I Became A Zompirewolf

Chapter 759 Side Story 03: Funeral

The sun began its descent over the horizon, casting a warm glow over New Livania as a spaceship slowly approached for docking.

The atmosphere was sorrowful as Ashton, Anna, Ava, and many others stood dressed in solemn black attire. They awaited the arrival of Linea and Ibis, who were unaware of Astaroth's passing.

As the spaceship's doors opened, the guardians walked out first, and like Ashton had expected, there was no sign of his summons inside the ship.

After Astaroth vanished, taking the Grim Reaper's scythe with him, Ashton could no longer feel the connection he once had with his summons. Despite clinging to hope for their survival, they had obviously disappeared along with the scythe.

'Now isn't the time to dwell on them,' Ashton sighed, pushing the thoughts of his summons aside. 'I must ensure Ibis and Linea have everyone's support once they know about Astaroth.'

Speaking of them, Linea and Ibis walked out after the guardians. Seeing them, everyone forced smiles onto their faces, attempting to conceal their emotions until Ashon delivered the news to them.

With her cascading dark hair and ethereal presence, Linea descended from the ship, her eyes glowing with curiosity until she noticed the sombre atmosphere below.

Walking behind Linea, Ibis also smiled until she saw the sadness in everyone's eyes. But she shrugged it off as they had been in a hellish war. It was expected of them to be sad about their personal losses.

However, alarms started ringing once she saw Ashton and Anna. Why would they be sad if everything had gone according to the plan? Ibis's eyes scanned the crowd for Astaroth, but he was nowhere to be found.

"Looks like your brother is set to spring a prank on us," Ibis whispered into Linea's ears as Ashton and Anna approached them.

Ibis introduced Linea to the couple with a smile, "This is Linea, Astaroth's sister."

"It's a pleasure," Linea replied, bowing curtly. "I have heard a lot about you from big sis Ibis."

"It's a pleasure to have you with us," Anna replied, hugging both the girls.

Linea's eyes sparkled with warmth as she felt acknowledged by them. Despite her kind behaviour, Ashton noticed a regal air about her. Astaroth hadn't told him anything about Linea's lineage, but Ashton expected her to be part of some royal civilisation.

As the introductions concluded, Ibis couldn't contain her doubts anymore and turned to Ashton and Anna, asking, "Is everything alright? Why does everyone seem to be on edge, and where's Astaroth? One would expect a brother to be there to welcome his sister after so long!"

Hearing the questions, Ashton sighed deeply, exchanging a knowing glance with Anna. No matter how many times they had practised, in the end, Ashton still felt a lump in his throat before answering them.

Anna knew what a mess things were about to get and stepped forward to embrace Ibis and Linea. The murmuring crowd fell silent; none of them had the courage to watch the scene unfold.

"Ibis, Linea," Ashton began, his voice steady but on the verge of breaking. "There's something we need to tell you about Astaroth."

Still enveloped in Anna's embrace, Ibis looked up with hopeful eyes, but somewhere deep within, she knew Ashton wouldn't say anything to wash her worries away.

"What is it? Is he okay?"

Ashton hesitated, but Anna nodded, giving him courage. "Ibis, Astaroth... he's gone. He didn't make it."

The world seemed to stand still as Ibis and Linea processed the words. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her initial response a resolute refusal to accept the truth.

"No... it can't be. Astaroth is strong; he always comes back. You're lying!"

"I wish I was, Ibis. I wish it more than anything," Ashton said, his gaze filled with sympathy and shook his head. "We lost him in the fight against Kro'Han."

Tears welled in Ibis's eyes as she clung to the hope that this was all a terrible mistake. Linea fell to her knees beside her, and Ava rushed to her side.

"No, Ashton, you're wrong!" Ibis cried, her voice breaking as she grabbed Ashton's collar. "He promised he would come back. He can't leave like this! Not when Linea is here!"

Anna, her own eyes moist, tightened her embrace around Ibis. "Ibis, we wish things were different. Astaroth fought bravely, but Kro'Han was too much for Ashton and him to handle together."

Tears streamed out of Ibis's eyes as her world was shattered, and she sank to her knees. Still processing the news, Linea reached out a comforting hand to Ibis, offering silent support.

Ashton, struggling with his own emotions, knelt beside Ibis and Linea. But didn't know what else he should say. Realising Ashton's struggle, Anna placed her hand on his shoulder and nodded as if saying they would take care of the girls.

So Ashton got up, took a final look at the girls, and left with a heavy heart. He did what he could to lessen their pain, but knew it didn't matter what he did; the loss of a loved one was always painful to deal with.

Days passed, and the sombre atmosphere persisted over New Livania. The news of Astaroth's demise echoed throughout the city, leaving an indelible mark on everyone.

With Ibis and Linea somewhat stable, everyone decided it was time to put Astaroth to rest. On the day of the symbolic funeral, the people gathered in the plaza, dressed in black, to pay their tribute to the fallen hero who saved everyone.

The plaza had been turned into a garden adorned with flowers and flickering candles for the funeral. In the centre stood an empty casket, representing the absence of Astaroth's physical form.

Ashton, flanked by Anna, Ava, and others, approached the stage. Ibis and Linea, still grappling with their grief, stood close by. The crowd fell into hushed silence, anticipating Ashton's words.

"As we gather here today, we mourn the loss of a brave soul, a warrior like no other, a friend and a brother—Astaroth," Ashton began, his voice steady, yet a quiver betrayed his straight face.

"Astaroth wasn't just a warrior; he was family to all of us. We shared moments of laughter, arguments, and countless adventures that forged a bond stronger than blood ever could."

"He was a constant presence around me. Always challenging me and cheering me to push beyond the limits. But most importantly, standing by my side when it mattered the most."

Ashton wiped a tear as his gaze momentarily lingered on the empty casket. "We bickered like siblings, always causing trouble for each other, but deep down, there was a connection that words can never describe."

A faint smile touched Ashton's lips as he recalled their shared memories. "I remember the times we spent arguing over the smallest things and then laughing at the absurdity of everything. Astaroth had a way of finding joy even in the darkest moments like he did before passing away."

"As a warrior, he displayed unparalleled courage. He faced adversaries without hesitation, standing firm to protect those who couldn't defend themselves. I'm a living example of his courage and sacrifice."

"But Astaroth's bravery was not just about fighting for his own; it was about sacrificing himself without a second thought to protect strangers, to protect a world that wasn't even his own."

Ashton's voice broke as the lump in his throat felt heavier by the second. "In the end, he faced Kro'Han head-on, knowing what awaited him. Astaroth didn't just fight for victory; he fought for the ideals he believed in—freedom and the right of every being to live without fear."

Ashton's gaze shifted to Linea and Ibis, the pain in their eyes mirroring his own. After all, they were the closest ones to Astaroth beside him.

"Today, we say our goodbyes to the hero who saved us all, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Let us remember him not with tears of sorrow but with gratitude for the moments we shared and the sacrifices he made."

Ashton concluded, "Astaroth, my brother, my friend, may you find peace in the cosmic expanse. You might be gone, but your legacy will eternally live through all of us. Rest in power, dear friend."

The crowd stood silently, the flickering candles casting a gentle glow over the assembly as they remembered Astaroth—a warrior, a brother, and a beacon of courage in the face of adversity.