The Trip Back

The sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow across the desolate landscape as Kazuichi and Himeno made their way back toward the Hybrid Mountain Stronghold. Shadows stretched long over the cracked earth, and a subtle chill crept into the air. The night was fast approaching, and with it came the inevitable rise of the undead. Kazuichi could feel it in his bones—the way the world seemed to tense as dusk fell, as though the very ground beneath them was holding its breath.

Beside him, Himeno walked in silence, her gaze fixed ahead. Though they hadn't spoken much since their reunion, an unspoken understanding hung between them. There was a comfort in her presence, a sense of familiarity that Kazuichi had thought he'd lost forever. But as much as he wanted to bask in that feeling, there was still so much they needed to face—starting with the undead that lurked in the growing shadows.