Morning came slowly to Yggdrasil.
The city was still standing.
Barely.
Entire streets had been destroyed.
Buildings lay in ruins.
Scorch marks covered stone walls.
Workers and soldiers moved through the wreckage, helping survivors and clearing debris.
Yet despite everything—
The city was alive.
And for many people, that was enough.
---
Kai stood atop a balcony overlooking the reconstruction efforts.
For the first time since arriving in Yggdrasil, the city felt united.
No whispers.
No accusations.
No fear of the king.
Just people trying to rebuild.
---
Footsteps approached.
---
Akshay stepped beside him.
The king looked exhausted.
More exhausted than ever.
But he was smiling.
---
"You're awake."
---
"I barely slept."
Kai replied.
---
"Same."
Akshay laughed.
---
Neither seemed surprised.
---
Below them, workers hauled away broken stone while soldiers distributed supplies.
Among them were familiar faces.
Vice's smugglers.
Zindine's contacts.
Military volunteers.
Citizens.
Everyone.
---
The king watched them quietly.
---
"Funny."
---
"What is?"
Kai asked.
---