Silence enveloped the settlement after the battle. Faintly, the stench of burnt flesh and Abyssal corruption swirled in the air, mixing with the sharp smoke from scattered fires. People ran about to extinguish the flames, their hands shaking as they used makeshift tools to do so. Others clutched their wounds, wincing in pain but grateful to still be alive.
Ryu leaned against the battered barricade, his breaths coming in slow, heavy drags. Voidfang rested in his lap, the sword's usual glow dimmed but faintly pulsing in sync with his heartbeat. His gaze wandered over the battlefield: charred remains of beasts, the motionless bodies of rogues, and the survivors—his team and the villagers, bruised but unbroken. It was a hard-fought victory, but it felt far from complete.
"Ryu."
Kaelith's voice came into his head. She moved closer, her silver hair glinting in the pale light of the moon. Her eyes met his, blue and unyielding.
