角色故事•四（解鎖條件：角色等級80）
「地點：匹諾康尼
時間：██年██月██日
客人：██、██、██、██
『一份悲傷的回憶，來自██。這份鎏金般的回憶帶著誇飾與渴望，它將在往後的歲月藏起隱秘的傷懷，也註定了回憶的主人將長久受此影響。』
『一份歡樂的回憶，來自██。這份戲劇般的回憶披著斑斕的色彩，歡樂，混亂，滑稽——卻難以稱之為幸福。它所呈現的未來，也是如此。』
『一份遺憾的回憶，來自██。這份幸福的回憶美麗而瞬息即滅，如同死火堆中飛出的流星。享受時光吧，客人，它告訴我那很快就要逝去。』
『一份模糊的回憶，來自██。這份回憶微弱、混沌且令人迷茫，就像看不見盡頭、望不到結局的冷雨。我渴望捕捉它指向的明天，是雨，還是晴……』」

——黑天鵝的回憶

「我看到一個女人的身影，在影像和圖案間跳躍變形。不…我沒有瘋，我的確看到了『她』。我記得她的聲音，那種絲絨一般的質感，我也記得她手中流光溢彩的紙牌，好像有什麼魔力似的…噢，對了，她還邀請我占卜。她說，『不管你是想占卜幸福、災難、失物還是意外所獲…我只需你付出一個真實的故事——因為過去和未來本是同一個圓上的同一個點。』我的腦袋暈乎乎的，她真溫柔，我和她說了好多好多，只記得她很耐心的聽完了我說的胡話…然後，根據她的占卜，我替酒店的客人找到了她的鏡子！噢，你問我向她說了什麼——沒什麼重要的，不過是一些關於過去的傳言……」

——一位匹諾康尼本地人的回憶

如今，她以占卜師的身份，穿梭於不同的世界，追索與命途，與星神有關的記憶。她相信，那些記憶堅硬如寶石，即便遺忘也無法徹底消磨它們。

「很多憶者都去過匹諾康尼，但一無所獲，他們說那隻是水面上一場浮華的夢。」
「但夢…亦是記憶的一種變形。趁著那些竊憶者和焚化工還沒到來，我會潛入深海，一睹殘骸。」  

Character Story: Part IV

• Unlocked at Character Level 80

Location: Penacony
Date: ██/██/██
Guests: ██, ██, ██, and ██
"A sorrowful memory from ██. This opulent memory, adorned with ostentation and longing, conceals an unknown sadness that will linger for years, influencing its owner for an extended period."
"A joyous memory from ██. This dramatic memory is filled with vibrant hues of joy, confusion, and funny elements, but it can hardly be called true happiness. Such is the future it portrays."
"A regrettable memory from ██. The fleeting happiness in this memory is beautiful yet short-lived, like a shooting star from faded ashes. Cherish your limited moment, dear guest, for it informs me that it shall soon vanish."
"A vague memory from ██. This memory is faint, chaotic, and disorienting, akin to an endless downpour with no respite in sight. I yearn to capture the future it points to, whether it be filled with rain or sunshine..."

— Black Swan's memories

"I saw the figure of a woman, gracefully leaping and transforming amidst images and patterns. No... I'm not crazy, I did indeed see 'her.' I remember her voice, its velvety texture, and the colorful cards in her hands, imbued with some sort of magic... Oh, and she invited me to partake in fortune-telling. She said, 'Whether you want to foresee happiness or misfortune in the future, retrieve lost possessions, or seek unexpected gains... All I need is an honest story, for the past and the future are overlapped on the same point of a single circle.' My head spun, and she exuded such gentleness. I talked so much to her, and she patiently listened to my ramblings... And then, following her divination results, I retrieved a lost mirror for a guest of the hotel! Oh, you asked what I said to her? Oh, nothing important... Just some rumors about the past..."

— A native Penacony resident's memories

Currently, she journeys through various realms as a diviner, uncovering memories intertwined with her Path and Aeons. She believes that those memories are as enduring as gems, impervious to the eroding forces of oblivion.

"Numerous Memokeepers have ventured to Penacony, only to discover it as a mere illusory mirage dancing upon the water's surface."
"However, dreams... They represent a distorted form of memories. I shall delve into its depths and catch a fleeting glimpse of the buried memories before those Memosnatchers and Cremators arrive."

