Chapter 211: The Celebration and the Prelude to the Military Shopping System

Chapter 211: The Celebration and the Prelude to the Military Shopping System

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The sun had begun to rise over Akarios Island, casting a warm glow on a scene that had been marked by devastation just hours before. The beach was no longer filled with the sounds of battle but with the soft murmurs of life returning to normal. Coalition soldiers moved slowly, some still in shock, others visibly relieved that the day had finally come when they could celebrate a victory instead of mourn a loss.

Vincent stood at the command tent, watching the horizon as the first light touched the water. His body ached, each movement a reminder of the fierce battle they had fought. Yet, despite the soreness, there was a calm in the air that he hadn't felt in weeks. The adrenaline of war was giving way to the quiet realization of triumph.

"Sir Vincent!" called Brandt. His uniform was freshly cleaned, and his expression was no longer one of worry but of joy. "The troops are gathering near the main campfire. The elves and dwarves have prepared a celebration in our honor."

Vincent nodded, a small smile breaking through his stoic demeanor. "Well, we deserve it. Lead the way, Brandt."

They walked together toward the heart of the camp, where a massive bonfire had been constructed. The flames crackled and leaped into the air, surrounded by a semicircle of soldiers, elves, and dwarves who had banded together for this moment. Laughter rippled through the group as stories were exchanged, and mugs of ale were passed around with generous hands.

Queen Velara was the first to speak, her voice powerful and confident. "Tonight, we celebrate not just a victory but the bond we have forged in battle. Humans, elves, and dwarves together, we have stood against the dark tide and emerged stronger."

A roar of approval erupted from the crowd, weapons raised in acknowledgment of her words. Velara's emerald eyes swept over them with pride as she lifted her own mug high. "To Akarios, and to those who fought with courage unmatched!"

"To Akarios!" the crowd echoed, their voices thundering into the early morning air.

Princess Elara stood beside Velara, her presence serene yet commanding. She stepped forward, her gaze meeting those of the soldiers. "This victory was not without sacrifice. We have lost brothers and sisters, warriors who gave everything for this day. Let us remember them as we celebrate, for their spirits are with us now."

A moment of silence fell over the camp, and even the crackling of the fire seemed to soften in respect. Then, almost as if on cue, the dwarves broke the silence with a song. It was deep and melodic, resonating with a pride that could only come from warriors who had fought and won against impossible odds. The song spoke of resilience, of friendship forged in the heart of battle, and of hope that the coming days would be brighter.

Vincent's heart swelled with emotion as he listened. The song was soon joined by the elves, whose voices added a high, harmonious counterpoint that blended perfectly with the deep tones of the dwarves. The humans joined in too, their voices rough but earnest, adding a new layer to the music that filled the camp and reached out to the sea.

As the song concluded, a sense of unity swept over the gathered warriors. Vincent stepped forward to address them, the light from the fire casting shadows across his weary features.

A young human soldier, who had barely seen seventeen summers, nervously approached an elven warrior with a plate of food. "Would you like some?" he asked, his voice tentative.

The elf looked down at the boy, surprise flickering in his eyes before he softened and accepted the offering. "Thank you, young one," he said, breaking a piece of bread and sharing it with the soldier. The gesture was met with approving nods from both sides.

Gundar, now on his third helping, raised a mug and called out, "To new allies and shared victories!"

The camp roared in agreement, their collective voices reaching the heavens as if to announce their resilience to the gods themselves. Even the sea, which had claimed so many lives hours earlier, seemed calmer under the glow of dawn.

Vincent took a step back, content to watch the scene unfold. For now, they were no longer just warriors or leaders or soldiers-they were survivors, finding solace in the simple act of

breaking bread together.

***

Late in the evening, Vincent retreated to his bedroom where

the echoes of laughter and music still drifted in faintly through the open window. The celebrations outside were beginning to quiet as exhaustion settled over the camp, but there was a sense of peace that permeated the air. The long, arduous hours of battle seemed like a distant memory now, softened by the shared warmth of camaraderie and victory.

He sat at the edge of his cot, rubbing his temples. The strain of the past few days weighed on him, but so did the knowledge that they had won, if only for a moment. The responsibilities that came with leadership, the need to remain vigilant for the next threat, all loomed over him like shadows creeping into the firelight.

He laid down on his cot and opened his military system.

They had killed a lot of demon forces, including one of the Demon King Generals, leaving him with a copious amount of gold coins that he could use to enhance his military force.

"Now then-where do I start?"