As Kael and Arak moved through the remnants of the village, the destruction around them was a stark reminder of the calamity that had befallen this place. The skeletal structures of buildings stood as grim testimonials to the lives once lived here.

Kael paused beside what used to be a vibrant storefront, its colors now faded and blackened by fire. He picked up a charred object, turning it over in his hands. "Remember this shop?" he asked, his voice heavy with nostalgia and grief. "It was always full of laughter and chatter."

Arak, standing near the ruins of a small house, replied somberly, "Yes, I do. It's hard to see it like this, reduced to nothing but ashes and memories."

As they sifted through the debris, they came across a half-burnt toy, a poignant reminder of the children who once played in these streets. Arak picked it up gently, examining it. "The kids loved these," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "To think they once ran through these streets, carefree."

Kael nodded, his eyes scanning the ruins. "It's all gone now. Just echoes of those days left." He placed the object back, a gesture of respect for the lost innocence it represented.

Their exploration was filled with such moments, each finding a stark reminder of what the village had been. Amidst the rubble, they found remnants of everyday life – kitchen utensils, fragments of clothing, and even a scorched book.

"This was more than just a place to trade," Kael reflected as he held the damaged book. "It was a community, a part of our extended family."

Arak looked around at the devastation, his expression hardened. "Whoever did this... they took more than just buildings and goods. They took lives, memories, a piece of our history."

Despite the sorrow that weighed heavily on them, Kael and Arak continued their search, driven by the necessity of their mission. They needed to find any useful items that could aid their group, but each discovery was also a reminder of the tragedy that had struck their world.

Amidst the ruins, they uncovered a small box, partially shielded from the fire by a fallen beam. Inside, they found a collection of personal mementos – letters, and a small, hand-carved trinket.

Kael sifted through the items, a sense of reverence in his touch. "These were someone's treasures," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of respect and sorrow.

Arak added quietly, "Every piece tells a story, a fragment of the life that once thrived here."

They replaced the box, leaving it as they found it, a silent tribute to the unknown owner and the life they had lived just like Arak placed back the toy. As they moved on, the task of scavenging supplies took on a new meaning. It wasn't just about survival; it was about honoring the memory of the village and its people.

As Kael and Arak delved deeper into the village's remains, their focus shifted entirely to uncovering clues about the attack. The air was thick with the scent of charred remains, a constant reminder of the recent tragedy. Each step they took was a journey deeper into the heart of a mystery that seemed to grow more complex with every discovery.

If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Kael's eyes scanned the ground as they walked through what was once the village's main thoroughfare. Among the ash and debris, he spotted fragments of what appeared to be a weapon. He bent down, picking up a piece that seemed out of place amidst the village's ruins.

"Look at this," Kael said, holding up the fragment for Arak to see. "This doesn't look like anything our blacksmiths would have made. It’s more advanced, possibly military-grade."

Arak took the piece, turning it over in his hands. "You're right. And if this is from Aeloria, it means they might have been involved. But why? Why attack a village so far from their usual sphere of influence?"

As they continued their investigation, they found more evidence suggesting a well-coordinated and brutal assault. The layout of the village, with its houses and shops now reduced to rubble, indicated strategic targeting rather than random destruction.

"The way these buildings were hit, it's like the attackers knew exactly where to strike to cause the most damage," Kael observed, his voice laced with frustration and sorrow.

In a small clearing that had once been a communal gathering space, Arak discovered scorched pages from what appeared to be a village ledger or record book. The pages were damaged, but parts of the text were still legible.

"These writings," Arak said, sifting through the pages, "they talk about recent tensions, mentions of scouts spotting unfamiliar soldiers in the forests weeks before the attack. They were worried, preparing for something."

Kael joined him, reading over his shoulder. "This could be it. Maybe the village was seen as a threat, or it was in the way of something bigger. We need to take these back with us. They might hold the key to understanding Aeloria's motives."

They carefully collected the pages, placing them in their bags with a sense of responsibility. Every piece of evidence they gathered added another layer to the story of the village's last days.

Moving towards the outskirts, they found remnants of what seemed to be hastily erected defenses. Broken barricades and scattered weapons told a tale of a desperate last stand by the villagers.

"It's clear they tried to defend themselves," Arak said quietly, surveying the scene. "But against an attack of this scale, they stood little chance."

The sun was now high in the sky, casting a harsh light on the desolate landscape. As Kael and Arak prepared to look for resources, their minds were heavy with thoughts of the attack's brutality and its implications.

"We've got a lot to think about," Kael said as he looked at Arak. "These clues, the evidence we've found... it all points to something bigger at play. And we're right in the middle of it."

Arak nodded in agreement, a determined look on his face. "We'll figure this out, for the sake of our group and the memory of this village. We have to.".

Kael and Arak's search became more focused as they sifted through the ruins, conscious of the limited space in their bags and the pressing needs back at the cave. Their eyes were trained to spot anything that could be of immediate use for their group's survival and the ongoing investigation.

In the remnants of a home that miraculously had partially withstood the devastation, Kael discovered a small, metal box under a pile of debris. Inside, he found a collection of various nails and screws, along with a small leather pouch containing a set of hand tools like a miniature hammer, a small chisel, and a couple of sturdy knives. These tools are basic but versatile for different kinds of repair and crafting work.. "This should be useful for the repairs and upgrades in the cave," he said, placing the box carefully into his bag.

Arak, rummaging through the remains of what appeared to be a storage area, found a few blankets that were somewhat singed but still in usable condition. He folded them as best as he could, making room in his bag. "These will provide some extra warmth in the cave," he noted.

Their search continued, with each man keenly aware of the other's movements, ensuring they didn't miss anything of potential use. Amidst the ashes, Kael found a small, intact jar of herbal salve. "This will be good for minor cuts or burns," he said, showing it to Arak.

Arak, in a corner that once might have been a kitchen, found a set of iron cooking utensils, slightly blackened but still serviceable. He carefully selected a couple of pots and a frying pan, judging them to be the most useful given their limited carrying capacity.

As they were about to leave the village, Arak's attention was drawn to a small, charred doll partially buried under a fallen beam. He picked it up gently, dusting off the ash. The doll was scorched, but its face was still smiling. "I think Hikari might like this," he said softly, a sad smile on his face as he placed the doll in his bag.

As they made their way back through the village, their bags now filled with salvaged items, Kael and Arak reflected on their expedition. They had gathered not just physical items but also pieces of a puzzle that was slowly coming together, revealing a story of conflict and loss.

"We have what we can carry, but it feels like we're taking back so much more," Kael said, looking back at the ruins one last time.

Arak nodded in agreement. "We're bringing back pieces of a past that's gone. Now it's up to us to use these to build a better future for our group."