黃泉

角色詳情
自稱「巡海遊俠」的旅人，本名不詳。身佩一柄長刀，獨行銀河。

淡漠寡言，劍出如紫電般迅猛，卻從來只以刀鞘戰鬥，收而不發。  

Character Details

A drifter claiming to be a Galaxy Ranger. Her true name is unknown, and she walks the cosmos alone, carrying with her a long sword.

Though aloof and taciturn, her blade flicks out like lashing lightning. And yet, she always strikes with her scabbard, never drawing the sword free.

角色故事•一（解鎖條件：角色等級20）
「…並非人選擇刀，而是刀選中了人。正如人無法選擇命運，而是命運選擇人…那一日，看著『刀』經由我手鍛成，再被交予少女手中，我意識到，在對抗『八百萬神』的道路上，她選擇了——或是被選中——踏上那條看似邁向明日的道路。我多麼希望這是一個美好的時代，即便出雲國依舊面臨威脅，人們也依舊懷抱希望，相信惡神會被盡數斬落，天下將重獲自由…可直到刀光消隕，我才明白，這是一條沒有終點的死路，而踏上它的人們，再無回頭的可能……」

——古老的殘卷

  

Character Story: Part I

• Unlocked at Character Level 20

"...Warriors don't choose their blades, but rather their blades choose them. Just as people don't choose their fate, but rather their fate chooses them... On that day, as I witnessed the blade I had crafted being passed on to that girl, I realized that in the fight against Yaoyorozu no Kami, she had chosen — or been chosen — to embrace the path that seemingly led her toward a new tomorrow. How I wish that there would be a bright future, that despite the peril looming over the Izumo Kingdom, its people would hold onto hope, believing that the evil gods shall one day be vanquished, and the world shall be liberated... However, it was only when the blade's light waned that I came to a realization: This is an impasse with no escape, and those who venture upon it have no recourse to turn back..."

— An Ancient Scattered Manuscript

角色故事•二（解鎖條件：角色等級40）
「…從鍛刀者留下的殘卷可知，出雲曾一度來到破滅邊緣。為求存續，他們以『神骸』鍛刀，持刀者被奉為救國的英雄。學會對其中的『八百萬神』很感興趣，目前尚不清楚它們與哪條命途有關，而在日後的記述中，出雲人對那些刀主的稱呼也漸漸從『人』變成了『鬼』。

遺憾的是，這個世界已經從星圖上消失了，歷史的真相無處可尋，『記憶』也不復存在。武裝考古學派抵達時，星系中只流淌著「神秘」的歌謠：無邊的雨自黑日中如淚湧出，微茫的雨幕下，出雲國的孑遺背對被她拯救又親手抹去的故鄉…她的前方，只有目不可視的陰影。」

——「執筆者」奧本海默

Character Story: Part II

• Unlocked at Character Level 40
"...Through the scrolls left behind by the blade forger, we have learned that Izumo was once on the brink of destruction. In order to survive, they forged blades from the remains of gods, and those who wielded them were hailed as the saviors of their realm. The Guild is interested in the enigmatic Yaoyorozu no Kami mentioned in these scrolls, but the Path they are associated with remains shrouded in mystery. In later accounts, the people of Izumo ceased to refer to the wielders of the blades as 'heroes,' but rather as 'revenants.'

Unfortunately, the world has long vanished from the astral charts. The truth of history eludes us, and the Remembrance no longer holds its place. When the Armed Archaeologists arrived, the galaxy resounded solely with the melody of the Enigmata: Dark Sun's tears, rain's boundless outpour. Beneath faint curtain, survivor departs from her shore. Her homeland, once saved, by her hands erased... Invisible shadows ahead, her vision encased."

— Oppenheimer, the Recorder

  

角色故事•三（解鎖條件：角色等級60）
「我用了『醒覺-310』製劑，它能讓人沉入極深的睡眠，重歷過去的回憶。一些患者能以此重拾對生活的信心，但她不同。在她以前，從未有人能主動從沉睡中醒來。我觀察了她的夢…那實在難以被稱作幸福的記憶：陰沉的天空、破敗的城市、廢土殘垣，還有連綿不絕的細雨。

那雨仿佛永遠不會停下，在高漲的潮水中，人們在溺亡中微笑。而在沉淪的黑夜，我總能聽見遙遠的雷聲在迫近，直到某一刻，雷光乍現，將黑夜撕裂。在破碎的天空下，我又看見了她——在褪色成無的世界裡，她輕輕揮出一刀，將整片夢境帶走。

我必須承認，在這條路上她走得遠比我們更深。那無可捉摸的『虛無』引領她走向自滅，她卻在無形中將其執握於手。也許在旅途之初，她就已準備好面對真正的敵人…我曾向她提問，這一切有何意義？但她並未作答。是她不知曉如何回應，還是她心中早已有了答案？」

——某位混沌醫師的手記

  

Character Story: Part III

• Unlocked at Character Level 60
"I used the 'Revitalization-310' tincture, which induces a profound slumber, enabling individuals to relive their past memories. While some patients found solace and rediscovered hope, she proved an exception. No one has ever awakened from their dream state, yet she defied the odds. I closely observed her dreams... and they can hardly be called happy moments: gloomy skies, crumbling cities, ruined lands, and incessant rains.

