Aftermath of Black Prison Territory's Battle (2)

Lei Jin simply nodded and continued reading the list. Committing each and everyone of the fallen's names to memory. Such was his duty regardless of any other obligation. However, he wanted to make sure that there could be no doubt in anyone's hearts or minds, that he, Lei Jin, would never forget and seek justice for their loss. After he put the list away. And left with a single step.

Lei Jin appeared on the closest garrison ship with casualties. And looked at the bodies of the fallen. "These people… even if it was for a great and noble cause… they still will never smile again. Never laugh again. And forever remain cold until they turn to dust. This is something I have seen many times. However, to this extent… and it is all my responsibility It was my order. These men and women gave their lives for the Human Race because I said it." He thought, as he noticed their now peaceful slumber. Their friends, masters and disciples all have different mixed emotions. 

"It should have been me! That damn Ink Clan! It was I who messed up. Not you, why did you jump in front of the attack?" One cried out finally finding the courage to cry, now that it was safe. 

It was a young man crying over a significantly older woman. Clearly their master or their mother. Either way it was someone dear to them so it didn't matter who they were to each other. The woman had reached the 7th rank in her life. It had been a recent promotion as well. She hadn't come from a cave heaven But still there she lay. Cold and lifeless. 

The crying young man was a 5th rank Open Heaven. And he noticed that Lei Jin was standing there and taking the scene in to fully comprehend what his words had led to. It wasn't just the woman. And it wasn't just those 2nd and 3rd class forces that had suffered casualties. Some from the Cave Heavens perished as well. 

"Pillar Lei Jin! Please… is there… please can you bring my master back!? I can't lose here like this. She raised me from a little boy I can't…" The young man asked, foolheartedly. 

The others knew well enough to not even broach this topic. Because bringing the dead back to life… is not possible. One would have to rule over the 9 Heavens themselves and even then it would still not be enough. At most one could speed up the time it took to reincarnate. Yet they were still hopeful. 

"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do. While I can do many things. Bringing the dead back to life is not something within my power. Even if I spent my very existence to do so, you would only get less than half a breath with your beloved master. And it would be an eternity of pain for her soul to make the journey along the reverse flow." Lei Jin sighed, sadly. 

"Then… my master… I made a mistake and she paid the price. I shouldn't have let myself get caught by the Ink Clan… Master was already dealing with 2 Feudal Lords. And then she took on all of my enemies too. I…" The Young Man said, with a familiar look in his eyes. 

"Hmm… those eyes." Lei Jin thought, as he saw the young man pleading full of sorrow. But there was something… something else. "While I can not give your master her life back. I can offer you a chance… A chance at vengeance. Become the one to avenge your master's death. And rise up to claim the enemy's life." He said, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder. 

"But… Sir Pillar Lei Jin… You have killed the last of the enemy right? Vengeance has already been wrought?" The young man asked, puzzled, yet hopeful and yearning. 

"I may have annihilated the last of their disgusting kind here. However, the battlefield where my Master and all of the other Old Ancestors fight. There are plenty of Ink Clan to go around. They are all the same despicable and vile beings. Kill as many of them as you like. The Ink Battlefield is where they are. Now… the only thing you need to do is give your answer. Understand that this very well could be the last trip you ever take. Nothing is certain in war. And your master has served a heroic duty. I wish for her to return to the cycle of reincarnation sooner." Lei Jin said, attempting to lift not only the young man's but also the crowd's spirit. 

"I want to go! I want to fight! Allow me… No, I will avenge my master! I will go there to the Ink Battlefield and fight." The young man said, clenching his fists so hard they bleed. A sign of his conviction. 

"We will go! We must have vengeance! We demand justice!" The crowd chanted, eager to get to work. 

"Good. Then I will have you come. For now take these resources and cultivate. Increase your strength in the meantime. We have a little bit before we need to go. And if you want to get justice properly you'll all need to grow stronger. Don't let the ones we have lost down. For they gave themselves so you may go on. I owe them all a debt of gratitude for keeping so many safe. And for buying the precious time needed for my breakthrough. Had I not had this time… the result of this battle would be very different." Lei Jin said, before leaving to the next Garrison ship to continue this process. 

~~Azure Void's Flagship~~

Lei Jin appeared again on the deck with a look that showed his new found understanding and respect. He never had this particular experience. It was one he wished he didn't have to have. But reality was cruel and so was war. The events had to occur. "Dwelling on what I could have done is not going to be helpful. I must look forward. And seize victory. I only wish I could protect them all better." Lei Jin thought. 

"Jin'er, do not beat yourself up about it too much. You have too much to worry about as it is." Azure Heart said, worriedly.