Prologue – The Great Shadow War
Flames roared and smoke billowed into the night sky, cloaking the battlefield in darkness. The once-mighty kingdom, Luminas, lay on the brink of collapse.
At the heart of this chaos, two brave soldiers, Garo and Oro, fought desperately to protect their home and liberate the kingdom's capital city, Solara. Despite their fierce efforts, the city was slipping further into shadowy hands with every passing moment.
Dark creatures surged toward Oro like a relentless flood. He swung his sword frantically, slicing through countless shadows, but his strength was rapidly fading. He turned, reaching out toward Garo, who stood battling his own overwhelming tide of darkness several yards away.
"Garo!" Oro's voice cracked with panic and exhaustion. "Please, help me!"
Garo's heart sank at Oro's plea, dread gripping his chest. He struggled desperately to break free from the endless horde swarming him, but each step forward was met with fierce resistance, pushing him further back.
"Oro—hold on!" Garo shouted, unleashing powerful blasts of magic in frantic attempts to clear a path. "I'm coming!"
But the shadows were endless, thwarting his every attempt. Tears stung Garo's eyes as he watched helplessly, his fists clenched in agony, anguish etched deeply across his face.
"Please, Oro," Garo thought desperately, "you've grown strong—you can make it out. You have to!"
Then the darkness crashed upon Oro completely, swallowing his cries and leaving only silence in their wake. Garo's heart shattered, overwhelmed by grief and guilt. Still, he fought on, clinging desperately to hope that his closest friend would somehow survive.
In the suffocating darkness, Oro's consciousness began to fade, and flashes of memories surged through his mind—vivid and bittersweet.
Years Earlier – Knight Academy
Oro lay sprawled on the academy's dusty training grounds, breathing heavily, bruises throbbing painfully. His wooden sword lay discarded several feet away, knocked from his grip by yet another brutal strike. Around him stood several classmates, their jeering laughter piercing his ears like daggers. Foremost among them was Riven, a tall, smug student who took delight in tormenting those weaker than himself.
"Pathetic," Riven sneered, nudging Oro's sword with his foot, "I can't believe they even allowed you into this academy. You're an embarrassment."
Oro clenched his fists in the dirt, frustration and humiliation stinging his eyes. He knew he wasn't strong, but hearing it aloud was unbearable. He tried to stand, legs trembling beneath him.
"Maybe you should give up, Oro," Riven mocked, earning more laughter from the surrounding students. "It's clear you're meant for farming—not fighting."
Oro bit his lip, anger and shame flooding his heart. Just as he prepared himself for another round of taunts, a calm yet authoritative voice cut through the laughter, silencing everyone instantly.
"Enough."
Oro's eyes widened in surprise as all heads turned toward the voice. Standing there was a student Oro had heard whispers about but had never spoken to—Garo, the strongest mage and swordsman among them, his presence alone commanding immediate respect. Garo's dark hair swept gently over his piercing eyes, his stance calm but firm as he gazed coldly at Riven.
"Garo..." Riven stammered slightly, quickly masking his unease with false bravado. "We're just sparring."
"Sparring?" Garo's voice remained steady, his tone dangerously soft. "It looked like bullying to me. If you're truly as strong as you claim, fight someone worthy of your arrogance."
Riven's cheeks flushed, fists clenching. After a tense moment, he scoffed, retreating with his group. "Fine, have it your way."
As they left, the silence became heavy. Oro stared at the ground, embarrassment still burning his cheeks until a gentle voice startled him.
"You alright?"
He looked up, startled. Garo stood before him, hand extended kindly, his previously cold expression replaced by genuine concern.
Oro hesitated to answer, "I...I'm fine."
Garo raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk playing at his lips. "Don't lie. You won't improve by pretending everything's fine."
Oro laughed softly, the embarrassment fading into warmth as he accepted Garo's hand. Pulled to his feet, Oro brushed dirt off his uniform and shyly met the other boy's eyes.
"Thank you," Oro said quietly. "I...I'm Oro, by the way."
Garo smiled warmly, a rare sincerity filling his expression. "Oro. I've seen you practicing. You have potential."
Oro's eyes widened slightly, surprised. "You really think so? Everyone else just thinks I'm weak."
"You're not weak," Garo replied calmly. "You just haven't had the right guidance. How about we train together? I could help you."
