Chapter 49: Aftermath

Joshua's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurred as he adjusted to the dim light filtering through the wooden beams of the ceiling above him. The familiar scent of aged wood and medicinal herbs filled his nostrils, a stark reminder that he was in the chieftain's house, resting in the quarters assigned to him. His body ached, muscles screaming in protest as he attempted to shift. Every movement sent waves of exhaustion rippling through his limbs, yet the familiar weight of his own existence reassured him—he was alive.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. How long had he been unconscious? He willed himself upright, gritting his teeth as his sore muscles protested. He could still feel the lingering effects of battle, the phantom pressure of energy coursing through his veins. The memory of the battlefield was still fresh—explosions, steel clashing, and the cries of warriors locked in combat against an overwhelming force. And yet, the village still stood. The familiar structure around him was untouched, peaceful, safe.

A small, tired smile spread across his lips. We won.

The thrill of combat echoed in his mind, the way his energy surged as he unleashed devastation upon the enemy. He had pushed himself to the limits, and yet, his body had endured. His mind felt clearer now, sharpened by the realization that he had grown stronger.

With a deep breath, he closed his eyes once more and reached inward. The familiar warmth of his core greeted him, pulsing gently with power. He drew in energy instinctively, feeling it weave through his being, revitalizing his exhausted spirit. The rate of absorption was steady, the core refining and compressing energy effortlessly. He could feel its fullness, the wellspring of power replenished after days of rest. Two… maybe three days at most, he estimated. His body's natural ability to recover energy had worked efficiently while he lay unconscious. That meant time had passed, and battles had been fought and won without him.

A soft creak broke his concentration. The wooden door to his chamber swung open, and a familiar figure stepped inside. Maydee's presence was as commanding as ever, though her posture betrayed hints of exhaustion. The glow of battle had faded from her, but the intensity in her gaze remained.

"Joshua?" she called, her voice even yet laced with something unreadable.

He turned to her, a grin tugging at his lips despite the soreness in his body. "Master," he greeted, his voice hoarse but laced with amusement. "Did we win?"

Maydee crossed her arms, her sharp eyes studying him. She shook her head, though a ghost of a smile touched her lips. "Yes, we've won," she admitted.

Relief flooded through Joshua. His grin widened, though the motion sent a dull ache through his jaw. "That's good," he murmured, stretching his arms slightly before grimacing. "I feel like I got trampled by a stampede, though. How long was I out Master?"

Maydee scoffed, stepping closer. "You might as well have. You nearly burned out your core with that final attack."

Joshua chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I had to make it count. How long was I out Master?" He asked.

She sighed, her expression softening as she took a seat beside his bed. "You were reckless," she stated, though there was no true reprimand in her tone. Instead, it was laced with something else—something akin to pride. "But your actions turned the tide of battle. Without that last strike, we might not have had a chance. To answer your question, it has been two days."

Joshua blinked, letting her words sink in. He had known his attack was powerful, but to hear that it had been the deciding factor filled him with a strange sense of accomplishment. He had fought not just for himself, but for the village—for the warriors who stood against impossible odds.

With a serious expression, his gaze met hers. "How bad was it?"

Maydee exhaled deeply, leaning back. "The village held, but we suffered losses. The beasts were relentless. Even after the Gifted was taken out, some continued to fight on instinct. Mostly, the larger more aggressive beasts. The rest fled back to the forest."

Joshua frowned, guilt gnawing at his insides. "The warriors?"

"We lost two, and a few more of the younglings. Most of the warriors are injured but not serious. The villagers are unharmed," she admitted, her voice solemn. "Far fewer than we would have if you hadn't struck when you did. My father was already commited to fight to the last man."

A heavy silence fell between them. Joshua clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. The reality of battle was never kind. Even in victory, there was always a price.

Maydee must have sensed his turmoil because she reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well, Joshua," she said, her voice firmer now. "Better than anyone expected. You're not just an outsider anymore. The people here see you as one of us. The dead are already within Mother's embrace. I am sure they are proud to have sacrificed their lives so that the others may live."

Joshua's breath caught. He had fought alongside these people, bled with them, and now… they accepted him? It was an unfamiliar but welcome feeling. A warmth spread in his chest, one different from the energy he wielded.

"You should join us later." Maydee said. "We will be honoring our fallen brothers and celebrating our victory. But first, we need to speak with my father."

After a moment, he took a deep breath and straightened. "Then I should get up Master."

Maydee raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you're ready?"

Joshua smirked. "I won't get stronger lying in bed."

She rolled her eyes but stood nonetheless, offering him a hand. He grasped it, pulling himself upright with a grunt. His legs wobbled slightly, but he steadied himself, exhaling slowly.

He was still here. Still standing. And his battles were only beginning.

Little did he know that his actions were already known to some of the more potent powers in this world.