Chapter 35 : embers of departures

The night sky was still tinted orange by the smoldering village when the sound of hooves thundered down the road. Lanterns swayed in the dark as a small convoy approached, banners embroidered with a crest of crashing waves snapping in the wind.

Ryo tensed, hand moving to his satchel, until Stellar lifted his head and exhaled with relief.

“Blue Wave delivery…” he murmured.

The convoy halted, and three figures dismounted.

At the front was Captain Seraphine Veyra, a tall woman in azure armor trimmed with silver. Her stern eyes scanned the survivors with a soldier’s precision, but when she saw Ryo and his companions, her expression softened just slightly.

“You’ve made it out,” she said, her voice carrying authority. “Good. Headquarters feared the worst.”

Beside her stood Dorian Kestrel, a healer with ink-stained gloves and a stack of scrolls strapped to his side. He adjusted his glasses, glancing toward the ruined horizon. “We leave immediately for West Geneva.”

The third was Lyra Duskmoor, a cheerful courier with braided hair and a bow slung across her back. She hopped down lightly, offering bottles to the weary survivors. “Drink. You’ll need your strength for the journey.”

As relief washed through the group, Kael stepped forward, his jaw set. “Take me with you.”

Seraphine arched a brow. “You are…?”

“Kael,” he said firmly. “I want to join you. I want to serve as a mana delivery guy—no, as one of your own. Let me give my strength to something greater.”

For a long moment, the only sound was the crackle of burning ruins in the distance. Then Lyra smiled faintly, nudging Dorian with her elbow. “He’s got the fire, don’t you think?”

Dorian frowned, but Seraphine raised a hand. Her gaze lingered on Karl, measuring the steel in his eyes. Finally, she gave a single nod.

“Very well. You’ll come to West Geneva with us. But understand this—Blue Wave does not take empty vows. If you want to wear our crest, you’ll need to prove yourself with more than words.”

Kael bowed his head, his voice low but resolute. “I’ll prove it. To all of you.”

Aldah placed a hand on his shoulder, a rare smile flickering across his tired face. “Then welcome to the path, Kael.”

With that, the survivors were loaded into the convoy. As the wagons began their journey westward, away from the ashes of the village, Ryo glanced back one last time. Smoke curled into the sky, a reminder of all they had lost—and the heavy responsibility waiting ahead in West Geneva.