Chapter 501: It is sad. It is painful... but also beautiful
Silence reigned as Vlad’s words echoed across the gathered multitude, stirring the hearts of every man, woman, and child present. Though the sun had dipped beneath the horizon, the entire cemetery seemed illuminated by an energy born of solemn reverence. Each person pictured a world akin to the Xaos Civilization’s ideal: a place where anyone, no matter their origin, could rise to the highest levels of either military might or governmental authority.
"For the Xaos Civilization!"
"For the Xaos Civilization!"
"For the Xaos Civilization!"
"For the Xaos Civilization!"
"For the Xaos Civilization!"
The thunderous chant swept through the massive gathering like a tidal wave. Their faces shone with conviction, resolution, and renewed hope. Vlad allowed the chant to continue for several seconds before raising his hand to silence them once again. The hush came instantly as if they had all stopped breathing in unison.
"Everyone except the families of the fallen, leave." The command was delivered in Vlad’s calm yet resolute tone.
Immediately, millions of people bowed toward the graves in one final gesture of respect. Quietly, they made their way out of the cemetery, returning to their homes. Left behind were roughly ninety thousand individuals, the families of those who had perished. Mothers clutched children close, fathers stood with trembling lips, and siblings held each other’s hands, all wearing faces that spoke of deep sorrow but also quiet pride.
Vlad descended from the sky, his boots landing softly on the earth near the newly interred graves. With deliberate composure, Vlad clasped his hands together and bowed deeply before them, keeping his head lowered for a full fifteen seconds. A hush beyond ordinary silence enveloped the cemetery; one could almost sense the collective heartbeat of the onlookers.
When Vlad finally straightened, he spoke in a solemn voice. "They may be gone but will always remain in your hearts and minds. They were the finest our Kingdom ever produced. Your influence shaped them into the heroes they became."
No further words were needed. Vlad stepped away from the solemn rows of graves. The families, in turn, moved closer to the burial sites. Some fell to their knees, running fingers along the newly placed headstones, trying to bridge the painful gap between life and death in whatever small way they could. A mother dabbed at her tears while whispering a final goodbye; a father placed a trembling hand on the marker that bore his son’s name, standing in quiet anguish.