Morning came sluggishly in the Burning Forest, the smoldering embers casting a dull, orange haze over the ashen trees. My body felt like lead as I stirred, every movement a reminder of last night's failures. The molten lake lingered at the edges of my thoughts, its haunting glow like a cruel, mocking beacon.
I ran a hand through my hair, now crusted with soot and sweat, and sat up with a groan. "Perseverance, huh?" I muttered bitterly, recalling the System's latest dose of unhelpful advice. "Got any other pearls of wisdom, or are we sticking to vague fortune-cookie bullshit?"
The System stayed silent, of course. It always did when I needed answers.
I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring the dull ache in my legs. The lake's molten surface shimmered faintly in the distance, its golden waves looking deceptively calm. But I knew better now. I'd felt its bite, the searing agony of its touch even through my Heat Shield.