Reymon looked at Aksai with a bright smile as he said.
"But master, it's strange.
"Even though it feels heavy, I also feel… lighter. Clearer. I'm not afraid of the tree devils anymore. I'm waiting for them. Let them come. This time, I won't just defend Sharang… I'll make them regret ever stepping into this world."
"That's the spirit," Aksai said as he nodded.
Reymon bowed deeply one last time. "Master, I won't disappoint you."
Aksai waved his hand lightly. "We'll meet again, when the time is right."
With that, Aksai's figure flickered and vanished from sight, leaving Reymon alone in the hallway.
Reymon stood still for a long moment.
"…Alright," he muttered. "Let's begin."
***
After Aksai left, the city of Red Springs underwent a silent change.
The day before, it had been a ruined land covered in ash, broken stones, and the bodies of fallen martial artists. Even the air had felt thick with grief.
But now…
The city looked almost reborn.