Oro paused, a surge of gratitude filling his chest. "I'd like that... a lot, actually."
Garo nodded approvingly, clasping Oro's shoulder reassuringly. "Then it's settled."
As they walked away together, Oro felt a warmth in his heart he had never experienced before. For the first time in his life, Oro realized he was no longer alone.
Knight Academy – Training Grounds at Dusk
The training grounds were bathed in golden twilight, the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows across the dusty field. Oro wiped sweat from his forehead, chest heaving as he tightened his grip on the training sword. Across from him, Garo stood calm, composed, the same gentle yet intense look in his eyes that Oro had grown accustomed to.
"Again," Garo instructed patiently. "This time, keep your stance lower. Stability is everything."
Oro nodded, adjusting his stance. His legs trembled slightly from exhaustion, but determination shone fiercely in his eyes.
They moved in unison, swords clashing rhythmically, echoing sharply through the fading light. Garo effortlessly guided Oro's blade, his precision deliberate yet gentle, encouraging rather than overwhelming. After several exchanges, Oro stumbled, nearly falling. Garo swiftly steadied him with an outstretched hand, concern evident in his eyes.
"You alright, Oro?"
"Yeah… just tired," Oro breathed, smiling slightly despite his exhaustion. "How do you manage to stay so calm? You barely even look winded."
Garo laughed softly, sheathing his sword and motioning for Oro to sit beside him beneath a nearby oak tree. "Years of practice and a few unfair advantages, I suppose."
They both sat, leaning against the tree's sturdy trunk. The evening breeze brought a welcome coolness, soothing their aching muscles.
Garo glanced thoughtfully at Oro. "We've been training together for weeks now, but you've never mentioned much about your past. Mind if I ask?"
Oro hesitated, gazing into the distant horizon, memories stirring painfully. After a long moment, he nodded slowly. "I'm from a small village in Luminas called Eldermoor. It was quiet, peaceful. Then one night, shadows swept through like a storm, destroying everything. I watched my family…" his voice wavered, eyes glistening, "…taken right before my eyes. I barely escaped."
Garo's expression softened, genuine compassion filling his gaze. "I'm sorry, Oro. I had no idea."
Oro managed a faint smile, looking down. "It's why I came here. I knew I had to become stronger—to make sure no one else had to suffer like that. To avenge them, too, I suppose."
Garo gently placed a comforting hand on Oro's shoulder. "You've come a long way. Your family would be proud. You're not alone anymore either—I promise you that."
Warmth flooded Oro's chest, gratitude shining in his eyes as he turned to Garo. "What about you, though? You haven't told me much either. You're the best fighter here by far; where did you learn to fight like this?"
Garo smiled somewhat sadly, looking away into the fading daylight. "I come from the Valdera family. Noble blood, as everyone likes to remind me. My father and older brothers are renowned warriors and mages—heroes of Luminas. They expect me to uphold the family legacy, surpass it even. It's a heavy burden sometimes."
Oro listened quietly, sympathy mingling with surprise. "I've heard of your family. They're legendary. You must feel a lot of pressure."
"Too much at times," Garo admitted softly. "That's why I train so hard, why I push myself. It's not just about meeting expectations—I want to make a real difference in the world. And perhaps more importantly, I don't want my legacy dictated solely by my family name. I want to be remembered for who I truly am, not who I'm supposed to be."
Oro smiled warmly, understanding dawning on his face. "For what it's worth, you've already made a real difference for me. Not just in training, but by being there when nobody else was."
Garo glanced back at Oro, sincere appreciation and friendship clear in his expression. "That means more to me than you know, Oro."
For a moment, silence enveloped them, filled with mutual understanding and respect. As the stars slowly began to appear above, both boys knew something had changed: their friendship had grown into an unbreakable bond, forged by shared hardships, trust, and the promise to stand beside each other, no matter what the future held.
A Brotherly Bond
One warm summer afternoon, Oro and Garo rested beneath the familiar great oak tree after another exhausting training session. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, casting dappled sunlight across the ground around them. Oro leaned back against the sturdy trunk, breathing deeply, enjoying the rare moment of peace.
After several minutes of comfortable silence, Oro glanced thoughtfully at Garo. Curiosity danced in his eyes as he finally voiced a question he had long wondered about.
