The light of dawn spilled across the trees like golden mist, gently warming Sid's face.
He stirred, slowly sitting up from where he had curled against a root the night before. His back ached slightly, but the air was fresh — laced with wildness, crisp with scent of moss and distant rivers.
Looking up, he spotted Silver, seated silently atop a thick branch of a nearby tree. One knee raised, arms resting lazily across it, the white-haired man stared across the horizon as if listening to something the world had yet to speak.
Below, just beyond the fire pit, Avi stood poised beside a skinned rabbit turning slowly over the flames. The smell of roasted meat began to tease Sid's nose, and his stomach answered with a growl he didn't bother hiding.
"Morning," Avi said without turning.
"Morning," Sid replied, rubbing his eyes.
"You'll need to eat well," she added. "You'll be using every bit of energy soon enough."
They shared a quiet breakfast. No words for a time — just the sound of nature waking and meat crackling over the fire. Silver eventually descended from the tree, landing without a sound, and sat opposite Sid as they all ate together.
After a few bites, Avi's tone shifted.
"This world we're in — it's isolated," she said. "Almost no one pass through here."
Sid paused his chewing and listened closely.
"Still, it's not empty," she continued. "Beasts occupies this world. Low intellect but with high instincts. Violent and strong. Perfect for you."
"Perfect?" Sid asked.
"They're stronger than you," Silver said bluntly.
"But not all," Avi added. "We already scanned this world. Nothing here has reached awakened realm but there a several that can pose threats to your life. So thread carefully."
Sid nodded slowly. That made sense. It was still dangerous, but survivable. Exactly the kind of edge he'd need to sharpen himself.
"From here on," Avi said, her voice quiet but firm, "you'll be on your own. We can't intervene."
"At all?" Sid asked.
"Yes. We are only here to ensure that nothing enters this world." Silver replied.
"Which, we made sure that won't happen," Avi added. "This is your challenge. We are forbidden to intervene... even if your life is on the line. So make sure to survive, no matter what."
"Hmm..." Nodding his head then he took a deep breath. "I understand."
Still, the idea of being alone — truly alone — in a hostile world sparked something cold in his chest. But he didn't reject it. He leaned into it.
Because this… was his path.
"We'll see you again," Avi said as she stood, brushing dust off her cloak.
"Don't hesitate to kill," Silver said as he turned, "The beast inside this world won't."
Sid stood with them. He didn't smile, didn't panic. He simply bowed his head.
"Thank you."
"Do your best Sid," Avi said, her voice soft but proud. "Fight and survive."
In the blink of an eye, they were gone — vanished into the wind like they had never been there at all.
Sid exhaled. The world felt bigger now. Quieter. The kind of quiet only real danger brings.
He picked up his bag, adjusted the blade on his back, and turned toward the wild beyond.
Time to begin.
Hours passed.
Sid had moved carefully through thick forest and uneven hills, reading the signs of life around him. Broken branches, clawed bark, and freshly torn earth. There was no doubt — he was in someone else's territory.
Soon, a howl cut through the wind.
Sid froze, crouched low behind a cluster of stones. Then came a second howl. And another. Louder. Closer.
Wolves.
He crept forward, peering over a rise — and there they were.
A herd of fierce wolves, eyes glowing faintly, muscles twitching beneath mangy fur. Their size was twice that of common beasts, lean with power, breath misting in the morning air.
And at the center stood the Alpha — a massive gray beast with black streaks across its face and a scar running down one eye.
The herd quickly sensed his presence. Their eyes locked on him instantly.
Despite the distance and his efforts to hide.
The wolves snarled.
Sid gripped the hilt of his weapon tightly as he slowly stood up.
So it begins.