Chapter 103: Leisure

The sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting a warm, golden light across the Swamp Village. The early morning mist clung to the marshlands, giving the air a cool and refreshing quality. Ashen awoke feeling rested and at ease, a rare feeling in a world that had been filled with constant challenges and battles.

Today was not a day for grand plans or fierce battles. It was a day for peace, for enjoying the simple things that had come to mean so much to him. As Ashen dressed in his usual light armor, which felt more like a comfort than a necessity today, he smiled to himself. This was the calm before the next great journey, and he intended to savor every moment of it.

Outside his modest home, Bubbalos, his loyal mount, was already waiting for him. The giant creature snorted in greeting, its dark eyes calm and full of trust. "Good morning, buddy," Ashen said, patting the side of Bubbalos' massive head. "Another peaceful day, huh? Let's make the most of it."