Chapter 172 – Shadows Rising from the Ashes
The sky above the city of Nocture remained dark and gloomy, the remnants of battle still lingering in the air. The remains of armored vehicles and fallen human soldiers lay scattered across the dusty ground like open wounds. Though the victory felt real, Sofia knew well that this was not the end only the beginning of a far greater conflict.
After ensuring the battlefield was secure, Sofia slowly stepped down from the command balcony. Her calm expression concealed the growing unease in her heart. Behind her, Zark was still busy issuing orders to the evacuation teams and undead troops tasked with clearing the battleground.
"Gather the remains of their war machines. We need to know exactly what they were using," Sofia ordered before leaving the room. "I want a full report tonight."
"Understood, Lady Sofia," Zark responded firmly.
Sofia exited the command room, walking through the corridors of the castle that now felt colder than usual. Though many inhabitants of the city were undead who did not breathe, the atmosphere today felt different quieter, heavier with tension.
Her steps halted before Sylvia’s private study. A room she had deliberately avoided for some time, but now felt necessary to revisit. Sofia reached out and slowly opened the large door, carved with the emblem of Nocture a crescent moon encircling a black rose.
The room appeared exactly as Sylvia had left it. The desk was neatly arranged, with unfinished documents still spread out across its surface. Sofia gently sat in the chair Sylvia used to occupy, her fingers brushing along the edge of the desk as if trying to feel the traces of Sylvia’s touch.
"If only you were here, perhaps everything would be much simpler," Sofia murmured quietly.
She took a deep breath, steadying her thoughts before picking up the important documents from the table. Amid the stacks of papers and reports, a small black book caught her attention. Sylvia’s personal journal.
Sofia hesitated, momentarily unsure. But the growing urge to understand made her open the first page carefully.
On the first page, Sylvia’s neat handwriting was clearly visible:
"The first day after the great war against the Third Zombie King. The city of Nocture begins to grow. Sofia is starting to find her identity as a leader. I’m proud to see it..."