The momentous news that Kuize had returned safely with Ye Chen shook all of Hunter's Peak that very night.
Upon hearing the news, the Hunter Corps higher-ups, who had been waiting in anguish for days, swiftly gathered before the old man to welcome him back.
And faced with the countless eyes of his subordinates—each bloodshot with exhaustion and fraught with tension—Kuize simply made the most shocking, domineering declaration before them all in the most offhand tone.
"Bloodsmith Hunter and I joined forces to eliminate Butcher Jietisikoki."
"And before that, Delight Theater had already been utterly destroyed along with its leader."
"Now, the final two Divine Artifact pieces of the 'Apocalypse'—the Sky Train and the Conduction Prism Eyes—are both in my hands."
"Therefore, the strategic objectives of this 'Butcher-Clown Extermination Campaign' have been perfectly fulfilled."
"We have won."
"Everyone, you've worked hard."
After hearing their commander's placid speech, the Hunter Corps members, whose hearts had been lodged in their throats, stood frozen for a moment. Then, casting off the weight in their hearts, they raised their arms and cheered in relief, celebrating Kuize's triumphant return and the Hunter Corps' victory!
Afterward, the joyous news of victory not only rapidly spread to every corner of Hunter's Peak, but also reached the church headquarters in the distant Holy Province in one stroke.
Thus, the long-suppressed atmosphere within the two extraordinary organizations was finally kindled once more by joy and exhilaration.
It could be said that Kuize and Ye Chen's return marked the true full stop to this war fought to defend their homeland.
Though all manner of grievous costs and sacrifices had been paid along the way.
In the end, however, the Auling Hunter Corps led by Kuize had still successfully achieved its original strategic objective, winning for the Holy God and the