Night had settled over the outskirts, the cold wind stirring restlessly.
The crowd moved forward in heavy silence, the atmosphere oppressive, broken only by muddled footsteps and the repressed groans of the wounded.
Whether they were soldiers, provincial cavalry, adventurers, or non-combatants such as blacksmiths, laborers, and merchants, everyone's mood was weighted with gloom.
Gauss rode atop his chocobo; with [Stalwart Scale Bloodline] cooled down, the scales of energy and draconic claws receded from his body, returning him to a normal state.
A wave of exhaustion followed soon after, but fortunately, it wasn't too overwhelming.
Aaliyah handed over a few Magic Power Berries she'd already prepared in advance.
"Want some?"
"Thanks."
Gauss accepted the berries and put them in his mouth.
A gentle warmth spread slowly through his body, easing his fatigue, but the heaviness weighing on his heart was not so easily soothed.
