The battlefield was eerily quiet.
Smoke curled into the air. The wind carried a hollow whisper, as if mourning the destruction left behind. In the center of the crater, Kael Kurai lay on his back, blood seeping from his chest, eyes barely open. His breathing was shallow, each breath a struggle.
Footsteps.
Three small silhouettes emerged from the ruined forest edge—Renzo, Jinsei, and Maiya. Their faces were pale. Dirt and rain matted their hair. They had seen devastation before, but never like this.
"D-Dad…?" Maiya's voice cracked, breaking the silence. She ran forward, skidding to her knees beside Kael. Her small hands clutched his arm. "Dad!!"
Kael turned his head slowly, his gaze locking with hers. There was pain in his eyes—but also peace.
"Maiya…" he whispered. "You're safe… good…"
Renzo and Jinsei moved closer, kneeling down as Kael coughed violently, blood on his lips.
"I'm… proud of you all," Kael murmured. "Renzo… protect them. You're strong now… stronger than I ever was."
Renzo clenched his fists, eyes trembling with tears. "Don't talk like that, Master. You're gonna be fine…"
Kael gave a weak chuckle. "Wish I could… say that's true…"
His hand reached out—trembling—until Jinsei took it.
"Jinsei," Kael said, locking eyes with him. "There's… light in you. Don't… lose it. You remind me of someone I once knew… someone who never gave up…"
Jinsei nodded, his eyes wide and wet. "Master…"
"And Maiya…"
Her lip quivered. "D-Daddy?"
He smiled softly. "You're my light… my little star. Don't ever forget… I love you."
A tear rolled down Maiya's cheek. She gripped his hand tighter.
"I love you too," she whispered.
Kael's chest rose once… twice… and then, gently fell.
Still.
Maiya's eyes widened. "D-Dad? Dad…? Dad!!"
She screamed, hugging his body, her sobs echoing through the crater.
Renzo stood, his eyes red, his face hardened. He turned to Jinsei, voice quiet but filled with resolve.
"Jinsei," he said. "Come here."
Jinsei looked up.
And the chapter ends.