The village of Oridia stirred with life as Eren, Liora, and the people began to rebuild what the storm and chaos had torn apart. The damage left by Malrik's forces was still evident—burned homes, scarred fields—but hope was slowly taking root again.
Eren stood at the village's edge, gazing toward the horizon where Kael had disappeared days ago. Liora approached, her presence a quiet comfort.
"You've been out here every morning," she said softly. "Are you waiting for something?"
Eren shook his head. "Not waiting. Just thinking."
"About Kael?"
"About everything," Eren admitted. "Kael, the fragments, the people we couldn't save. It feels like the world's moving on, but I'm still standing still."
Liora studied him, her eyes filled with understanding. "The world is moving on because of what we did, Eren. But healing takes time—for everyone, even you."
---
An Unexpected Visitor
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of hoofbeats approaching from the west. A lone rider emerged from the forest, their cloak tattered and their horse weary. The villagers gathered, murmurs of suspicion and curiosity rippling through the crowd.
The rider dismounted, revealing a young woman with piercing green eyes and a faint scar running across her cheek. She bowed low before Eren and Liora.
"My name is Serin," she said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion in her face. "I come from the southern lands. We've heard of your deeds—of how you vanquished Malrik and sealed the fragments."
Eren exchanged a glance with Liora, his expression cautious. "And what do you want with us?"
Serin straightened, her gaze unwavering. "There's something you need to know. The fragments may be sealed, but their influence hasn't vanished completely. Strange events have begun to unfold in the south—crops withering overnight, shadows moving where none should be. People are frightened, and some believe it's the remnants of Malrik's curse."
---
The Echo of Shadows
Eren's jaw tightened as he listened. The fragments had been a persistent weight on his mind, but he'd hoped their sealing would bring true peace.
"Are you sure it's connected to the fragments?" Liora asked.
Serin nodded. "We've seen markings—symbols like those etched on the fragments. Whatever is happening, it's spreading."
Eren felt the familiar pull of responsibility tugging at him. "If it's the fragments' influence, then we need to stop it before it spreads further."
Liora placed a hand on his arm, her expression both supportive and concerned. "Eren, we just finished one battle. Are you sure you're ready for another?"
He looked at her, the fire returning to his eyes. "We didn't come this far to let the world fall apart again. If there's even a chance it's connected to the fragments, we have to act."
---
Rallying a Team
That evening, Eren called a meeting in the village square. Serin shared her account of the southern lands, her words painting a grim picture of growing unease.
Some villagers volunteered to join the effort, eager to protect the fragile peace. Others urged caution, wary of reigniting the chaos they'd only just escaped.
Eren addressed the crowd, his voice steady and commanding. "We all fought hard to end Malrik's reign and seal the fragments. But the world isn't healed yet. If there's still a threat out there, we can't ignore it. I won't force anyone to follow me, but I'm not going to stand by while people suffer."
Liora stepped forward, her presence a reassuring beacon. "Eren's right. We've seen what happens when we let fear stop us. If this is connected to the fragments, then we have a responsibility to face it."
The crowd murmured in agreement, and several villagers stepped forward to join the effort.
---
A New Journey Begins
By dawn, Eren, Liora, Serin, and a small group of volunteers were prepared to set out. The villagers gathered to see them off, offering supplies and well-wishes.
As they passed the edge of the village, Eren glanced back one last time. Oridia was alive with hope, its people rebuilding and moving forward.
"It's strange," he said to Liora. "I feel like we're leaving just as things are starting to heal."
Liora smiled faintly. "That's because we are. But healing doesn't stop just because we're not here. They'll keep going, Eren. So will we."
He nodded, turning his gaze forward. The road ahead was uncertain, but he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
As the group disappeared into the forest, the sun rose higher, casting its light over the land. The echoes of their journey remained, but so too did the promise of a brighter future.