Unholy Player

As Adyr rose to his feet, everyone stood with him—only a few children remained seated. He could see fear, sorrow, and hope flickering across their faces.

"They prepared this for you," Vesha said, stepping forward and pointing to a large tray filled with various dishes. The hot meals were still steaming, and the cold ones looked freshly made.

"Thank you," Adyr replied, and without ceremony, he took a seat on the floor mat they had arranged. He began eating in silence. His movements were graceful, his table manners refined enough to be mistaken for those of a noble. Yet the speed at which he ate betrayed just how insufficient his breakfast had been.

He had already realized something important: although the body he used in this world and the one in the other seemed separate, they functioned as one. Everything that happened here affected him directly back there.

While he ate, no one made a sound. They simply watched. This boy, plain-looking and without even proper armor, was the one going out to face the monsters. They struggled to understand how someone like him could possibly take their revenge for them and protect the village.

But none voiced their doubts. Vesha had already given them the confidence they needed. All that remained now was to wait.

Once he was full and ready to hunt for energy crystals and possibly capture a spark, Adyr stood and turned to Vesha.

"While I'm gone, stay here. There might be stray wolves or other wild animals nearby, drawn by the smell of blood."

"Okay. Be careful," Vesha said, hiding her concern behind smiling eyes.

"I will," Adyr said reassuringly. He turned and walked toward the heavy doors of the underground shelter, stepping outside as the metal lids closed behind him.

The crowd stared at the sealed entrance in silence, offering no words, only quiet prayers.