Aftermath of Battle

The aftermath of battle still lingered in the air. Though the sea had long since returned to calm, the smoke, explosions, and desperate cries from before had become distant echoes.

The Neo Marines fleet was anchored in these waters that had once been engulfed in war. The ships floated steadily upon the calm sea, as if all the storms between heaven and earth had been swallowed up and turned into silence.

Broken pirate ships floated scattered across the sea. Shattered hulls, snapped masts, and planks strewn in every direction swayed gently beneath the push of the waves.

Countless pirate corpses floated on the water, their clothes already faded, blood and oil stains woven together into a grim scene.

The sea had swallowed everything. All those once-ferocious pirates were now nothing more than silent remains, as if telling the world that their once-boisterous laughter and violence could no longer be found.

The Neo Marines busied themselves cleaning up the battlefield. On the fleet, soldiers methodically cleared away the spoils left behind and the enemy's remains.

Everyone wore solemn expressions. Their eyes were filled with exhaustion, and not a trace of relief showed on their faces.

The brutal battle they had just endured remained vivid in their minds. Though victory had ultimately belonged to them, such a cruel victory left everyone feeling oppressed.

Jin An stood at the bow, his back to the sea as he stared into the distance.

Although everything had been settled, the heaviness in his heart had yet to fade.

War was cruel in the end. No matter the outcome, the scent of death always lingered after every battle.

His gaze swept across the busy soldiers nearby, a trace of helplessness and contemplation flashing through his eyes.

"Cleaning up the battlefield..."

He murmured softly, his tone carrying a