Noah burst out of the dense forest, his breathing ragged.
The oppressive silence behind him gradually faded as he crossed back into the peaceful woodland he had explored earlier.
A few more hurried steps later. The crystal-clear river came into view once again.
He slowed to a stop and looked toward the frozen path stretching across its surface. Something like a bridge of ice remained intact.
Despite the river's steady current, the mana-infused ice had yet to melt away.
Noah let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"What luck I have."
His voice carried equal parts amusement and exhaustion.
After everything he had experienced since arriving in this mysterious place. Simply finding a safe route back felt like a blessing.
He glanced once toward the dark forest across the river. The towering trees stood silently beneath the dim sky.
Nothing moved. Nothing made a sound.
Yet Noah had no intention of returning there. "There's no reason to throw myself into danger."
