The Way Ahead

Lando and Garza trudged back to the base, their heavy steps echoing the weight of the battle they'd just endured. As they approached, they saw the remaining four soldiers, dedicatedly burying their fallen comrades. The raw emotion was palpable; some soldiers were weeping openly, mourning their lost friends.

Rylie, upon noticing Lando's return, shifted her gaze from the graves to him. Though he was battered and bruised, his resilient spirit shone through. Overwhelmed with relief, she dashed towards him, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "Thank god," she whispered into his ear, her voice shaky.

Lando reciprocated the embrace, his lips curving into a tender smile. "Yegor's gone," he began, his tone serious, "But our battle is far from over. Renan Cosmos orchestrated this chaos. I've clashed with him before. He took someone very dear to me." His voice held a hint of sorrow, the past clearly haunting him.