Ethan's incarnation struggled to lift his head.
The world before him blurred and twisted, as if reality itself had lost meaning. His soul was torn, cracked in countless places, and every attempt to focus sent waves of pain through his existence. Even so, he could vaguely make out the figure of a middle aged man standing before him.
That man felt familiar.
Not in appearance alone, but in essence. A deep, instinctive recognition stirred within Ethan's shattered soul, as if he were gazing at someone he had known across countless lifetimes.
Summoning every remaining shred of willpower, Ethan's incarnation forced himself to stand. His legs trembled, threatening to give out, yet he endured. Then, with genuine respect, he bowed.
"Thank you, sir, for saving me."
The man studied him calmly, his eyes were profound and unfathomable, as if they had witnessed the rise and fall of worlds. After a moment, he spoke.
