The forest was silent.
Not the tranquil silence of dawn, nor the hushed lull of midday. This was a silence born of aftermath—a stillness that clung to the air like the lingering scent of ozone after a lightning strike.
Li Wei sat against a tree, the rough bark pressing into his back, grounding him. His body ached, each breath a reminder of the battle they'd just endured. The FormRide Blade Sword lay beside him, its glow dimmed, as if it too needed rest before it then shimmer disappear from existence.
He closed his eyes, letting the cool breeze wash over him, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and the faint, metallic tang of blood.
We survived.
The thought was both a comfort and a weight. The Shadow Abyss Lion had retreated, but its presence still loomed in his mind—a predator that had tested them and found them worthy adversaries.
Footsteps approached, light and measured. He opened his eyes to see Zhu Zhuqing standing before him, her expression unreadable.
"You should rest," she said, her voice soft.
He offered a faint smile. "I could say the same to you."
She hesitated, then sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the canopy above. "You fought well."
"So did you."
A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the rustling leaves and distant bird calls.
Li Wei glanced at her, noting the slight tension in her posture. "Something on your mind?"
She was quiet for a moment before speaking. "That beast... it was intelligent. It chose to retreat."
He nodded. "It did."
"Do you think it'll come back?"
He considered the question. "Maybe. But if it does, we'll be ready."
She turned to look at him, her eyes searching. "You really believe that?"
He met her gaze. "I have to."
She looked away, her expression thoughtful. "You're different from the others."
He raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"You carry yourself like someone who's seen more than his fair share of battles."
He chuckled. "I suppose I have."
She was silent again, then spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's comforting."
He looked at her, surprised. "What is?"
"Knowing someone like you is with us."
A warmth spread through his chest, unexpected and unfamiliar. He wasn't sure how to respond, so he simply nodded.
They sat in silence once more, the bond between them growing stronger in the quiet.
---
The camp was abuzz with activity as the rest of the team tended to their wounds and prepared for whatever lay ahead. Tang San was deep in discussion with Zhao Wuji, their expressions serious. Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were gathering herbs, while Oscar prepared food.
Li Wei stood, stretching his sore muscles. He walked over to Tang San and Zhao Wuji, nodding in greeting.
"How's everyone holding up?" he asked.
Tang San glanced at him. "Tired, but alive."
Zhao Wuji crossed his arms. "That beast was unlike anything I've seen. We need to be cautious."
Li Wei nodded. "Agreed."
Tang San looked at him, a question in his eyes. "Do you think it's gone for good?"
Li Wei shook his head. "No. But I don't think it'll attack again unless provoked."
Zhao Wuji sighed. "Let's hope it stays that way."
---
As night fell, the team gathered around the campfire, the flames casting dancing shadows on their faces. The mood was subdued, each member lost in their thoughts.
Li Wei sat beside Zhu Zhuqing, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the cool night air.
Oscar broke the silence. "So, what's the plan tomorrow?"
Tang San leaned forward. "We continue our training, but with more caution. We can't afford to be caught off guard again."
Ma Hongjun groaned. "More training? Can't we have a day off?"
Xiao Wu smacked his arm playfully. "You can rest when you're dead."
The group chuckled, the tension easing slightly.
Li Wei glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, noting the small smile on her lips. It was a rare sight, and he found himself smiling in return.
---
Later that night, Li Wei found himself unable to sleep. He stood, walking away from the camp, the moonlight guiding his path.
He stopped at a clearing, the memories of the battle replaying in his mind.
That beast... it was testing us. But why?
He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Can't sleep either?"
He turned to see Zhu Zhuqing approaching, her eyes reflecting the moonlight.
He shook his head. "Too much on my mind."
She nodded, standing beside him. "Same."
They stood in silence, the night enveloping them.
Li Wei spoke, his voice low. "Do you think we're ready for what's to come?"
She looked at him, her gaze steady. "We have to be."
He sighed. "I just... I don't want anyone to get hurt."
She placed a hand on his arm, a rare gesture of comfort. "We'll face it together."
He looked at her, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you."
She offered a small smile. "Anytime."
---
The next morning, the team prepared to move out, their spirits bolstered by the previous day's victory.
As they walked through the forest, Li Wei found himself beside Zhu Zhuqing once more.
She glanced at him. "Ready for another day of training?"
He smirked. "Always."
She chuckled, the sound light and genuine.
He looked at her, a thought forming in his mind.
Maybe this journey won't be so lonely after all.
But he still felt that he forgot about something or someone..