It wasn't long until they began to rebuild Calibren. The forces of Orochi fled, but every night that they intervened, Gabriel would step in to act as their sword. Every day he was injured, he would have his body tended to by those that remained alive in the Kingdom, as well as a few members of the Seven Wonders. Despite the close victory they had, the loss they were forced to bear outweighed it. Their minds wandered far in what they should've done, what they could've done, in handling such opposition. No matter how they saw it, they knew they wouldn't be able to predict the onslaught brought unawares. Harvard especially feels guilty as he'd see the empty streets, his hands balled up, threatening to punch something for not doing what he should've done, yet he was either held back by Solomon or Zazel, and comforted by Applin or Stolas, in knowing there wasn't much he could've done to prevent it.
Koina, meanwhile, was able to get as much goods as possible, to act as penance for not doing her own respective duties. While Adel would train his body to the fullest for one more battle, the Assassin can't help but feel a similar level of guilt for not doing her duties. She was able to get reports, yes, but she wasn't able to hold back Taro, much less kill him when needed most. Her eyes stared at the Serpent, partially in disgust, but also in shame. She failed so many people, in her perspective, so it was only natural she was willing to take similar risks and punishment for her atonement. Bronx was able to spot her working to the bone, seeing the ribs visible, a bit worried if she was starving herself. "One of the things we were told in Orochi is that if we failed our duties... we'd pay our lives down to its marrow." She'd begin, taking off her mask so she can breathe properly, showcasing her draconic mouth. "We don't give ourselves rest. We don't give ourselves food. We don't give ourselves water. Only labor, until we are rewarded with those benefits."
"That's torture." Bronx bluntly replied, as he'd be quick to fire a few shots, letting it trail and weave around to snag a few fruit, bringing it over to the Sniper so she can have some. Koina, stubborn as she is, just ignores it and moves along. "The more you work, the less you'd be able to function. You'd essentially kill yourself through exertion. Please, take a break-"
"NO!" She'd bark. Her eyes were like daggers on the Sniper, not wanting to hear him out. "Do you have any idea what I've done? I've failed as both an Assassin and a fighter. I gave it all I can, and I came short. I have to pay with my life. I wouldn't feel better otherwise if I keep fumbling it. People would assume I'd have potential and squandered it for my actions! Do you have any idea how much it'd hurt knowing I have so many people looking up to me for a simple task and FAILING!? It's like a dagger constantly at my heart, dude. THAT is Torture."
"I wouldn't say you did bad as an Assassin."
"...S'cuse me?" Such a pause made her rest at the cart, properly taking the fruit, watching as King would step up and take the cart over his head, carrying the rest of the way through, a thumbs up to the Dragoness for a job well done.
"You heard me. You nearly got me. Had you sliced a few more inches, you would've hit the back of my neck. That's one of the few vitals that can instantly kill a person, or at least paralyze and leave me for dead proper. If I wasn't able to endure that fast enough, I could've been taken out by Bathory when she flooded the area in that bloody rain. You got close. At a Rank 1 no less. You should be proud of that."
"...Coming from a Man who's endured more hardships than I'd ever imagine, I highly doubt you'd be taken down by my magic like that."
"You'd be surprised. Hell, I'd say it's possible Harvard and his friends could kill me. Magic's a dark horse half the time. Our ranks isn't dictated by strength, but by effectiveness. Same probably would be said for Sozo-"
"ABHSANBA, Don't say his name. Call him... 'that man', please?"
"...Alright, would be the same in 'That Man's case as well. If one of us has the ability to summon Cartoons that can break the world, nay, reality, then it really doesn't matter, does it? Sure, I ENDURED it, but would that be the same to someone like say, Taro?" The question lingered hard upon Koina's mind, having her ponder if the Human Vritra could really take on a living Toon. Part of her believes such would be the case, as he is the King of Orochi. It would be nonsense if it wasn't the case. However, part of her also believes it wouldn't make sense for anyone to even prepare against a Toon if brought out unexpectedly. "Don't beat yourself up so much. You earned more than your fair share. I wasn't even able to notice you snuck up and got intel."
"Think so?"
"Know so." Such a conversation would end as Tsukiya and Enenra caught their attention, waving their hands and making sounds to call them over. "I've heard about what you wanted back in Calibren's anniversary. I hope you find a way out of this Circle. You deserve it." A warm smile showered onto Koina as they recalled back. In that small moment, Koina would smile back. It's been ages since she was properly seen as a person rather than a sword, so the comfort of Calibren's strongest at least gave her a small glimmer of hope beyond the mountainside she calls her enemy. One thing is for sure, however. She needs to prove herself as a proper asset next time. She'd look over Adel rushing ahead to catch up, an idea sparking in her mind.
There might just be a way to properly redeem herself.