The rain never stopped. Amidst the swelling tide, individuals wore smiles even as they were drowned, and within the engulfing darkness, I heard the distant rumble of thunder, until, at a particular moment, lightning shattered the veil of night. Below the fractured sky, I saw her once more: Within a world fading into oblivion, she elegantly swung her blade, eradicating the entire realm of dreams.

I must admit that she has ventured far beyond our progress on this path. The elusive Nihility beckons her toward self-annihilation, yet she subtly holds its reins. Perhaps she was prepared to confront the true enemy from the very beginning of her journey... Once, I asked her about the purpose behind it all, but she remained silent. Was she at a loss for words? Or did she already have an answer in mind?"

— A Note from a Doctor of Chaos

角色故事•四（解鎖條件：角色等級80）
「我把這封信留在這裡。如果我沒能回來，就由它來講述她的故事，一位我在俄爾刻龍邂逅的同伴。邁向彼岸的路艱難無比，幸虧有她同行，我才能一路平安無事。初見面時，我總覺得她似乎背負著某種使命，是「復仇」嗎？恐怕不是。一個心懷仇恨的人總會在某些時刻將其展露，但她永遠那麼平靜，除了偶爾流露出的一絲悲傷……

…在我們相遇前，她已去過許多世界，各種生活技能都十分熟練。我和她一起在野外烹飪和搭帳篷，那些沒有星星的夜晚，她會聽我講故事，和我討論明天要做什麼。更多時候，我們只是在默默行路。這裡的雪是紫紅色的，嘗起來有樹莓的酸甜。她已嘗不出多少味道，但依然會讚賞我做的俄爾刻龍雪糰子……

…在認識她以前，我曾長年在『虛無』的河流中跋涉。她向我伸出了手，我們便一起在這條河流中同行。如今，分別的時候到了，我還沒走到岸邊，也不知道即將面對的是什麼…但我沒有理由停下腳步。生命無非是一條終有盡頭的道路，在此之前，我會用自己的雙腳走到終點。我相信她也一樣。」

——「扶里巴斯」的筆記

  

Character Story: Part IV

• Unlocked at Character Level 80
"I am leaving this letter here. In the event that I do not return, let this letter bear witness to the tale of a companion I encountered in Orkron. The journey to the other side was perilous, and it was thanks to her that I managed to navigate it through. When I first met her, it appeared that she was on a certain quest, possibly seeking revenge. However, I soon realized that it wasn't the case, as a person consumed by hatred would inevitably expose it, yet she remained remarkably composed, with only fleeting glimpses of sorrow...

...She had traversed numerous worlds before our paths crossed, and she possessed a wide range of life skills. Together, we cooked and established camps amidst the wilderness. On starless nights, she lent an ear to my stories and deliberated plans for the following day. Yet, more often than not, we journeyed in silence. The snow here bears a purplish-red hue, carrying the tangy flavor of raspberries. While she has almost lost her sense of taste, she appreciates the Orkron snow doughnuts I prepare...

...Before meeting her, I had spent countless years wading through the river of Nihility. She extended her hand to me, and together, we ventured along this river. Now, the time has come for us to part ways, and I have yet to reach the shore, uncertain of what lies ahead... Even so, I see no reason to halt my journey. Life is merely a road that eventually culminates, and until that moment arrives, I shall keep pressing forward. I am certain she would do the same."

— A Note from Frebass

椒丘

角色詳情
仙舟「曜青」的狐人醫士、策士，常以笑臉迎人，實際頗有心計。
出身於丹鼎司名家，曾一度心死避世，不再行醫，後為醫治「天擊將軍」飛霄再度出山。
精於醫食同源的丹方研究，尤其是能帶給人痛感的辣味食物，發明了名為「九宮格」的鼎鑊藥式。

  

Character Details

A foxian healer and counselor from the Xianzhou Yaoqing. Often greets people with a smile on his face and a scheme in his heart.
Born into a prestigious Alchemy Commission family, he once withdrew from practicing medicine due to a broken heart. However, he returned to the field to treat "the Merlin's Claw," General Feixiao.
Skilled in the study of alchemical prescription that views food as medicine, especially those that induce a sensation of spiciness. They invented a cauldron-based medicinal formula known as the "nine-square grid."

