Lex stretched his arms above his head, feeling the ache from battle. "For now, we should rest and recover today."
Lon nodded from where he sat, quietly wiping down his katana. "That's a good idea. We need to be at full strength."
Luo stood, brushing stray leaves from her tunic. "I'll go get something to eat from the forest. Lex, stay with Lon and keep an eye out."
Lex flashed a thumbs up. "No problem. But be safe, okay?"
Luo replied with a wave and disappeared into the greenery, steps light and determined.
—
The forest darkened as dusk fell, its canopy sheltering them like a living roof. Lex and Lon sat together on a fallen log, sharing quiet words about their journey and the battles ahead. For the first time, Lex noticed how silent Lon could be—always thinking, always watching.
They slept beneath the stars, exhaustion pulling them into a dreamless quiet.
—
Next Morning
The gentle sounds of birds filled the clearing, wind fluttering through the branches. Lon was already awake, swinging his katana in slow, precise arcs—each movement graceful, each breath steady.
Lex yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Hahhh… That was a good night's sleep."
Luo returned, a big smile on her face and a handful of wild berries and roasted tubers. "Breakfast is ready."
Lex stretched and called out to Lon, "Come on! Food first before anything else!"
The three sat together, sharing the simple meal. For a moment, it almost felt like friendship—normal and safe.
After eating, Lon stood and slung his katana across his back. "We should get moving. It's not safe to stay in one spot for too long."
Luo nodded, tying up her pack. "You're right. Let's find a city or shelter before nightfall."
Lex grinned and stood. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
As they trekked through the dense underbrush, the ancient trees slowly parted. Sunlight spilled through wide gaps—revealing a breathtaking sight:
A city nestled at the forest's heart.
Buildings of stone and wood wound around living trunks. Moss and vines draped everything, while massive trees rose up like guardians. Floating lanterns swayed above walkways, and laughter echoed from hidden courtyards. It was wild, mysterious, and beautiful.
Lex could barely take it all in. "Wow… It's huge. Just like NOR, but… alive."
Lon gazed up at the green canopies, awe flickering in his usually cold eyes. "Everything's green… like it's grown, not built."
Luo smiled with pride. "Of course! This is FOR—the city of the forest. First stop, food. We earned it."
Lex chuckled. "I'm starving, lead the way!"
Lon agreed with an unusual warmth, "Me too."
Inside a bustling forest café—
Lex found a table near a wide window, the scent of fresh bread and spiced fruit filling the air. "I'll go place the order. You two, make yourselves comfortable."
While Lex sorted out their meal, Luo took a bite of the steaming stew. "Sooo good… It's my first time eating something this yummy."
Lon tucked in, cheeks pink with delight. "It really is… delicious."
Lex returned, a proud smile on his lips. "The food in forest cities is next level."
—
Later, the trio wandered through busy plazas and winding paths. Lex's eyes landed on a massive stone monument at the town square.
Carved into black granite: a round emblem. At the center, the figure of a lone person. Fifteen hands reached outward, each holding a crown. The symbol's darkness seemed to swallow light.
Lex frowned, approaching the monument. "Wait… Isn't this the same symbol that's in NOR?"
Luo explained quietly, "It's called the Symbol of Unity. It means this city is part of the alliance."
Lex squinted, tracing the lines. "But it looks like the hands are giving away their crowns. Like… surrendering, not sharing."
Luo paused, her expression thoughtful. "A thousand years ago, there was a war. All the kingdoms united under one leader—the King of Unity. The symbol means every kingdom gave up its crown to stand together."
Lon frowned deeply, staring at the bowed hands. "It looks more like submission than unity. If it was true respect, shouldn't the symbol show hands joined together, not lowering crowns?"
Luo's eyes widened in alarm. "Hey! Don't say that out loud. In cities like this, questioning the alliance can get you in trouble."
Lon fell silent, but his mind was clearly racing.
Lex, still unsettled, muttered to himself, "Feels wrong… like unity born from fear, not choice."
Luo shook her head, trying to dispel the tension. "You two are overthinking it. Let's just not stir trouble."
But as Lon turned away, Luo whispered almost too quietly to hear—
"Who did they fight in that war… that forced every kingdom to join together?".