The next morning, Ashrik headed out of the space alone. His initial intention to go a bit later changed. Though he doubted Genesis would arrive this soon, the uncertainty remained.
So better be quick than regret.
Before Ashrik left, Lucille firmly reminded him. She didn't simply send him off with words of caution like yesterday.
"If it rejects you... Maybe, just maybe, you need me there too."
Despite knowing her words might hold the truth, he promised her nothing. He would check the situation first before thinking whether to drag her along or not.
When Ashrik emerged in the abandoned village, the world around the northern mountains remained the same.
The air still carried a biting chill, sharp enough to sting one's lungs, making it harder to breathe. The breeze blew through his hair.
Spring was supposed to be here already, yet winter had clung stubbornly to this place. It refused to let even the slightest warmth seep in.
'It's time.'
