Extra chapter: The Lingering Regrets

Time passed like a song.

The world after the war had gradually returned to peace. After a long - time reconstruction, people began to embrace a new daily life. However, although everything seemed to have returned to normal, some deep - seated pains in people's hearts could never be erased.

Darlene was still that strong and independent woman. Although Lucas's sacrifice cut her heart like a knife, she understood that his choice was for a greater goal, to save everyone from the shadow of the abyss. Her life didn't stand still but continued to move forward.

Five years passed. Darlene stood on the mountaintop, looking out at the former battlefield. There were no traces of the abyss left there, only a vast green field full of vitality. She took the short sword and walked to the place where they had fought together. Every time she stood here, the pain in her heart became clearer, as if Lucas was still by her side, still silently protecting her.

"You've never left," Darlene whispered to herself.

She gently stroked the short sword, recalling every bit of her time with Lucas. That man who had sacrificed his life for peace would always live in her heart. She decided that she couldn't let his sacrifice be in vain. She had to be stronger, for him and for those who were still striving for peace.

On this day, Darlene welcomed a long - awaited visitor - Victor. A former comrade - in - arms and friend, he still maintained his calm and rational appearance, but the complex emotions in his eyes were still hard to hide.

"I knew you would come," Darlene greeted him with a smile.

Victor looked at her, was silent for a moment, and finally spoke. "I thought you had already let go."

"Let go?" Darlene shook her head. "No, I've been moving forward, but the pain in my heart is still hard to dissipate."

Victor looked into the distance, as if he could understand her feelings. After the war, many people began to try to find the lost memories and peace. Lucas's name gradually became a legend, and in some places, he was even regarded as a symbol of a hero. But there were still only a few people who really knew Lucas.

"Are you going to stay here and guard this place?" Victor asked.

Darlene looked at him, and a firm light flickered in her eyes. "Yes, my mission isn't completed yet. I'll keep moving forward, carrying his unfulfilled dreams."

Victor nodded. "I'll stay with you until you find your way."

Everything on this land was being reborn. The villages that had been devastated by the abyss were now brand - new. People were plowing in the sun, and children were running in the fields. Everything seemed so full of life.

However, for Darlene, this rebirth was not just a physical restoration but also an inner transformation. From the moment Lucas sacrificed himself, she knew that her mission was not only to survive but to completely eliminate the pain and despair on this land.

She began to form a new alliance, aiming to train young warriors and sages, inheriting the courage and wisdom that Lucas had taught. She never thought she could take Lucas's place, but she always believed that only by maintaining this strength and determination could the people on this land truly get rid of the shadow of the abyss.

At the same time, Alton was still studying the aftermath of the abyss. Although the power of the abyss had dissipated, Alton found that the influence of the abyss still remained in some places. He decided to conduct in - depth research to ensure that these powers would never revive.

During this process, the relationship between Darlene and Victor became deeper. The friendship between the two had transformed into a mutual dependence and support. They were not only former partners in battle but also fellow travelers who shared the heavy burden on this land.

On this day, Darlene sat on a grassy meadow, gazing at the sky. She knew that her journey had just begun. Lucas's sacrifice was not just an end but a new beginning. She was no longer the heart - broken woman she once was but a true leader, leading this land towards a brighter future.

However, time waits for no one. Even the greatest heroes will eventually have to say goodbye one day.

As the years went by, Darlene gradually became more mature, and she began to feel some changes in her body. Although she still maintained her powerful strength and firm will, she knew that her time was also passing quietly. One day, Alton found her and brought a shocking piece of news - he had discovered another part of the abyss power, hidden in an abandoned temple. And if this power was not sealed in time, it would once again sweep across the entire world.

"Darlene, we can't ignore it," Alton's voice was serious and urgent.

Darlene was silent for a moment and then nodded. "Let's go."

She knew that although she had already given so much and although she had lost the most important person, she still couldn't give up her responsibility. This time, she would once again lead her team into the unknown darkness.

However, this time, she clearly knew that she might not be able to come back. She had made the final preparations to face the unknown danger.

She turned to look at Victor. "This might be our last battle, Victor."

Victor nodded. "No matter what the result is, we won't regret it."

The two walked side by side towards the upcoming adventure. This time, there was no fear in Darlene's heart, only firmness.

As this new adventure unfolded, the story of the world didn't end. Lucas's heroic legend was still being told, and Darlene's name would be forever engraved on this land. Her determination and courage would be a lighthouse for future generations.

This was not just an end but a new beginning, for those who dared to face the darkness and the unknown.