Was she any different from Ji Xiulan, then?
Song noticed her silence. "Is there something that troubles you, Master?"
Ling Yu glanced up. "...Just thinking."
"About the dungeon?"
She nodded.
He stirred the fire quietly, embers crackling in response. "The elves, perhaps?"
Her lips tightened.
"They were kind," she said softly. "They didn't deserve to fade away like that."
"Kindness rarely matters to the laws of the world."
"I know. But it still hurts."
Song's gaze softened, though his tone remained composed. "Then remember them. Even if the world forgets, you don't have to."
Ling Yu's throat tightened slightly.
She didn't respond, but the faint smile that curved her lips was enough.
The next morning, the wind had changed again.
Reports from the system began flashing across their interfaces:
[Dungeon Report: Sector 11 - Red Grade: Active]
[Casualties: 302 confirmed, 187 missing.]
[Emergency Request: Reinforcements required.]