角色故事•一（解鎖條件：角色等級20）
曜青，飛雨湖。
荇藻開著黃花，游魚在雨絲中跳躍，菱角荷花肆意生長，湖邊石灘常有老龜曬背。

狐人少年背著藥簍，劃著小舟，雨絲順著他的耳廓流下，又被輕輕甩去。
他撈取荇菜，擷取荷花，剝開鮮嫩的茭白，隨手往嘴裡扔去。
「甘甜入脾，滋潤可口……」
摘畢，他撐起小船，輕盈地越過湖岸，換上了醫者的服飾。
……
醫館內蒸汽氤氳，異香浮動。
「脈象比上次好了些，只是還缺少調養，要不試試我的新藥？」
他撤去脈枕和金針，微笑著搬上一套嶄新的醫具。
老者看著桌上的九宮鐵鍋，不禁苦笑。
「別人一輩子也搞不出幾種新藥出來，你倒好，一天就能發明好幾種。」
「師父謬讚了，這是名為「九宮格」的鼎鑊藥式，製作簡便，效果奇佳。」
他倒出藥簍中的食材，簡單清洗後改刀切片，鍋里的高湯開始冒泡沸騰。
「一兩天錦草，三錢苦木，四厘蓯蓉，大骨熬煮，搭配深海貝可驅散苦味，助心神安眠。」「這白鰍和紫魚片性溫，最能滋養氣血，只需涮兩三秒即可。」
「青菇、銀針、雪藕…都是飛雨湖中我以藥渣精心培植的作物，除了鮮美之外，兼有藥性。」
晶瑩的魚片滑入沸湯，師徒二人大快朵頤，雨天的濕寒一掃而空。

杯盤狼藉之際，老者放下杯筷，仿佛看穿了什麼。
「這頓『九宮格』，看起來是醉翁之意不在酒。」
他站了起來，鄭重地行了個禮。
「師父敏銳。是否進入丹鼎司，徒兒已有決定。
「丹鼎司雖好，終究和徒兒懸壺濟世的心願不符。要問何處最需要醫家，必是曜青征戰之地。
「而眾多醫家之中，唯有我等染指派強調藥食同源，以飲食之樂解疾病之苦…『九宮格』之藥，方便快捷，祛寒除濕，正是徒兒為戰場所特製。
「生死之間，人命至重。倘若我有一方濟之，也算不辜負丹鼎司培養之恩。」
老者似有言勸告，但最終卻還是咽了下去。
「戰場苦寒異常，出發之前，記得…多帶些熱性的食材。」  

Character Story: Part I

• Unlocked at Character Level 20

Rainsoar Lake, the Yaoqing.
In the misty rain, yellow floating heart foliage and blossoms decorated the lake as frolicking fishes leaped out of the water from time to time. At this lakeside abounds with lotuses and water chestnuts, old turtles basking on the pebbles were an everyday sight.

A foxian youth with a basket for storing harvested ingredients on his back rowed a small boat, raindrops running down his ear before being lightly flicked away.
As he scooped up floating heart plants and picked out lotus flowers, he peeled open wild rice stems and threw them casually into his mouth.
"So sweet and refreshing, it delights the palate...."
After harvesting the plants, he steered the boat to shore and crossed the lakeside with graceful ease before changing into the attire of a healer.
...
Inside the apothecary, misty steam hung in the air as tantalizing aromas filled the premises.
"Your pulse has become more stable since you last visited, but you should still work on getting more rest and nourishing your body. Care to try one of my new medicines?"
With a smile, he put away the wrist cushion and golden needles, bringing out a whole new set of medical tools.
As the elderly man gazed at the nine-squared cauldron in front of him, he couldn't help but break into a wry smile.
"Others can hardly even invent a few decent medicines in their lifetimes, yet a single day is all you need to achieve that and more."
"You flatter me, Master. This cauldron-based medicinal formula is called the 'nine-square grid.' Not only is it simple to make, but its effects are also wondrous."
The youth poured out the ingredients from his basket, cleaning them quickly before slicing them. As he did, the stock inside the cauldron began to bubble and boil.
"A tael of euphorbia, three mace of bitterwood, and four cash of desert cistanche... Boil with big bones, then pair with deep sea shellfish to dispel the bitter flavor. The concoction can aid one in achieving peaceful slumber." "As for the white loach and threadfin snapper, their constitution-warming properties are great for nourishing the qi and blood. We need only dip the slices in boiling water for two to three seconds."
"These green mushrooms, silver needle tea leaves, and snow lotus roots were all carefully cultivated with decoction dregs by me at Rainsoar Lake. Not only are they tasty and refreshing, but they also offer medicinal benefits."
As glistening fish slices met boiling soup, both master and disciple enjoyed a delicious meal that quickly made them forget about the damp coldness of a rainy day.

