"The Land of Mist? How can this be..."
Staring at the scene before him, Roland gripped the oar tightly.
He recognized the shape of this coastline.
Just a few months ago, he had teamed up with Teresa and others to slay harassing Demons in this very fishing village. It was a small hamlet on the edge of the River Domain, and the task was a requirement to become an Apprentice Knight.
Back then, this place had been drenched in sunlight. The sea breeze carried the scent of salt and hearth smoke, and the legendary Land of Mist was still over ten days' journey away.
But now, the village was deathly still, with no signs of life. Where the coastal waters had once been open, jagged reefs now jutted out abruptly.
They were like black fangs thrusting up from the seabed, a stark contrast to the scene in his memory.
'I have to go around!'