"Garo, why do you help me?" Oro asked quietly, hesitant at first. "You're already the strongest person at the academy—maybe even in all of Luminas. Why waste your time with someone like me?"
Garo turned slowly, a gentle yet serious expression softening his usually composed face. He seemed to weigh Oro's question carefully, gathering his thoughts before answering.
"It's true that strength comes easier to me than most," Garo began thoughtfully, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "But that strength has no meaning if I don't use it to lift others up. My father always taught us that power without purpose or compassion leads to nothing but loneliness and regret."
Oro listened carefully, sensing the sincerity in his friend's voice. "What do you mean?"
Garo smiled slightly, eyes filled with memories. "My family—the Valdera family—has always been strong, famous for our skill in magic and battle. But there are things about nobility most people don't understand. I've watched so many powerful men and women care only for their status, wealth, or influence. They're strong but selfish, caring only about their own glory. It never felt right to me."
He paused, voice softening further. "When I was younger, there was an incident near our estate. A neighboring village was attacked by bandits, and many villagers pleaded desperately for my family's help. My father and older brothers hesitated, worrying that involving ourselves directly would risk the family's reputation. Eventually, they sent soldiers, but the delay cost lives. I'll never forget the villagers' faces—the hurt, the betrayal, their grief."
Oro watched closely, seeing pain flash briefly in Garo's eyes. "That's horrible," Oro whispered sympathetically.
Garo nodded, eyes serious. "It made me realize something important. If I have power, I have a responsibility—a duty—to use it for those who don't have the strength to protect themselves. Strength isn't about proving you're superior, it's about protecting what matters most. That's why I help you, Oro. Because it's morally wrong to stand by and watch someone struggle when you have the power to make a difference."
Oro stared silently, deeply moved by his friend's words. He had always admired Garo for his skill and strength, but this moral clarity, the honesty of his convictions, resonated even more powerfully.
"I wish more people thought the way you do, Garo," Oro said softly. "The world would be a better place."
Garo smiled warmly, placing a reassuring hand on Oro's shoulder. "It can be. That's why I train you. Not because I pity you or think you are weak, but because you have the same heart. You've experienced pain, loss, and injustice. I know when the time comes, you'll use your strength to protect others, just like me."
Oro felt his chest tighten with emotion, deeply touched by Garo's faith in him. A gentle smile formed on his lips, confidence beginning to bloom inside him.
"I promise," Oro said quietly, looking into Garo's eyes with sincerity. "I'll fight alongside you, always. Not just because you're my friend—but because I believe in what you stand for."
Garo's smile widened, genuine pride and warmth shining in his eyes. "Then that's all that matters. Strength means nothing if you're alone at the top. True strength is about who stands beside you."
As those words settled in Oro's heart, something changed permanently between them. It was no longer just friendship—what had grown between them was brotherhood. A bond stronger than mere blood, forged by shared purpose, trust, and compassion.
Sitting beneath the oak tree, feeling the quiet peace of their shared resolve, both boys knew they would face whatever darkness awaited them—together.
Graduation Interrupted
Two years had passed since Oro and Garo's bond had been forged beneath the great oak tree, each day deepening their friendship and refining their skills. Now, they stood side by side within the grand ceremonial hall of the Knight Academy, a magnificent structure of ancient stone and banners bearing Luminas's proud crest.
Today was their graduation—the culmination of countless hours of rigorous training, hardship, and unwavering determination.
Garo stood confidently at the forefront, as the undisputed strongest student in the academy's history. Next to him stood Oro, who, astonishingly, had risen from the very bottom of their class to become one of the academy's elite top-five knights.
Oro glanced at his friend, smiling warmly, his voice filled with quiet pride. "You know, Garo, two years ago I was the weakest student here, mocked by almost everyone. But now, standing here beside you—I finally realize you were right. I did have potential. All I needed was your guidance and patience."
Garo turned toward him, a genuine smile lighting his face. "No, Oro. It wasn't just guidance that made you strong. You had the strength in you all along; you simply needed someone to help you see it."
Oro felt pride swell within his chest, humbled yet proud. Their attention shifted as the ceremony commenced, and soon it was time for Garo, as the highest-ranking graduate, to deliver the graduation speech.
Stepping forward onto the raised platform, Garo faced his fellow knights, academy instructors, and commissioners seated before him, his voice clear and commanding.
