Chapter 10: Set Up Camp

    As night descended upon the battlefield, the soldiers set up camp at the edge of the Darkwood Forest, a treacherous expanse known for its lurking monsters and poisonous plants. The forest was ominous, its massive trees casting long shadows under the silver light of the moon.

    The air was thick with unease, a reminder of the recent battle against Nythralis, the mythical serpent.

    The camp was strategically located about two days'' march from the Valtor Empire, a bit far considering their supplies were dwindling, but there was hope they would return successfully.

    The soldiers worked diligently to make the area secure, erecting makeshift barricades and keeping watchful eyes on the forest''s darkened perimeter.

    The chill of the night was tempered by the warm glow of the campfires, where they gathered to share tales of bravery and mourn the losses they had endured.

    With heavy hearts, the soldiers carried the fallen comrades, honoring their sacrifice. They laid the bodies side by side, covering them with hastily made shrouds of cloth.

    Each soldier paid their respects, offering silent prayers and pledging to avenge their fallen brothers in arms.

    Meanwhile, the healers worked tirelessly, tending to the wounded who had survived the battle. The head Priestess directed them, moving quickly from one patient to the next, bandaging wounds and administering potions to soothe pain and heal injuries.

    The soft glow of their magic illuminated the darkness, creating a sanctuary amidst the chaos of war. The air was filled with the smell of herbs and salves, a comforting scent that mixed with the lingering metallic odor of blood.

    Standing in the cool, flowing water of the stream, Arkanos took a moment to rinse the blood off his body. The stench was still strong around him. He scrubbed at his arms and chest, grimacing as he muttered to himself, "This water isn''t going to do anything, I''m going to need some soap to get this smell off."

    With a resigned sigh, he opened his system interface, his fingers deftly navigating to the shop. Scanning through the available items, he spotted a basic soap for just 2 points.

    With a quick mental command, he made the purchase, and instantly, the soap materialized in his palm—a small pink bar that gleamed under the moonlight.

    He took a moment to observe the landscape around him, noticing how peculiar everything looked up close, he was more used to watching this woed trough a screen.

    The vibrant greens of the forest, the towering trees, and the strange, shimmering plants all felt strang, yet exhilarating.

    ''I''m sure I''ll get used to it.''

    ''...but what I might not get used to, however, is her.''

    His gaze shifted to the Knight standing guard a short distance away. It was none other than Captain Seraphine, her posture rigid and attentive, facing away from him as he bathed.

    He admired her dedication but couldn''t help but feel a bit... Awkward at her insistence on keeping watch.

    "Seraphine " he called out.

    She jumped slightly, her hand instinctively gripping the hilt of her sword as she kept her gaze ahead, cheeks flushed with surprise.

    "Y-Your Majesty!" she stuttered,

    He chuckled softly at her reaction. "You don''t need to stand watch over me. You''ve seen how strong I am—I can handle myself." he said calmly, masking the awkwardness he felt from her presence.

    Her brows furrowed, and she shook her head firmly. "I disagree, my lord. I have always done this since we were young, and I won''t stop now. Besides, if a monster were to attack while your clothes were down, you wouldn''t be able to fight at your best!"

    Arkanos paused, a smile creeping onto his face as he considered her words. He turned his gaze away from her, trying to suppress the amusement bubbling inside him. "You have a point," he finally admitted, a hint of playfulness in his tone.