After Wiserk returned, he saw the enormous Bonfire blazing fiercely, along with the four leaders standing before it.
They remained silent, and the air was thick with oppression.
As time passed, more and more Firewood Collectors returned as well.
However, Wiserk noticed that the Firewood Collectors, whose numbers had been fairly substantial before setting out, had now lost more than half their ranks.
Some familiar faces Wiserk knew had vanished as well, clearly having died in that brutal battle.
Blood Fist Cassius was nowhere to be seen either.
Wiserk clenched his fists, his heart sinking as a long-forgotten sense of Powerlessness rose within him.
Cassius had most likely died at the hands of The End—silently, without warning, without even leaving behind any last words.
This—was the cruelty of war.
Yet Clemo had fortunately survived this battle.
From the very beginning, The End's influence had flung him far away, and he had not even caught sight of Eternal Peak.
But Clemo could not bring himself to feel happy.
He had also carefully noticed the tremendous losses they had suffered, and his heart weighed heavily.
Having suffered such a devastating blow, the Firewood Collectors present were in a grave mood. Few spoke, low sighs occasionally ringing out as their spirits sank.
"Warriors, raise your heads."
At that moment, Yagony spoke. His voice was stern and powerful.
"In this battle, we paid a grievous price. A great many Flames died. This is a brutal fact, a bloody lesson."
"I know you feel sorrow and disappointment."
"But the flames will not be extinguished here."
"You fight for a lofty ideal."
"You are fortunate, because you are still alive."
"But you are also unfortunate, because the responsibilities and hopes left unfinished by the fallen must be taken up by you. You must bear even heavier