The journey from the tropical region to the desert region took roughly twelve hours of nonstop travel.

They did not pause to rest, nor did they allow themselves to lose focus even for a moment.

From the very beginning of the march until the end, the Eastern Alliance forces continued forward along the tropical road that led directly toward the desert, maintaining discipline and steady momentum.

No cities were left standing along the route.

Every settlement they passed had already been destroyed, reduced to nothing more than city ruins.

Once a city fell, its absolute defensive magic collapsed along with it.

The powerful barriers that once protected walls, towers, and gates vanished completely, leaving behind only shattered stone, broken streets, and hollow silence.

They walked through these ruined cities, empty places long abandoned by life.

Dust drifted through the air, lifted by the wind and swirling lazily between collapsed buildings.

The land felt vast and lonely, as if it had been stripped of purpose after the wars that swept through it.

Yuna and several others occasionally glanced around at the ruins as they moved forward. Their eyes lingered on cracked roads and fallen structures, and more than once, their thoughts wandered.

They imagined how the war might have unfolded if the fighting had taken place in the tropical region instead.

Troops clashing against fortified cities.

Battles fought street by street, building by building.

It was obvious that such a scenario would have drained far more time, energy, and mental strength.

Urban warfare favored defenders. Every corner could hide danger. Every advance would come at a cost.

"We’re lucky we fought them on the battlefield," one of the commanders said as they marched. "If we had fought them inside their cities, we wouldn’t have had the advantage."

"You’re right," another responded. "The Redemption Sword was foolish to let their leader and forces get surrounded by two enemies."

Ethan remained silent.

He heard everything they said. Their conclusions were reasonable, even logical, based on what they could see from the outside. Anyone in their position would think the same.

But Ethan knew the truth was more complicated.

He knew exactly what had been happening inside the Redemption Sword Alliance long before the battle began.

He knew about the fractures, the conflicting commands, and the internal struggles that weakened them from within.

There’s no reason to tell them.

He had no intention of spreading the truth about the internal state of the Redemption Sword Alliance.

Allowing his own alliance members to draw different conclusions was safer.

It avoided unnecessary complications and, more importantly, ensured that Arthur would not be offended by careless words.

Sometimes, letting others believe a simpler story was the wisest choice.

The march continued.

The tropical region stretched endlessly around them, filled with dense forests and abundant food resources.

Tall trees formed thick canopies overhead, and the land itself seemed fertile and alive despite the scars of war.

In another situation, this region could have been a treasure.

They could establish plantations or farmlands there, grow crops, and transport the harvest back to the desert region. It was entirely possible.

But it would take time.

A long time.

Distance and city locations made immediate development impractical. For now, they could only observe and move on.

Eventually, a familiar sight appeared in the distance.

The canyon.

It was the natural passage that connected the tropical region to the desert.

As they drew closer, they could see people standing atop the cliffs.

Arms waved enthusiastically, and smiles were visible even from afar.

"Congratulations! You won the war!"

"We’ll have a feast tonight. A huge celebration at the camp!"

Several unit commanders raised their hands in response, waving back at those welcoming them.

Ethan and Yuna lifted their heads as well, offering brief acknowledgments as they passed through the canyon.

Ethan could clearly see the expressions of joy on the faces above. Those people were genuinely happy.

They were proud to be part of the Eastern Alliance’s victory over Redemption Sword.

This victory meant more than territory or rankings.

It meant unity.

It meant survival.

The alliance forces marched out of the canyon and headed toward the main camp. Gerrard was already waiting there, accompanied by several soldiers from the camp garrison.

Ethan slowed his pace and dismounted from his mount. He walked forward and embraced Gerrard without hesitation.

Yuna stood beside him, quietly following.

"Congratulations on your victory, Ethan," Gerrard said with a warm smile.

"Thank you, Gerrard," Ethan replied.

Gerrard gestured for Ethan and Yuna to enter the camp. As they walked, they talked about many things, especially the battle in the north.

A war that had lasted only one day.

Yet within that single day, the tide had completely turned. Redemption Sword’s forces had been pushed back, and victory had been secured.

It was an outcome few would have believed if they had not witnessed it themselves.

Ethan stopped in front of Gerrard’s large tent. Yuna halted beside him.

"The Eastern Lion War drained a lot of my energy and focus," Ethan said honestly. "I’m going to rest tonight. If they want to celebrate, let them do it without me."

Gerrard nodded, understanding immediately. He knew Ethan had reached his limit.

He had no intention of forcing him to attend a celebration.

If there was a party in the middle of the camp, Gerrard would personally make sure that no one disturbed Ethan’s rest.

That night, the camp came alive with celebration.

People opened bottles of beer and drank freely. Laughter echoed through the air as soldiers joked, shared stories, and danced around a roaring bonfire.

For the first time in days, tension melted away, replaced by relief and joy.

Meanwhile, several women approached Ethan’s tent.

His tent was easy to recognize. It was larger than most and marked clearly with the LionArk emblem.

"Who are you?" Yuna asked, turning sharply as she saw the tent curtain move.

The two women froze.

They were clearly startled to see Yuna inside Ethan’s tent, especially with Ethan sleeping soundly on the bed behind her. Their expressions turned stiff and awkward, unsure how to react.

Yuna noticed the cups in their hands.

The scent made it obvious.

Beer.

Yuna stood up and walked toward them. The women flinched instinctively. Without hesitation, Yuna snatched the cups from their hands.

"You were planning to give this to Ethan?" Yuna snapped. "Are you crazy?"

"I didn’t," one of them tried to protest.

"Do you know Gerrard has forbidden anyone from disturbing Ethan?" Yuna cut in sharply.

"We... we know."

Yuna poured the beer onto the ground and handed the empty cups back.

"Ethan is resting. Leave," she said firmly.

The women nodded quickly, fear evident on their faces, and hurried away.

Yuna exhaled slowly.

This was the third time she had chased women away from Ethan’s tent since they arrived.

It was obvious that many of them felt a different kind of attraction toward him.

Yuna turned and looked at Ethan’s sleeping face.

Handsome features.

An athletic build.

A strong presence that naturally commanded attention.

Combined with his leadership and strength, Ethan was undeniably the kind of man people admired and desired.

It’s only natural.

"Who is the lucky woman who captured your heart, Ethan?" she murmured.

Yuna turned back toward the entrance and slightly opened the tent curtain, watching the lively celebration of the Eastern Alliance outside.

The event would soon come to an end.

LionArk would be crowned the winner.

Her thoughts shifted, and an idea slowly formed in her mind. One that could save the Sacred Hall guild.

Her attention returned to Ethan.

He’s asleep, and I’m the only one here.

Yuna stepped closer, standing beside Ethan as he slept peacefully.

"I’m sorry, Ethan."