Several hours later, the side gates of the royal palace slowly pushed open, letting a single figure step out onto the quiet street.
Hajin stumbled forward, his feet dragging against the ground while he stared blankly at the dark sky above. The sun had completely set a long time ago, leaving the streets illuminated only by the soft glow of the mana lamps lining the walkways.
He looked like he had easily aged thirty years in the span of a few hours.
The dark circles under his eyes were practically carved into his face, his shoulders were slumped forward, and his once relatively clean clothes were still a complete disaster of dried blood and dirt from the Gate.
He took another step, a sudden, breathy chuckle escaping his lips.
"I'm free," he muttered to himself, letting out another quiet laugh that sounded completely unhinged. "I actually made it out alive."