"My friends," he began powerfully, "today we graduate, not just as knights of Luminas, but as protectors of the weak, defenders of justice. For strength does not grant privilege—it bestows responsibility. It is our duty, our moral obligation, to protect those unable to protect themselves. If we turn our backs, if we wield our power selfishly, we betray not only those we swore to defend but our very selves."
His words hung powerfully in the air, inspiring proud smiles and affirming nods from instructors and fellow knights alike.
But just as Garo continued, his voice impassioned, an ear-splitting alarm shattered the celebratory atmosphere, echoing urgently through the hall. Shock and confusion rippled through the gathered crowd.
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the massive stone chamber. The castle wall exploded inward in a violent burst of rubble and smoke. Screams erupted as chaos ensued; heavy stone fragments crashed down upon the academy commissioners and instructors seated near the dais, instantly claiming several lives and leaving others gravely injured.
From within the cloud of dust and debris, dark figures emerged, shadow creatures surging into the hall with malicious intent. Oro swiftly drew his sword, eyes wide with shock but determination taking hold. Beside him, Garo stood resolute, instantly seizing command.
"Healers! Tend to the wounded immediately!" Garo's voice roared with unwavering authority above the chaos. "Knights of Luminas, form ranks! Protect the civilians and push these shadows back! This is the moment we have trained for—show them your strength is more than mere words!"
His commanding presence steadied the initial panic, warriors rallying swiftly behind him. Oro moved swiftly to his side, sword gleaming, determination blazing fiercely in his eyes.
"I'm with you, Garo," Oro affirmed strongly, ready for battle. "Always."
Garo smiled grimly, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Oro as the shadow army poured forward, countless and fierce. "Together, Oro."
Drawing upon their shared strength and bond, both knights surged forward into the raging battle, fighting not only for survival but for the very ideals they believed in—a powerful testament that their years of training and sacrifice had not been in vain.
Present Moment – Consumed by Shadows
Oro's breaths became ragged and strained, each gasp a painful struggle against the crushing darkness closing around him. Shadows twisted and surged relentlessly, wrapping around his limbs and pulling him deeper into their suffocating grasp. His trembling hand reached weakly toward Garo, who fought desperately through waves of dark creatures, still so far away.
"Garo…" Oro's voice trembled faintly, barely audible amid the chaos. He felt his strength fading rapidly, his heartbeat weakening with every passing second. A profound sadness filled his soul—not just from the agony of his wounds, but from knowing his dreams would go forever unfulfilled.
His family, still unavenged. Luminas, still unprotected. Garo, the brother he never expected to find, now fading from view.
I can't die here… please, not yet... he pleaded silently, tears mixing with the blood and sweat streaking his face.
Precious memories flooded Oro's mind: Training sessions beneath the golden sunlight, endless nights spent dreaming beneath a blanket of stars, the laughter and promises shared with Garo beneath their oak tree. Those beautiful memories now felt cruelly out of reach.
"Garo… forgive me," Oro whispered, vision blurring as tears spilled freely. "I wasn't strong enough..."
The shadows surged, tearing mercilessly at Oro's fading form, his consciousness slipping toward oblivion. Yet even as darkness swallowed him, Oro clung desperately to hope—hope that somehow Garo would survive, continue their fight, and accomplish everything they had vowed to achieve.
"Garo... please, keep fighting...for both of us," Oro's final words slipped into silence, consumed by the darkness around him.
Suddenly, through the haze, he heard a distant, anguished shout:
"ORO!"
An explosion of brilliant magic burst through the encircling shadows. Garo charged forward, fury and desperation in his eyes, fighting wildly until he reached Oro's broken body. Dropping instantly to his knees, he cradled his friend gently, horrified by Oro's battered and nearly unrecognizable form.
"No…no, Oro!" Garo's voice shattered, trembling violently as desperation overtook him. His hands hovered helplessly, trying to steady Oro's fading pulse, shaking uncontrollably as tears streamed down his anguished face. "Please, Oro, wake up… You can't leave me now!"
Oro lay limp, skin pale and torn by shadow wounds, each breath shallow and weakening by the second. Panic rising uncontrollably, Garo lifted his eyes desperately toward the battlefield, crying out into the chaos with raw desperation:
"Is anyone here a healer?!" he shouted, voice cracking in panic. "Please! Somebody help me! Oro's dying!"