In the aftermath of the meal, the older man put down his chopsticks, seemingly having realized something.
"This meal that I've just had, the 'nine-square grid'... It seems there is more you wish to tell me with this meal than what I'd thought."
The youth stood up and solemnly bowed.
"Master, you are perceptive indeed. I have long since made up my mind about whether to join the Alchemy Commission."
"While the Alchemy Commission is a good place to be, it is ultimately not compatible with my wish to practice medicine for the masses. The one place that requires a healer the most is undeniably the battlefield where the Yaoqing's forces are."
"Among the many schools of healers, only practitioners of the Ranzhi School — such as you and me — place emphasis on the tenet of 'food is medicine,' using the joy of food to alleviate the pain of ailments... The 'nine-square grid,' with its convenience and effectiveness in dispelling the cold that ails one's constitution, was specially made by me to provide succor to those on the battlefield."
"For those who yet breathe, there is nothing more important than the preservation of life. If I could deliver the people from pain and suffering with a mere medicinal formula, the Alchemy Commission's time and effort spent in grooming my talents would be well-spent indeed."
The elder looked as though he wanted to talk the youth out of his decision, but he ultimately decided against it.
"The battlefield is a bitterly cold place... Don't forget to bring more foods that warm the constitution ere you depart."

角色故事•二（解鎖條件：角色等級40）
曜青軍隊常年征戰域外星球，他又對鼎鑊藥式進行了諸多改進，以應對日漸艱巨又複雜多變的駐紮環境。

因藥式的罕見與奇效，他的名聲迅速傳遍曜青軍隊，贏得了諸位將士的信任。
然而這些成就全然無法減輕他內心的沉重。
每一日，當出發的鳴笛響起之時，他曾治好的病患將重新踏上戰場。
每一日，當歸營的腳步響起之時，圍坐在鼎鑊邊的面孔，總會少上幾個。
就在剛剛，那位每次回營都嚷嚷著要吃鼎鑊的士兵，永遠地離開了。
他完成了今日的問診，走出臨時搭建的戰地醫院，長嘆了一口氣。漫天風雪撲向他，而他似乎感受不到半分寒冷。
鳴笛聲已重新響起，軍隊已整備出發。很快，戰地醫院中又會擠滿重傷的士兵。即便他使出生死人，肉白骨的醫術，無休止的戰爭依然在吞噬那些年輕的生命。

每晚，他都會同那位月御將軍對談，但這一日，他少見地沉默良久。
「這段時日，我一直在思考…如果我醫治的病患註定還要奔赴死亡，那醫者的意義是什麼？」

病房中傳來喑啞的哭聲。他使勁眨了眨眼睛，才發現不知從何時起，自己的雙眼已經乾澀
——乾澀到流不出淚來。  

Character Story: Part II

• Unlocked at Character Level 40

The Yaoqing's troops perennially fought on outer planets. He continued to improve the cauldron-based medicinal formula in a multitude of ways so that he could adapt it to the increasingly challenging, complex, and unpredictable environments that the soldiers must brave.

The unusual yet profoundly effective formulation his medicine came in soon made his name a common utterance across the forces of the Yaoqing, winning him the trust of officers and soldiers alike.
Such achievements nevertheless failed to assuage his heavy heart.
Every day, when the bugle call for departure sounded, he knew the wounded that he had nursed back to health would have to step onto the battlefield once more.
Every day, when he heard the footsteps of returning troops, he knew he would be missing a few more familiar faces among those that gathered around his cauldron.
Just recently, even the soldier who always returned to camp yelling about wanting to eat from the cauldron had departed this world for good.
He finished up the day's consultation and left the field hospital, letting out a long sigh. The cold did not bother him in the slightest, even with the snow flurries pelting at him.
When the bugle call sounded yet again, the army was equipped and ready to depart. The field hospital will soon be burdened with grievously wounded soldiers like before. Yes, he has the skills to bring the wounded back from the gates of hell, but these young lives still end up lost in the endless, ravenous war.

