The warm golden light of his mental realm dimmed behind him, slipping away like a fading memory he could no longer hold onto.
And just like that—he was back.
Back to reality.
Auren's eyes cracked open, lashes fluttering as the world came into hazy focus. A gentle breeze wafted through the tall windows, brushing against his face and stirring the gauzy curtains. It carried with it the scent of wildflowers—sweet and rich with earth, yet laced with that subtle, ancient mana signature unique only to Runewood. It smelled like memory… and the beginning of something new.
Change was in the air.
Not the pleasant kind, though.
The kind that meant things were shifting again—dangerously.
A new chapter was turning.
And this one smelled like war.
Not a trial, not a game. A real one. And worse than before.
"How long was I out?" Auren murmured, voice hoarse as if dusted with the ash of a battle long gone.