His words echoed across the devastated field, met only by the groans of the injured and the cruel silence of the dead. Tears blurred Garo's vision as he desperately scanned for any sign of help.
"Please!" Garo screamed again, voice breaking completely, grief overwhelming him. "Someone help—please, don't let him die!"
But no answer came. The battlefield remained cruelly indifferent, empty of aid, filled only with pain and sorrow.
Garo's resolve shattered as he collapsed further over Oro's body, sobbing uncontrollably, desperately clutching his friend's lifeless hand.
"Oro, please hold on! You can't die here! You can't leave me!" Garo's voice became a ragged whisper, shaking with grief. "You're all I have—you're the younger brother I never had. Please… don't leave me alone."
Then, miraculously, Oro's eyelids flickered weakly, slowly opening to meet Garo's devastated gaze one final time.
"Garo…?" Oro's faint voice was barely audible, but the faintest warmth shone softly in his eyes. "Is that you?"
"Yes, yes! It's me," Garo cried softly, gripping Oro's trembling hand desperately. "I'm right here, Oro, please hold on…"
A faint, grateful smile curved Oro's lips, eyes shimmering gently with fading tears. "Thank you… for everything, Garo. You gave me strength… purpose… a brother. I'm grateful beyond words."
Garo's body trembled uncontrollably, grief tearing him apart. "No, Oro, please—hold on, just a little longer—"
But Oro's gaze was unwavering, peace slowly replacing his agony as he whispered softly, "I have one final request… Promise me you'll liberate Luminas…and avenge my family. Finish what… I couldn't."
Garo squeezed Oro's hand tightly, tears falling steadily onto their entwined fingers. "I promise, Oro. I swear I will fulfill your final wish, no matter what it takes."
Oro's gentle smile widened ever so slightly, relief finally easing the pain in his eyes. "Then…I can rest now..."
Slowly, his eyes drifted shut, his breathing fading into silence, his hand finally slipping lifelessly from Garo's grasp.
Garo remained there, utterly broken, cradling Oro's body as raw, unfiltered grief overwhelmed him. He clutched his friend tightly, refusing to let go even as the shadows closed in once more, sobbing quietly beneath the cold, indifferent stars.
Finally, with anguish giving way to grim resolve, Garo gently laid Oro down, standing slowly, eyes burning fiercely through tears. Magic flared wildly from his clenched fists, raw anger blending with unbearable loss as he stared into the darkness.
"Oro… your sacrifice will never be in vain," Garo vowed fiercely, voice shaking but resolute. "I promise, my brother—I'll finish this fight for us both."
Garo vs. The Blood General
Garo knelt silently beside Oro's lifeless form, his heart heavy with an unbearable grief that threatened to overwhelm him. Carefully, he removed his pristine white knight's robe—the proud symbol of Luminas's strongest warriors—and gently laid it over his fallen friend's broken body, shielding Oro from the merciless battlefield around them.
"Rest peacefully, my brother," Garo whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Your battle is over. Mine is just beginning."
Standing slowly, he turned to face the horizon, eyes blazing with fierce determination. Emerging from the darkness marched a massive horde of shadow soldiers, each twisted and malicious, their forms barely recognizable as creatures of life. At their head strode a towering figure cloaked in darkness: Bloodmond, an infamous general of the shadow army whose name alone instilled fear throughout Alderia.
Bloodmond stood twice the size of Garo, wrapped in a billowing dark cloak that obscured all but his massive silhouette. Even at this distance, his malevolent presence radiated like a black sun, powerful and oppressive. Yet Garo refused to yield to fear, his eyes narrowing defiantly.
Drawing his own blade—a sword infused with his potent light magic—Garo turned toward Oro's fallen sword, lying quietly near his brother's covered body. It gleamed softly, humming gently with the last traces of Oro's remaining magic, a final gift left behind to aid his closest friend.
Garo grasped Oro's sword firmly, gripping both blades tightly, determination surging within him as he whispered fiercely, "We fight together one last time, Oro."
Then, in a flash so swift he seemed almost to teleport, Garo appeared instantly before the advancing shadow horde, a blur of brilliant white light. Both swords moved effortlessly in his grasp, slashing through shadow soldiers in an instant, leaving only a trail of dissipating dark vapor behind.
