"He's Watching Us…"
The mist coiled low through the unknown forest trail, as silence followed the echo of Ziron's voice.
Ziron (calm but heavy):
"Seyokthai."
Azira's eyes narrowed. Instinctively, her hand reached for her weapon—energy flaring at her fingertips.
Ziron (raising a hand, firm):
"Don't. Put your blade down. He isn't here."
Azira (confused):
"What do you mean? You just said his name like—"
Ziron (coldly):
"He's watching us. Through dimensions."
The group halted for a breath. Arkhar clenched his jaw.
Arkhar:
"That's possible? Watching through… dimensions?"
Ziron:
"Seyokthai isn't bound by what we know. His vision… it passes through space and fate alike."
Bane (muttering):
"That kind of power… it's almost unnatural."
Ziron (turning slightly, eyes narrowed):
"It is. And we are not ready to preach or oppose that power. Not yet."
The group walked on, their footsteps quieter now—more cautious. Shadows in the trees felt heavier than before.
Arrival at Noverus -A World Misunderstood
A burst of emerald light parted the clouds as a dragon descended gracefully upon a vibrant planet. Verdant fields stretched to the horizon.
Vilgrim (stepping down, eyes scanning):
"Hairen… you said this world was ruined."
Hairen (knight, equally confused):
"It was, my King. This… isn't what I expected."
As they proceeded toward the nearest settlement, strange beings—graceful, elven-like—watched them from balconies and doorways.
One boy, barefoot and curious, approached boldly.
Boy:
"Hey! Who are you two? Why are you here?"
Vilgrim (smirking):
"We're looking for someone. An old man—ancient, they say."
Boy (grinning):
"Oh! That mad old brat? You came all this way for him?"
He turned and gestured for them to follow.
Boy (walking beside them):
"So… names? Or do you two like being mysterious?"
Vilgrim (chuckling):
"Vilgrim. And this is my knight."
Boy:
"What, no name? Hah! Come on, big guy, say something!"
Hairen (dryly):
"Hairen."
Boy (laughing):
"Ah, he speaks!"
The town gave way to dense woodlands, vines twisting like serpents across the path. The boy stopped at the forest's entrance.
Boy (serious for the first time):
"That forest… it loops. Paths rewind. People vanish. He lives somewhere inside. But I don't go in there. Ever."
Vilgrim (offering a rare, kind smile):
"Thank you, brave one."
As they stepped into the forest, the boy shouted one last warning—
Boy (calling):
"REMEMBER! The forest is like a loop!"
And then, silence.