Amon ran through the forest, branches snapping beneath his boots, thorns scraping against his clothes.
The sound grew clearer with every step. His heart beat faster in excitement. In anticipation.
Shhhh…
Shhhh…
It was no longer faint. The sound was getting closer, louder and clearer. Then.
He burst through a cluster of twisted trees and stopped abruptly. There it was. A clean, beautiful river.
It was not too large or too wide. But unmistakably real.A small stream flowed quietly between dark stones, its surface rippling gently as it moved forward.
Pale light reflected faintly off the water, creating soft, trembling patterns beneath the gloomy canopy. Compared to the lifeless forest around it, the sight felt unreal.
Amon stood there, frozen. For a few seconds, he didn't move. He didn't breathe. He didn't blink.
Then.
"…Hah…"
A short breath escaped his lips. "Hah… hah…"
Amon lowered his sword slowly. His shoulders loosened, tension draining from his body.
"Heh…"