Every night, he would always talk with General Yueyu. This day, however, he was uncharacteristically silent for a long time.
"Recently, I have been thinking... If the patients that I nurse to health are destined to hurtle toward death once more, what is my purpose as a healer?"

A dull cry sounded from the direction of the wards. It was only after blinking several times that he realized both his eyes had gone dry, probably since some time ago...
So dry that he no longer had tears to shed.

角色故事•三（解鎖條件：角色等級60）
又到了將士出征的時候。
但那恐怖的死狀，居高不下的死亡率，終日喧響的炮火，浮現於天空的龐然巨物，預示著這場戰爭不同以往的慘烈。

直到那一日，高聳入雲的「瞰雲鏡」承載聯盟萬億眾生的願力，終於得到了祂的回應。
灼熱的氣浪毫無徵兆地出現，弱小的豐饒孽物化作血霧，不可直視的光撕開天穹。
他看到光浪所及之處，一切山巒化為齏粉。
他看到未來得及撤離的仙舟軍團和豐饒孽物一起化為塵埃。
他聽說緊跟月御將軍的少女在即將覆滅的敵陣中奔走，試圖帶回剩餘的士兵。
在光之海的巨浪到達之前，他盡全力救下少女，而後在光芒的餘波中失去了意識。
……
殘破的軍旗在風中獵獵作響，寥寥無幾的倖存者圍在火堆旁，無言對坐。
叮噹，叮噹，叮噹——
坑坑窪窪的鼎鑊被狂風吹著，在原野上滾動。

身體理應早就習慣了所駐紮的這顆星球上的寒冷，但他從來都沒覺得那麼冷過，從裡到外，都是冰涼的。
他拾起鐵鍋，加水，燒開，放入所剩無幾的食材，動作一氣呵成。
「還是好冷……」
倖存者默默地咀嚼著食物，沒有人說話。
「放點辣吧。」
他取出隨身攜帶的藥袋。
「不夠辣。」
他放下了更多的辣椒。
「還是不夠。」
他將隨身攜帶的香料全數倒進鼎鑊中。
「沒有更多了。」
紅油翻滾，他夾起野菜放進嘴中，當麻木的味覺被激活的時候，他第一次如此強烈地感到生命的存在——
那是近乎於痛的滋味。  

Character Story: Part III

• Unlocked at Character Level 60

It was time once again for the army to move out.
However, grisly bodies of the dead, the perpetually high death rate, ongoing blasts of artillery fire, and a monstrous creature that appeared in the air were all portents that heralded a devastating war unlike anything that had ever occurred before.

Until one day, when the towering Cloudpeer Telescope that bore the wills of the trillions of living beings aboard the Xianzhou finally received a response from THEM.
A searing blast appeared out of nowhere, obliterating the weak Abominations of Abundance into a miasma of blood. A light so blindingly bright that tore the sky dome asunder.
Even mountains and hills that the light reached turned into dust.
He saw the Abominations of Abundance and members of the Xianzhou Legion that were slow to retreat crumble to dust.
He heard about how the girl always by General Yueyu's side weaved in and out of the annihilated enemy ranks, attempting to bring the remaining soldiers back with her.
Before the wave of light could reach them, he dashed in with every last ounce of his strength to save that young lady before losing his consciousness in the afterglow of the obliterating light.
...
Tattered banners thrashed in the wind as the few remaining survivors gathered around the bonfire in silence.
Clank, clank, clank...
A strong gust of wind swept across, rolling a battered cauldron along the barren ground.

His body should have long acclimated to the frigid cold climate given the time he had been stationed on this planet. But he had never felt this cold before. He was cold from the inside out.
In a seasoned manner, he picked up the iron receptacle, filled it with water, and brought it to a boil before throwing in scraps of leftover ingredients.
"It's still so cold..."
The survivors ate their food in silence.
"Maybe I should add some spice."
With that, he retrieved the medicine pouch that he always carried with him.
"Not spicy enough."
He added more chili peppers to the mix.
"Not there yet."
He emptied every spice he had on him into the cauldron.
"That's it."
As oil from the chili bubbled, he picked up a herb from the cauldron to taste. When his already numbed sense of taste finally picked up on the spice, a jolt of current ran through him. He felt alive for the first time!
It was a sensation that bordered on pain.