Reincarnated as an SSS-Ranked Blacksmith Who Refuses to Forge Weapons-Chapter 92. Ashes on The Wind

Chapter 92: 92. Ashes on The Wind
As the sun began to set, the sky turned orange and gold, and the ceremony began. The Guild memorial grounds were lovely. There was a well-kept garden with stone markers for fallen adventurers and a big stone altar in the middle where the cremation would take place.
Greg thought there would be fewer people there. Other adventurers who had met the members of the expedition, guild officials, and the families of the dead. They all stood in a sad circle around the altar, where twenty-three bodies were covered and lying in neat rows.
Greg stood at the front of the group with Marina, holding her waist to keep her steady. The other members of the Brotherhood of Peace stood behind them, quietly supporting them. Lylia was crying, Elwen was holding on to Greg’s sleeve like it was a lifeline, and even Bork looked shaken.
Guild Master Helena took the lead, her voice echoing throughout the grounds. "We are here tonight to honor those who died in the line of duty as adventurers."
"They went into the dark so that other people could live in the light."
"They faced odds that were impossible with bravery and determination. And even though they have died, their sacrifice will always be remembered."
She went on to name each of the dead people and talk briefly about their lives and what they did well. Her voice got softer when she got to the Crimson Falcons.
"Kael Thornridge, a ranger and scout, is known for his sharp eyes and even sharper wit. Denna Ironheart was a warrior like no other. Her loyalty was only as strong as her strength. And Ryn Silverwind, a mage and healer, died while trying to save her friend."
"Together and unafraid, they died as they lived."
Greg held Marina tighter as she shook next to him. Helena looked at them and nodded a little. "Marina Ashwood, the last of the Crimson Falcons, wants to say a few words."
Marina took a deep breath and stepped forward. Greg let her go, even though he knew he should have held on. She walked up to the altar, her steps shaky but sure, and put her hands on the edge of the stone.
For a long time, she just stood there, looking at the three covered figures that held her family. Then she said something, and her voice was quiet but clear.
Marina said, "I don’t know how to say goodbye to you."
"I don’t know how to go on without you. You were the first person who ever thought I could be more than just a scared orphan with a sword, Kael."
"Denna, you showed me what family really is... it’s not about blood, it’s about choice."
"And Ryn, you were my voice of reason, my conscience, and a reminder that there was still magic and beauty in the world even when things got bad."
She had to stop for a moment because her voice broke. Greg took a half step forward, ready to help her if she needed it, but she shook her head and held up a hand. She was able to do this. She had to do this.
"You saved my life," Marina said again. "Not just at the end, but every day we were together."
"You made me feel like I was important, like I was worth protecting, and like I deserved to be loved. And I will keep that with me for the rest of my life."
"I will honor your memories by living and being the person you thought I could be."
She took three small things out of her pocket. A compass that Kael had owned, a small hammer charm that Denna had worn, and a crystal that Ryn had used for her magic. She carefully put them on the altar.
"Rest in peace now," Marina said softly. "You’ve all earned it. And thank you... for everything. I appreciate all of it...!"
She stepped back, and Greg was there right away to catch her when her knees gave out. She turned to him and cried on his chest. He held her while the sun went down and the cremation started.
The flames shot up into the night sky, bright and clean, turning the bodies into ash and smoke that floated up to the stars. Greg watched them leave and said goodbye to the three people who had been Marina’s family, who had died protecting her, and who had trusted him to save her when they couldn’t.
After the fire died down and the ashes were gathered, Helena went back to them. "According to their wishes, the ashes will be sent to you tomorrow morning."
"You can take them to the Crystal Coast whenever you want."
Marina nodded, still holding on to Greg. "Thanks."
As the crowd started to break up, people offered their condolences and support as they walked by. Lylia came up and hugged Marina tightly, whispering something that made Marina cry more but also smile a little.
Elwen held her hand tightly. Bork put his hand on her shoulder. Seraphine and Felix just give some comforting words. Mira and Donetta start to pat her head. The Brotherhood showed their support one by one.
Marina leaned heavily on Greg as they walked back to the carriage. She was worn out from the day’s emotional toll.
"Will you come with me?" she asked in a low voice.
"To the Crystal Coast? I don’t think I can do it by myself."
"Of course," Greg said. "I’ll be there for you no matter where you need to go."
...
Three days later, they stood on the highest cliff overlooking the Crystal Coast. This was the same place where Greg and Marina had their first real moment together months before.
The ocean was huge and endless in front of them, and the water sparkled in the morning sun. The wind was warm and gentle, and it smelled like salt and opportunity.
Marina had three small urns, one for each of her dead friends. She had been quiet on the way here, lost in memories and sadness, but now she seemed calmer and more at peace. She walked to the cliff’s edge and looked out over the water.
She said softly, "This is where we came after that mission, the one that changed everything."
"Kael said there was sand in his boots. Denna tried to arm-wrestle Ryn, but Ryn used magic to cheat and won."
"That night we laughed so hard... we were happy."
She opened Kael’s first urn and let the ashes blow away in the wind. They spread out over the cliff and into the ocean, twirling in the wind like silver dust. "Rest in peace, Kael. I hope you don’t have any sand in your boots wherever you are now."
The second urn, Denna’s, came next. "Rest in peace, Denna. Thank you for showing me how to be strong even when I didn’t think I could be."
Finally, Ryn’s ashes mixed with the others and blew away in the wind, leaving behind a trail of smoke. "Rest in peace, Ryn. Thanks for showing me that magic is real in more than just spells..."
"It is in love, loyalty, and friendship."