Chapter 3: A System?
Lian opened his eyes slowly, the morning light filtering through the wooden shutters of his room. A dull pain throbbed in his ankle, and the memory of the battle in the forest rushed back to him like a sudden wave.
He struggled to sit up, his body heavy as lead, and looked around. He was home, lying in his bed, with a rough blanket covering his body.
The door to his room creaked open as Elyse burst in.
She had heard the bed creak and rushed inside. "Lian! Thank the heavens you’re awake!" she exclaimed, placing a bowl of broth on the table beside the bed.
"You scared us yesterday—what happened?!" she added, placing a hand on Lian’s forehead to check his temperature.
"I have no idea. But... I’m fine now," the boy replied, trying to sit up on the edge of the bed.
His body felt heavy, but he didn’t feel too restricted.
Torren appeared in the doorway, arms crossed, his expression a mix of reproach and relief.
"Fainting out of the blue isn’t normal... are you sure you’re okay? You were handling those three Stone Bulls like a pro!" Torren said with a grin.
Elyse shook her head, pouring some water for the boy. "Mira didn’t sleep a wink last night, asking about you."
"How is—" Before Lian could finish speaking, a warmth surged through his head.