The Radiant Light - [English Version]

The four hurried back to Axeler, with Ralanka carrying the unconscious Zebraem on his back. As they neared the place, many people rushed to them, mostly beastmen, who took Zebraem's body from Ralanka and assisted everyone back. They were all severely injured, but Zebraem had suffered the most. When they reached the main gate of Axeler, Diego was already waiting there.

Diego: Quickly, get them treated! Hurry up! 

Diego: Ganoderma!! Get ready now! 

Ganoderma: Yes, sir.

Ralanka and Dande were taken to a room filled with medical equipment. Their wounds needed first aid before they could undergo further treatment. Elena was brought to a garden with various plants and a large tree at the center. She entered the trunk of that tree to heal, possibly revealing her true form. Zebraem, on the other hand, was taken to a brightly lit room with a magic circle at its center. Surrounding it were people dressed in white, sitting cross-legged, their hands clasped together in prayer. Zebraem was placed in the middle of the magic circle. This was how they used their faith, borrowing power from the deity they worshipped to heal Zebraem.

Diego: Ganoderma, prepare a containment tank. Once this process is complete, place Zebraem in it. 

Ganoderma: Understood.

Ganoderma quickly left.

At the territory of the Dragon Elves, Vpgey Niu Ogan had returned without a single injury. He was welcomed by the cheers of the people, who praised his achievements. The Dragon Elf King was then led to a room where the most knowledgeable and wise members of the Dragon Elf race were gathered. They stood in a circle around the King, seemingly diagnosing something.

Vpgey Niu Ogan: What do you think? 

........: We have never seen an injury like this before, Your Majesty. 

Vpgey Niu Ogan: Indeed. Can this be healed? 

........: We cannot be sure. Please forgive us, Your Majesty. 

Vpgey Niu Ogan: (sighs) ... 

Vpgey Niu Ogan: No one in our tribe must know about this.

One month later, Ralanka and Dande slowly recovered. While lying in their hospital beds, they talked about what had happened.

Dande: Do you think Lord Zebraem will be okay, Lord Ralanka? 

Ralanka: I don't know. 

Dande: Facing the Dragon Elf King was indeed a brutal experience for the three of us. The outcome was such a devastating defeat. 

Ralanka: In my lifetime, this is the third time I've felt such humiliation and helplessness. 

Dande: Could you tell me about it? 

Ralanka: Sure. 

Ralanka: The first time was when I was very young. My father took me hunting. When the adults caught a Leoquid, I was asked to behead it as a rite of passage into adulthood. But… I was terrified and ended up getting struck in the side by its tentacle. I was in pain and fear while the others finished it off. 

Dande: You had to fight at such a young age. 

Ralanka: I am a warrior and a hunter, Dande. 

Dande: I can understand why they educate the next generation this way. It's a legacy. 

Ralanka: The second time was when I fought with all my strength to protect the land of my tribe. They fought alongside me, and we swore by the Holy Tree to defend our land until our last breath. The humans invaded, and my tribe slaughtered countless enemies, but many of us also fell. In the end, defeat was inevitable. When all those who fought with me fell, my body gave out. I collapsed after killing all the remaining enemies. The invasion ended right in front of me, but when I looked back, there was no one left behind me. In that moment, Aykon appeared, stood by my side, and promised to restore everything to how I wished. In my most helpless moment, I found a glimmer of hope. 

Dande: So that was your first meeting with Aykon. 

Ralanka: This is my chance to revive my homeland, Dande. No matter what it takes, I will seize it. And what about you? 

Dande: I haven't fought in grand battles like you, nor have I fought to protect my homeland. I joined the legion to fulfill my personal wish. 

Ralanka: What is it? 

Dande: I want to die whole. The fate of my tribe in death is truly cruel, so I want to change that. When I prayed and spoke my desire to the gods, I met Lord Zebraem, and he led me to meet Aykon. 

Ralanka: You've known Zebraem for a long time now, haven't you? 

Dande: Yes, ever since that time. 

Ralanka: May our wishes come true. 

Dande: May our wishes come true.

The two bumped fists, showing their unyielding fighting spirit to realize their dreams.