As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, the city of Nexaria came together in solemn unity. The memorial service for those lost in the abyssal invasion was a solemn affair. Steeped in the cultural traditions and grief, a grand pyre was constructed from the entirety of the elements.
A metal platform was first constructed to raise up those lost in the battle in reverence.
Plants from nature were grown on top to hold them in place and provide tinder for the next step.
A lightning bolt would then strike the top of the pile to then become a blazing fire to encompass the dead. The burning of the bodies was a sacred act, releasing the fragments of their cultivation back into the cosmic cycle, to the world and the heavens, where they could once again contribute to the flow of life and mana.
I believe the next chapter will officially start the next volume... At least that's my current plan. I'm slightly debating if makes sense for it to be the next chapter or in like 1-2 more chapters. I have some setting up of what comes nexts for the next arc, but I'm not sure if I begin it there or not. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this arc so far. I personally kind of hate academy arcs, but they're important for world building and explaining systems and stuff. I wish every chapter could just be constant fighting, but I need other interactions to occur too. If you have any ideas for what you want to have happen in the future, feel free to leave a comment. I've got lots planned, but would love ideas. Including Tex Gravewood as a Banjo wielder was literally an idea from someone's comment, so yeah, haha. Thanks for your support so far~!