The beast's final roar faded into the night, dissolving into a wet gurgle as its massive frame collapsed against the churned earth. A wave of silence washed across the battlefield, broken only by the ragged breaths of warriors, the crackle of dying flames, and the distant calls of night creatures returning to their usual rhythms. The demonic aura that had been suffocating the air began to thin, dispersing into dark wisps that evaporated under the moonlight.
Kenshin stood with his chest heaving, sparks flickering faintly around his arms like fading fireflies. He cracked his neck to the side, muttering, "Finally… took ya long enough to die, ugly." His boots squelched in the muddy ground as he surveyed the damage—splintered trees, broken fences, scattered bodies of monsters now reduced to black sludge.
Seme leaned on her greatsword, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. "Tch… my shoulders are screaming. I'm gonna feel this tomorrow." Her armor was dented in a few places, and a smear of blood streaked her cheek, but her grin was fierce and satisfied. "Still… not bad."
Drathan landed lightly on the ground, shadows peeling off him like mist as he dismissed his void techniques. He stretched his arms behind his head lazily, as if he hadn't just spent the last hour dismantling a demonic beast. "Told y'all I was supervising. Y'all did great."
Kenshin shot him a look. "Man, you was chillin' up there half the fight. Don't even start."
Before Drathan could retort, a cheer rose from the villagers and adventurers. It started as a few tired claps, then built into full-throated cries of victory. Mira emerged from the healer's tents, hands and clothes covered in blood and herbs, her face streaked with sweat—but her smile was radiant. Velra stood beside her, sword raised high as a rallying cry. "The beast is dead! The village stands!"
Torches were lit one by one, forming a halo of warm light around the village square. As the adrenaline faded, the smell of roasting meat began to mingle with the earthy scent of mud and blood. Villagers hurried to bring out what supplies they could, lighting fires, roasting game, and preparing simple but hearty meals. Someone tapped a barrel of ale, and soon wooden mugs were being passed around. The rhythmic beat of drums joined the night air as a few musicians began to play.
Kenshin was the first to grab a mug, downing half in one go. "Ayo this hits different after a fight," he said, wiping foam from his mouth.
Seme plopped down next to a fire, groaning as she stretched her legs, the firelight casting highlights on the scratches along her armor. "I'm not movin' for at least an hour. Somebody bring me a plate."
Drathan chuckled, snagging a skewer of roasted meat from a passing villager and tossing another to Seme. "Here. Protein for the swole queen."
"Shut up," she muttered, but she didn't hesitate to take a big bite, juices dripping down her chin.
Velra approached the trio, wiping her hands on a cloth. Her usual composed demeanor softened with genuine gratitude. "That was impressive work. You three held the line when it mattered."
Drathan shrugged. "Light work."
Mira joined them, her tail swaying slowly behind her as she exhaled deeply. "The villagers are safe. A few injuries, but no fatalities… thanks to all of us."
The village square transformed from a battlefield into a festival ground. Musicians brought out flutes and drums, striking up lively tunes. Children ran between fires, laughing and reenacting the fight with sticks as pretend swords. The air filled with roasting meat, spiced herbs, and sweet bread as villagers cooked everything they had to celebrate. Adventurers exchanged exaggerated stories of their feats, each trying to outdo the other, their laughter echoing across the night.
Kenshin leaned back on his elbows, watching the celebration. "Kinda wild, huh? Few hours ago, everyone thought they were goners. Now it's like a block party."
Seme snorted. "Yeah, except with less beer and more mud."
As the night wore on, fires crackled brighter and laughter echoed louder. Mira found her siblings among the crowd, pulling them close for a warm hug. Velra shared a quiet moment with her squad, pride visible in her eyes.
Drathan looked out over it all, hands in his pockets, a small smile tugging at his lips. This… ain't bad, he thought. But this is just one battle. Whatever's behind this demonic crap—it's only getting started.
Later that night, as the celebration mellowed and the fires burned lower, Drathan sat with Kenshin and Seme near a half-empty ale barrel. The stars above were bright, and the air smelled of smoke, meat, and the lingering metallic tang of blood. The flicker of the flames cast shadows across their tired but satisfied faces.
Seme wiped her mouth with the back of her hand after a long sip, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Gotta admit… y'all are somethin' else. That fight was crazy."
Drathan stared at the flickering flames, brows furrowed slightly. "Yeah… but somethin' been buggin' me. My void abilities didn't work right on that beast. Like it just shrugged it off."
Kenshin raised a brow. "For real? I thought you were holdin' back."
"Nah," Drathan said, tapping his fingers on his mug. "I hit it with a few tricks that woulda warped a wyvern inside out, but that demonic energy just… ate it. Like it was nothin'. We need to look into this when we get back to the city. Something's off."
Seme nodded, setting her mug down. "If that kind of corruption spreads, regular tactics ain't gonna cut it. We'll need real answers."
Kenshin smirked, lifting his mug again. "Aight, researcher Drathan. But not tonight. Tonight's for drinkin' and celebratin'. We'll figure that shit out tomorrow."
Drathan chuckled, clinking mugs with him. "Yeah, yeah. Tomorrow."
They drank beneath the stars while the music and chatter surrounded them. The villagers brought out sweet pastries and fruits from their stores, and the trio found themselves laughing along with strangers. Mira's siblings chased each other around the fires, their laughter cutting through the night like bells.
For now, they let the night be theirs. The village celebrated long into the night, honoring their survival and the heroes who had saved them.