章 1307: Chapter 1307: The Path Forward

The journey back to their homeland was different than any before. Where once they had walked with purpose fueled by anger, vengeance, and survival, now they walked with a quiet peace. The weight of the Eternal Shadow's presence was gone, its dark influence replaced by a strange lightness that settled over the land.

Kael led the group as always, but there was a warmth in his step, a gentler purpose. His gaze drifted from one side of the path to the other, taking in the wildflowers bursting through patches of grass, the soft fluttering of birdsong that returned to the forest.

By midday, they stopped by a river to rest. As Kael filled his flask with cool water, Darien settled beside him, his usual humor toned down, though his eyes held a glint of mischief.

"Have to say, Commander," Darien began, nudging Kael with a grin, "you look less like a warrior out to save the world, and more like a man who's finally found his peace."