The U.S. government couldn't announce the cessation of hostilities yet, but the troops didn't even have to keep the public peace. The insurgents had disappeared from their territories. However, the Afghan government, the U.S. government, and the UN Council had to hold talks. Several members of the UN had dispatched peacekeeping troops while the talks were being held. 

Already, half the American forces stationed in Afghanistan had been pulled back. They expected small acts of terror from the last remnants of the insurgents, but the U.S. soldiers knew those days were numbered. This was why the troops redoubled their efforts.

The remaining soldiers put on a small party to welcome the hero.

Food was plentiful, and alcohol ran freely. The soldiers danced and laughed as they enjoyed.

Woojin sat in the corner of the bar, sipping at the cocktail the black bartender had made for him. He wasn’t in the mood to hear exaggerated accounts of his heroism, nor chatting under the influence of liquor.

Everyone was feeling happy about the conclusion of the war. They were excited at the fact they'd be able to reunite with their families. While he was quietly drinking, the words spoken by the Holy Maiden kept circling around his mind.

I'm sorry. On Alphen’s behalf, I want to apologize to you.

The Holy Maiden gave a heartfelt apology. She hadn't thought of him as a human. She had only thought of him as the Necromancer who butchered... That was why she had been afraid of him. She had stayed away from him, ostracizing...