, can you hear me?"
Her eyelids fluttered open, and her lips curved into the faintest smile. "Did we... win?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"We did," Ryuto assured her, his tone gentle. "Thanks to you."