Within seconds, the battlefield was cleared, leaving only Bloodmond standing defiantly, utterly unscathed.
Garo glared upward, eyes filled with rage and sorrow, breathing heavily yet unwavering. "You'll pay dearly for what you've taken from me," he growled.
Bloodmond chuckled deeply beneath his cloak, voice echoing darkly. "Foolish knight. Your desperate fury changes nothing—you will join your fallen brother soon enough."
With a furious roar, Garo charged forward, swords flashing brilliantly as he unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes against Bloodmond's iron-like skin. Despite the ferocity, each slash glanced harmlessly aside, merely igniting greater rage within Garo's heart.
Recognizing blades alone wouldn't suffice, Garo adapted instantly. He began moving instinctively, primal and fierce yet precise, swords now extensions of his own body. He dashed, weaved, and darted swiftly around Bloodmond's massive form, inflicting strike after strike from every angle—though the general seemed impervious to even this method of assault.
Driven by desperation, Garo swiftly scaled Bloodmond's body, swords embedded momentarily in his shoulders to secure a grip. Bloodmond roared in disgust, attempting to shake him off violently.
"You fight like a cornered beast!" Bloodmond bellowed furiously.
Garo growled defiantly, swords still clenched tightly. "Then this beast will tear you apart!"
Bloodmond reached up and viciously seized Garo, hurling him brutally toward the ground. Pain exploded through Garo as his body collided violently, a crimson spray of blood escaping his mouth upon impact. Before he could rise, Bloodmond's massive foot slammed viciously into Garo's back, launching him skyward like a helpless ragdoll.
As Garo soared upward, Bloodmond charged a dark, devastating punch, clearly meant to end the battle permanently. Yet in a flash of instinctual brilliance, Garo twisted mid-air, crossing both swords just in time, narrowly deflecting the deadly strike.
"You'll have to do better than that," Garo snarled fiercely.
Summoning every ounce of strength left within him, Garo kicked violently against Bloodmond's chest, channeling a force so immense it sent a shockwave rippling across Alderia ( The continent Lumanis is located in) itself. Bloodmond staggered backward uncontrollably, leaving himself momentarily vulnerable.
Without hesitation, Garo followed swiftly, delivering a devastating kick that launched the general helplessly into the sky.
Suddenly, Garo vanished, seeming almost to teleport again, reappearing instantly above the airborne Bloodmond. Both swords gleamed intensely, blazing brilliantly with combined energy—his own pure light magic intertwining seamlessly with Oro's lingering essence, forming a blinding pillar of radiant white.
"Bloodmond!" Garo's voice resonated fiercely, echoing with a power he had never before unleashed. "I will send you back to where you came from—hell!"
He clasped both swords firmly, fists coming together as radiant white energy surged around him. The swords fused momentarily into a blazing singularity, forming a powerful beam of pure, heavenly light.
"Heavenly Judgment!" Garo roared with raw fury, plunging the unified blades downward, piercing Bloodmond's massive body with an explosion of radiant energy.
The blinding beam of light pierced straight through Bloodmond's massive frame, erupting from his chest and violently impacting the battlefield below. The immense power shattered the earth itself, creating a vast, gaping cavern beneath.
Bloodmond's final roar of agony was lost within the overwhelming brilliance, his body consumed by holy light as he plummeted helplessly downward, crashing deep into the chasm formed by Garo's devastating strike. The general's dark presence vanished completely, obliterated in the explosive collision that followed.
Exhausted yet victorious, Garo slowly descended, landing near the crater's edge. His swords still glowed faintly with residual magic, quieting gradually. Bloodmond's threat had been eradicated, his monstrous presence finally banished forever.
With the enemy defeated, Garo turned slowly, his fierce eyes softening once more as he returned to Oro's covered body. Kneeling gently beside his fallen brother, Garo placed Oro's sword reverently beside him.
"We did it together, Oro," Garo whispered softly, tears silently returning. "Your strength carried me through."
He remained there in quiet mourning, the battlefield finally silent around him. Though the war was far from over, Garo knew he had fulfilled at least one sacred promise—this victory belonged to Oro as much as himself, a fitting tribute to the friend he had lost.
Rising slowly, Garo glanced toward the darkening sky, resolve returning fiercely to his gaze.
"Rest now, Oro," he vowed quietly. "I'll finish what we started—no matter what."