Scattered corpses, air heavy with the scent of iron and blood, and the sound of wind sweeping across the battlefield. Ryo and Jin sit in silence, trying to process what has happened.
Jin (looking at Valder's corpse):
"Even after his death… this man leaves an echo behind."
Ryo (in a calm tone):
"The echo isn't in his death, but in how he fought. He was ready to sacrifice everything."
System (to Ryo):
"Alert: Battle analysis complete. Strengths: Quick adaptability. Weaknesses: Hesitation in making risky decisions."
Ryo (with a faint smile):
"Thanks for the reminder, system. As if I didn't already know that."
The sound of horses' hooves echoes in the distance. A group of soldiers finally arrives, led by a young woman with sharp features and armor gleaming under the sunlight.
The woman (sternly):
"Ryo! Jin! Are you alright?"
Jin (rising slowly):
"Lynn. Late as usual."
Lynn (with a sarcastic smile):
"You both needed the training anyway."
Ryo (seriously):
"The situation isn't as it seems. The Supreme Commander was here. Valder."
Lynn freezes, her expression turning to shock.
Lynn:
"Valder? The Supreme Commander? You fought him alone?"
Jin (mockingly):
"We didn't have a choice. And I think we handled it pretty well."
As they speak, a shadow appears on the ground near Valder's corpse. Ryo cautiously approaches and notices something unusual: a small, strange dagger emitting a faint glow.
System (to Ryo):
"Alert: This weapon contains dark energy. Analyzing it may reveal critical information."
Ryo carefully picks up the dagger.
Jin (warning):
"Ryo, don't touch it. It could be cursed."
Ryo:
"I know, but we need to learn more. Something bigger is at play here."
The system displays a new message:
"Valder's dagger added to the analysis list. Results will require additional time."
On their way back to the castle, fatigue begins to show, especially on Jin. He seems burdened by something heavy.
Lynn (worried):
"Jin, are you alright? You seem more tired than usual."
Jin (quietly):
"I'm just thinking… about everyone we've lost. Every person who died because of this damned war."
Ryo (looking at him):
"Death isn't a choice we can change. But we can decide how we live after it."
Jin looks at Ryo, as if wanting to say something, but chooses silence instead.
Upon arriving at the castle, they are greeted as heroes. But the celebrations end quickly when the castle advisor, an elderly man with a stern demeanor named Cyril, appears.
Cyril:
"Bad news. Unusual movements on the western border. It seems the other continent has begun to mobilize."
Lynn (in disbelief):
"The other continent? But they haven't moved in decades."
Cyril (gravely):
"That's what's concerning. Valder's death appears to have been the spark for a larger plan."
In his room at night, Ryo sits on his bed as the system displays a new message:
"Alert: Conclusion. The next battle will not be fought on an individual level. You must prepare to bear the responsibility of the entire continent."
Ryo (speaking to the system):
"The continent's responsibility? I can barely protect myself and Jin."
System:
"This is the truth you're trying to escape. Every step you take brings you closer to facing the greatest enemy."
Ryo:
"Do you mean the other continent?"
System:
"Part of the truth. But the greatest enemy is yourself… your choices, and your fear of sacrifice."
Ryo falls silent, trying to absorb the system's words.
Elsewhere, on the continent's border, a group of knights approaches the barrier. Their leader dismounts his horse, looking into the horizon with a sinister smile.
Mysterious Leader:
"It's time to move. This world needs someone to restore order to its chaos."