Cristianos lay motionless on the cracked ground, his lifeless eyes staring into the distance as the blood pooling beneath him glinted in the fading sunlight. The once-mighty Supreme Marine General of Stoicheia was gone.
Youth's energy dimmed as he reverted to his Grade 2 form, the blue aura surrounding him fading into the cool air. He stood silently for a moment, his spear resting at his side.
All around the battlefield, Cristianos's loyalists dropped their weapons in surrender, their defiance extinguished. The civil war had ended.
Schneizal, battered and bruised, struggled to his feet, but Sequana was at his side, helping him steady himself.
"Thanks," he muttered, wincing as she guided him toward the others.
Nearby, Algos and Thavas rose from the rubble, their expressions heavy with exhaustion and grief.
Thavas looked toward Cristianos's fallen form, his voice subdued.
"The Supreme General…"
Algos said nothing, his eyes fixed on the body of his former leader.
The group began to gather, their faces etched with relief as the realization settled in—the battle was over. The crowd of civilians, once paralyzed by fear, erupted into cheers for their heroes. The sound echoed through the air, a stark contrast to the chaos that had unfolded just moments before.
Youth turned toward Lord Lyverin, his sharp gaze cutting through the lord's trembling frame.
"Hey, old man!" Youth barked, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd.
Lyverin flinched, shrinking back. "Y-yes?"
"Technically, all of this is your fault," Youth said, his tone harsh.
"If you hadn't spent all your time sitting in that damn castle eating steak and ignoring your responsibilities, Cristianos wouldn't have turned into an extremist dictator!"
Lyverin's face went pale, and he stammered,
"I… I-I'm sorry… You're right…"
Youth stared at him for a moment longer before sighing.
"Still," he said, his tone softening slightly,
"I'm impressed you stepped up and looked after your people today, despite all that."
Lyverin straightened, the faintest glimmer of resolve returning to his eyes.
"I swear," he said, his voice quivering but determined, "I will take responsibility for this nation and its people. I will not fail them again."
The next morning, the group gathered their belongings, packing supplies of food, clothing, and essentials for their journey. Their cabin, which had served as their temporary refuge, now felt like a place of transition—a chapter closing behind them.
As they stepped outside, the bright morning light greeted them, and a familiar voice called out.
"Wait!"
They turned to see Clarence running toward them, his expression resolute.
"Kid?" Schneizal asked, raising an eyebrow.
Clarence stopped to catch his breath, then straightened.
"I've decided," he said firmly.
"I want to join you."
Youth crossed his arms, eyeing the young trainee.
"You want to come with us? What we're heading into will be twice as bad as what we faced here. Are you sure you can handle that?"
Clarence nodded without hesitation.
"I'll get stronger," he promised.
"I'll use this journey to prove myself."
Youth considered him for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"Alright, but don't slow us down."
Clarence grinned. "I won't."
As the group prepared to leave, the people of Stoicheia gathered to bid them farewell. Cheers and words of gratitude filled the air, their voices carrying the weight of appreciation and hope.
Schneizal looked around, a rare smile spreading across his face.
"For the first time, I feel like I've really done something big. Like a true knight."
Algos, Gondikas, and the Marine Commandos approached, their expressions a mixture of pride and respect.
Algos extended his hand to Youth.
"I guess this is where we part ways. Good luck out there. I wish you all the best."
Youth shook his hand firmly.
"Thanks. Same to you."
Thavas stepped forward, his steely gaze meeting Youth's.
"We'll meet again, young man. And when we do, I'll be stronger than you."
Youth smirked. "We'll see about that."
Galleass turned to Clarence, resting a hand on the young trainee's shoulder.
"Be safe out there. I know when you return, you'll be stronger than ever."
Clarence smiled brightly.
"Thank you. I won't let you down."
Cypria crossed her arms, her expression indifferent.
"Hmph! As if I'd help you losers."
Lefteris laughed, nudging her playfully.
"Oh, don't listen to her. Good luck out maggots!"
With final farewells exchanged, the group turned toward the dense forests ahead. Their path led to the portal that leads from Stoicheia and Keter Sanctuary, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
As they walked away, the cheers of the people faded into the distance. The bonds they had forged in Stoicheia would not be forgotten, and though they left friends behind, the sense of farewell was not final.
For the journey ahead promised new challenges and new reunions.