Across the Starbound Sea

Luca's companions gathered around him, their faces a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Luca," one of them said, while another clapped him on the shoulder. Though exhausted, Luca managed a small smile. His legs still felt weak, but the warmth of his friends' appreciation lifted his spirits.

The group stayed close, helping each other as they returned to the safety of the camp.

Meanwhile, back on the battlefield, Lord Darion wiped the dark sludge from his Luminite blade. Around him, the lifeless bodies of twelve corrupted creatures lay in gruesome silence. Two more beasts had fled, vanishing into the shadows beyond the wall.

Darion didn't pursue them. Instead, he turned and marched toward the main front, where his soldiers still fought. When he arrived, it was as if the tide of battle shifted entirely. His presence alone was enough to invigorate the weary fighters.

With a deep breath, Darion summoned his Luminis energy, letting it surge outward in a massive wave. The light erupted from him like a radiant storm, freezing the corrupted creatures in their tracks. The soldiers seized the moment, striking down their immobilized foes with precision.

One by one, the creatures fell. The survivors—those too weak or cowardly to continue—fled into the darkness, their eerie screeches echoing as they retreated.

Lord Darion raised his hand, signalling the soldiers to retreat back behind the wall. The battle was over, but as he gazed down at the land beyond the wall, his expression darkened. Black veins of corruption spread slowly across the earth, a taint left behind by the creatures.

He sighed heavily. The corruption was always worse after an attack, a constant reminder of the real enemy's power.

The battlefield had fallen silent, the only sounds now the crackle of fires in the distance and the occasional groan of the injured being carried to safety. Lord Darion sat in his tent, a small cup of tea in his hand. Its warmth did little to ease the cold weight in his chest. He had just received the casualty report: twenty-one Harmonization stage practitioners lost. The cost of victory weighed heavily on him.

Marek entered, his expression grim. "My lord, I've confirmed the arrangements for the injured. The healers are doing their best, but some wounds may take weeks to mend."

Darion nodded slowly. "Good. And the dead?"

Marek hesitated before answering. "Preparations for their burial are underway. I'll ensure it's done with full honours."

"Make it so," Darion said firmly. "The families must know that their loved ones died bravely. Tell them their sacrifice was in reclaiming new lands. And Marek..." He paused. "Ensure that the new recruits attend the funeral. They must see and understand the weight of our fight."

Marek bowed, acknowledging the command. "It will be done, my lord." With that, he turned and left, leaving Darion alone once more with his thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the tent's ceiling. 

In another part of the camp, Luca and his companions sat together, their earlier relief replaced with a sombre quiet. They had returned from their task alive, but the sight of the corrupted creatures and the grim aftermath of the battle left a lasting impression.

Instructor Aaron approached them. His armour bore the scars of battle, and his hands were wrapped in hastily-applied bandages, the bleeding already stopped.

The group immediately stood, concern etched on their faces. "Instructor, are you all right?" Luca asked.

Aaron offered a faint smile. "I'm fine. Just a few scratches—nothing serious." His gaze softened as he looked at the group. "You've done well tonight. Rest while you can. In four hours, you'll need to attend the funerals of the soldiers who gave their lives in this battle."

The weight of his words settled heavily over the group. For months, their time at the camp had been filled with training and missions, but there had been no battles or losses. For many of them, the war had felt distant, almost unreal. But now, they saw its harsh reality.

Some of them exchanged uneasy glances. The memory of the corrupted creature at the Essence Flow stage was still fresh in their minds. A few felt fear creeping in, while others wrestled with their emotions, trying to stay composed. But none spoke of their fears aloud.

Aaron studied their faces, noting the mixed reactions. He said nothing of it. This was a lesson they had to absorb in their own way. "Rest for now," he repeated gently. "You'll be told when it's time to attend."

The group nodded in silence, watching as Aaron walked away. They sat back down, subdued by the weight of the day. Tonight, they had glimpsed the true cost of the war. They knew that one day, they too would face the corrupted creatures directly. For some, the thought brought fear. For others, a determination to grow stronger.

Hours later, the call came for Luca and the others to gather. The recruits, still subdued by the weight of their earlier conversation, followed the summons to a quiet clearing on the outskirts of the camp. The clearing had been prepared with care—rows of freshly dug graves stretched under the soft glow of the moonlight.

The Kingdom of Waldria held to ancient traditions when honouring their dead. Each fallen soldier was laid to rest with their most treasured belongings—items that represented their lives and dreams. The belief in Waldria was simple yet profound. They believed the soul would be reborn, while the body would live on as a part of nature, nurturing new life.

Above each grave, a single seed of the Eterna Tree was planted. The Eterna, known for its tall, strong trunk and vibrant golden leaves, symbolized both resilience and renewal. The people of Waldria believed the Eterna carried the essence of the departed, transforming their sacrifice into a legacy of strength and life for future generations.