67: The curtain falls

The night slowly descended, and a huge bonfire was lit in the center of the Orcs camp. The flickering flames dispelled the chill of the night and illuminated faces that were weary yet filled with the joy of surviving a catastrophe.

The firelight swayed, stretching the shadows of those gathered around into flickering, uneven shapes.

Linn sat in the main seat. After several hours of regulating his breathing and nourishing himself with potions, although his face remained somewhat pale and that strand of gray hair was particularly eye-catching, he had finally regained some ability to move.

Aivi sat right next to him, glancing at him with concern from time to time.

Around the bonfire, the core members of the Star Sea Territory—Clay, Ocean Jack, Carl... the representatives of the Sea God Clan, Aivi, High Priestess Sea Song, Archmage, Head of the Mage Corps Sebastian, and others, as well as the newly surrendered Orcs leaders Batu and Augus, were all seated together.

Linn specifically had Batu and Augus sit in positions close to him, without any discrimination, which caused the tense expressions of the two muscular Orcs leaders to relax slightly.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy. Clay was the first to break the silence. His voice carried a trace of hoarseness as he reported the final casualty figures: "Lord, after counting, in the two battles against the Minotaur and the Orcs, our army... lost a total of 497 soldiers. Among them, the Guard Army lost 30 Apprentice Professionals, and the main forces of each battalion lost over 100 soldiers."

This number made everyone present fall silent, and the air was filled with sadness and solemnity.

Seeing this, Batu also reported the situation of his side in a deep voice: "Lord, after this battle, my Orcs tribe has about 600 soldiers capable of fighting. Including the elderly, women, and children in the tribe, the total population is 1,120." He paused and added, "All the wounded are already receiving treatment."

Linn slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the night wind, which carried the scent of smoke. After a long while, he opened them, his gaze sweeping across everyone, his voice low and powerful: "This is the price of war. Behind every number is a living, breathing life."

He paused, his tone becoming firm, "But their sacrifice will not be in vain! From today on, Shattered Star Island will no longer have internal warfare! We have won the right to peaceful development!"

In these two wars, among the various factions, the Sea God Clan suffered the fewest casualties and even rescued their own clansmen.

He turned to Aivi and High Priestess Sea Song, his tone solemn: "High Priestess, Aivi. According to our previous agreement and our shared oath, the southern part of Shattered Star Island, nearly a thousand square kilometers of land and sea, will officially fall under the jurisdiction of the Sea God Clan, serving as a home for you to recuperate, multiply, and grow strong. The Star Sea Territory will establish our main settlement and port in the western part of Shattered Star Island, where the Minotaur were previously entrenched. Our two clans will not interfere in each other's internal affairs, but we will form a solid offensive and defensive alliance to face external enemies and future challenges together."

A look of relief and gratification appeared on High Priestess Sea Song's delicate face, and she nodded slightly: "Thank you for your integrity and generosity, Baron. The Sea God Clan will surely abide by the covenant and become the firmest ally of the Star Sea Territory."

Aivi, who looked like a goddess, had eyes sparkling with expectation for the future. The Sea God Clan had finally escaped the predicament of being compressed into a small area and now possessed vast space for development.

Next, Linn looked at Batu and Augus: "Batu, Augus. The new settlement for the Orcs tribe will be designated in the western part of Shattered Star Island, adjacent to the main settlement area of the Star Sea Territory. There are mountains, forests, and water sources there, enough for you to live in peace. You are both the Fourth Battalion of the Star Sea Territory and the Orcs tribe of Shattered Star Island. I hope you can adapt to your new identities as soon as possible, participate in construction, and use your courage to protect our shared home, rather than destroy it."

Batu and Augus looked at each other, both seeing the complexity in each other's eyes, but more of it was hope for a new life. Batu thumped his chest heavily and saluted: "As you command, my Lord! We will certainly do our best to build our new home and guard the territory!"

As the main items were finalized, the atmosphere around the bonfire gradually became less heavy. Everyone began to discuss specific plans for the future: how to clear and build in the western region, how to allocate resources, how to arrange defenses, and even preliminary ideas for trade and exchange.

Ocean Jack mentioned the establishment of a Mage Corps. After witnessing the power of the Sea God Clan's Mage Corps, if the Star Sea Territory had a Mage Corps of its own, its strength would increase exponentially.

Linn spent most of the time listening, occasionally offering key opinions. He leaned back in his chair, feeling the warmth from the bonfire, listening to everyone around him envisioning the future. Although his body remained weary and his internal power was empty, an unprecedented sense of stability and responsibility welled up in his heart.

He turned his head to look at Aivi and Elise beside him. The firelight danced on their delicate faces, and they were also looking at him tenderly.

Linn was not a Saint, and other thoughts that had been suppressed by long-term pressure were stirring in his heart.

The High Priestess saw the look in Aivi's eyes when she looked at Linn and couldn't help but cough: "Ahem! Clan Chief Aivi, Lord Linn is seriously injured, and you are sitting so close to him. It will disturb Lord Linn's rest."

Aivi's cheeks flushed red, she stuck out her tongue, and scooted closer to the High Priestess.

Linn also came back to his senses from his wild thoughts and tactically scratched his head.

"Hey! You have to admit, the Baron and Clan Chief Aivi really make a good match!" Ocean Jack said thoughtlessly from the side.

The atmosphere became instantly awkward, and everyone fell silent. Elise glared fiercely at Ocean Jack. The High Priestess looked at Ocean Jack with a cold gaze. Under these two murderous glares, Ocean Jack couldn't help but shiver.

Hogan silently sympathized with his battalion commander.

"Uh... the weather is really nice tonight, huh...!" Ocean Jack scratched his head, following suit.

"Right, let me say something," Linn spoke up to break the awkward atmosphere. In fact, Linn was inwardly praising Ocean Jack for having a good eye and knowing how to talk.

"Ocean Jack just proposed establishing a Mage Corps. Aivi, High Priestess, can you help us establish a Mage Corps? We will select those with magical talent from the population of the Star Sea Territory to learn from you."

Aivi and the others exchanged glances: "Of course you can. Once you settle down, Archmage, Head of the Mage Corps Sebastian will help you establish the Mage Corps. Growing strong together is more beneficial for the future of Shattered Star Island."

"Then thank you for the help of the Sea God Clan." Linn continued: "Tomorrow we won't return to the Sea God Clan's settlement. We need to head to the west to build a temporary pier and temporary living tents to prepare for the migration from Iron Sand Island."

Aivi said with a concerned tone: "Linn, your injuries haven't healed yet. How about you come with us to the Sea God Clan to recuperate? The rest can go to the west."

Linn waved his hand: "No, I must preside over the big picture. Our two families will have plenty of time to interact in the future." Linn also had concerns; having just finished a war, if any conflict were to arise between the Star Sea Territory and the Orcs, it would be counterproductive.