The atmosphere at the banquet was somewhat subdued.
Everyone wore an unconcealable look of exhaustion on their faces.
And even… a hint of bewilderment.
They had paid too high a price for victory.
A Divine Artifact, destroyed.
A Legend, fallen.
Gu, the Great Elder of the Giant Race, was now like a candle flickering in the wind.
Was a victory like this truly worth celebrating?
Raylo, holding a glass of wine, slowly rose to his feet.
All eyes focused on the young Lord.
"Everyone."
Raylo raised his glass.
"I know that talk of celebration might seem inappropriate right now."
"We lost too much in this battle."
His gaze swept over every Legendary Powerhouse present.
"But in the end, we were victorious."
Raylo's tone grew more forceful.
"We prevented a catastrophe that would have swept across the entire Continent. We protected the countless lives behind us."
"For that protection, and for our fallen comrades…"
He raised his glass high.
