The battlefield was nothing but ruins and ash. Bodies of orcs and ogres littered the field, their blood mixing with the blackened dirt, the acrid stench of burnt flesh lingering heavy in the night air. The last embers of battle flickered out, leaving only groans and ragged breaths. Broken weapons lay abandoned, shattered shields still clutched in trembling hands.
By the time the sun dipped low, campfires sprouted across the clearing. Squads huddled together in tight circles, some tending to wounds, others whispering about the fight they'd barely survived. The healing tent overflowed with groans and pained cries—bandages soaked crimson, healers muttering incantations until their mana threatened to run dry. The tent stank of sweat, blood, and burned poultices, every inch crammed with adventurers who hadn't been quick enough to dodge the King's last rampages.
Around the trio's fire, the mood was calmer but far from lighthearted. Kenshin sprawled on the ground with his arms behind his head, grumbling every few seconds. "Bruh, my calves tight as hell. I'm tellin' you, one more fight like that and I'm demandin' hazard pay."
Seme, still wiping dried blood from her blade, snorted. "Hazard pay? You actin' like you ain't out here wildin', shootin' lightning like it's free. I'm the one with sore arms from cuttin' down ogres that grew their arms back like weeds."
Drathan, leaning against a log with his eyes half-lidded, gave a lazy grin. "Y'all just soft. Builds endurance. Don't worry, next time I'll finish the fight in ten seconds and save your muscles."
"Next time?" Kenshin sat up, tossing a pebble at him. "Ain't no next time. Bro, you coulda ended it right away. Instead, you got us grindin' out here like NPCs for your entertainment."
Mira stirred the stew pot, her usual chatter replaced by silence. Her golden eyes stared into the bubbling broth, ears twitching every so often, but she didn't join the banter. The smell of herbs and meat filled the air, masking the battlefield's stench. When she finally served the bowls, her hands lingered just a little longer than normal. Drathan caught it, though he didn't say anything—just offered her a quiet nod as he accepted his portion.
Velra approached, her steps deliberate. She stopped just shy of the fire, arms crossed, eyes heavy with thought. Around them, squads still murmured about Drathan's power—whispers of awe and fear threading through the camp like smoke. Velra ignored them, though her clenched jaw betrayed her unease.
"You fought recklessly," she said flatly, looking directly at Drathan.
Drathan smirked, spoon halfway to his lips. "Nah, I fought stylish. Big difference."
Kenshin laughed, nearly choking on stew. "Stylish, he says. Man, you damn near broke reality just to flex."
Velra didn't smile. Her gaze dropped to the ground, then back to him. If he lost control… if that power ever turned on us… She pushed the thought aside, shaking her head. "We'll discuss it further when we're back in the city."
The night dragged on with low voices, the crackle of fires, and the steady rhythm of healers' chants. The battlefield camp was both alive and ghostly quiet, every group processing what they had seen in their own way.
By morning, mist clung to the grass, and the smell of damp ash coated the back of their throats. The squads packed up what little they had, the sound of tents being rolled and armor strapped echoing in the cool air. Some limped, others leaned on friends, but all bore the fatigue of a war that could've gone much worse.
The march back began.
The trio walked at the front, Mira keeping pace but unusually silent, her gaze flicking from trees to the dirt road as though lost in thought. Kenshin noticed, slowing to walk beside her. "Yo, Mira. You mad quiet this mornin'. What's up? Normally you the first one complainin' about how heavy the packs are."
She blinked, then forced a small smile. "...Just thinking."
"Thinkin', huh? Don't fry your brain too hard," he teased lightly, though concern lingered in his tone.
Seme shot a side glance, grumbling, "She probably realizin' how crazy we all are. That's why she quiet."
Mira shook her head softly but didn't elaborate. Inside, her thoughts swirled: That power Drathan used… it wasn't human. No one should have that much control. And yet… why didn't it scare me as much as it should? Maybe… because I wanted to believe in him.
She tightened her grip on her pack strap. But my siblings… I can't wait any longer. If I don't ask them now, I might never get another chance. Her stomach twisted at the thought of exposing such vulnerability, but the image of her brother and sister's tired faces pushed her forward.
Kenshin, meanwhile, couldn't help his own wandering thoughts. Bro out here actin' like he bored of fightin' kings. If he wasn't my boy, I'd be worried he'd flip the world upside down just 'cause he could.
Seme's mind was sharper, her eyes scanning the treeline with a soldier's instinct. If we run into another horde, we ain't ready. Not unless Drathan pops that power again. That ain't somethin' I wanna depend on every damn time.
By midday, the forest gave way to the main road. The battered column of survivors moved steadily, every step pulling them closer to the city. Relief flickered across weary faces—half a day more, and Tierwyn's gates would be in sight.
When the city walls finally loomed, Mira hesitated. Her stomach churned, not from battle fatigue but from the weight of her secret. She clenched her fists, ears low, and finally spoke, her voice soft but steady: "When we get back to the villa… I need to talk to y'all. About something important."
The trio stopped, exchanging quick glances before Drathan tilted his head. "Heavy talk? Aight. We'll listen."
Kenshin raised a brow, grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Don't tell me you got some wild confession, Mira. You look like you carryin' a boulder on your back."
Seme sighed, though her eyes softened. "If it's serious, you ain't gotta hold back. Just spit it out when we get there. We got you."
Drathan smirked lazily, but his tone carried more weight than usual. "Yeah. You part of this crew now. If it's a problem, it's our problem."
Mira's eyes widened slightly, warmth flooding her chest. Their casual acceptance cut through the fear she'd been holding onto. They don't even know what it is yet… and still they're willing. Maybe… I really can save them. Her shoulders eased, a breath of relief slipping past her lips. I've been carrying this alone too long.
The trio shared a glance, wordless but unified: the battle was over, but new fights waited just beyond the gates.