Ethan let out a tired breath. "It's exhausting. My mind feels stretched out. I hope I never have to fight like that again." His voice was calm, but the weight of the battle still lingered.
Randall gave a bitter smile. "This is the path of a fighter. It is always hard, and we must put our lives on the line. But once you gain more experience, you will not feel as shaken. Your emotions will stay steady, even in battles like this."
"I hope so," Ethan said quietly. "But from now on, I want to be strong enough to crush enemies with skill and power, so that I never have to fight so desperately again."
"It's better to be overpowered."
Randall nodded. He did not press further. Instead, silence hung between them until Ethan glanced around. The men near the fire had begun whispering. Then one soldier stood and bowed his head deeply.
"Lord Ethan… Thank you. If not for you, we would all be dead."
Another soldier followed. "You saved us. We owe our lives to you."
