Chapter – Morning After the Storm
The night had finally ended.
The forest looked different in the morning — peaceful, as if the chaos of yesterday had been nothing but a dream. Mist curled through the trees, dew glimmered on the leaves, and the air smelled fresh, almost sweet.
Anay sat near the dying campfire, staring at the faint orange glow beneath the ashes. His eyes were calm but thoughtful, the kind of silence that came after too many unanswered questions.
Liora was crouched by the nearby stream, washing her hands. The cool water shimmered beneath the morning light, reflecting her calm face. She looked different in the daylight — serene, elegant, and composed, her black hair tied back neatly.
Kael was the first to break the stillness. He stretched his arms with a groan. "Ahh, finally a morning without something trying to bite my leg off."
Liora glanced at him over her shoulder. "You'd have fewer problems if you didn't kick sleeping creatures at night."
"That was an accident," Kael protested, pointing dramatically. "That rock looked suspicious!"
Anay couldn't help but smile faintly. "You said the same thing about the bush yesterday."
Kael folded his arms. "Well, you never know. Some bushes do look like monsters in this forest."
Liora laughed quietly, shaking her head. "You two are hopeless."
For a while, they just let the morning pass quietly — eating a light breakfast, listening to the forest breathe again. The sunlight poured between the branches, soft and golden, warming their faces.
When the silence began to fade, Liora spoke again, her tone calm but curious. "So… what now? We can't stay in this forest forever."
Kael leaned back lazily. "I was thinking about that last night. There's a city not far from here — Nexus City. You've probably heard of it."
Anay raised an eyebrow. "Nexus City?"
Kael nodded. "Yeah. Biggest place on this side of the continent. Trade, tech, and—" he paused for effect, grinning "—the Yuddha Tournament."
Liora smiled knowingly. "You just want to watch fights again, don't you?"
"Watch?" Kael laughed. "No, no. Join. You think I'd miss a chance to show off my charm to a whole arena?"
Anay shook his head. "You'll probably get kicked out before the second round."
Kael gasped, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me! I'm a man of strategy and skill."
"Skill?" Liora teased. "You tripped over your own sword last night."
"That was part of my plan," Kael said with a grin. "Distraction tactics."
Liora chuckled softly. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Anay leaned back, looking up at the drifting clouds. "Still… Nexus City, huh?" He paused, thoughtful. "I've heard the Yuddha Tournament attracts powerful fighters from across the realms."
"It does," Liora said. "And it's not just about fighting. The Nexus Guild hosts it to scout talented individuals for higher ranks. Sometimes even the Astral Division sends representatives."
Anay's eyes flickered with quiet interest. "Sounds like a good place to learn… and observe."
Kael clapped his hands together. "So that's it, then! We rest today, pack up, and tomorrow we start moving. By sunset tomorrow, we'll be out of this forest."
"Ambitious," Liora said. "But not impossible."
Kael grinned. "That's my middle name."
Liora rolled her eyes. "Your middle name is trouble."
Anay smiled faintly at their banter, the corners of his mouth softening. The warmth of their voices mixed with the light morning breeze, making the air feel alive again.
For the first time in days, there was no tension — no threat, no battle waiting to happen. Just peace.
Liora stood, brushing dust off her cloak. "I'll refill the canteens. Kael, pack up the tent. Anay, you can… supervise."
Kael sighed dramatically. "Why does supervise sound like 'do nothing' when you say it?"
"Because it usually means that," Liora said, smirking as she walked toward the stream.
Anay chuckled softly. "She's not wrong."
The three of them moved through the calm morning with a quiet rhythm — teasing, talking, packing — small, human moments that made the world feel gentle again.
By noon, they'd be ready to move.
By tomorrow, they'd reach the road to Nexus City.
And beyond that… awaited the lights, the crowds, and the roar of the Yuddha Tournament.
But for now, under the calm morning sky, they simply breathed — alive, together, and at peace.