A young girl's voice shattered the stillness of the forest… sharp, hurried, yet brimming with excitement.
From behind the trees, a figure about sixteen years old came running. Her plain shirt was slightly damp with sweat, her shorts fluttering as she rushed forward. She headed straight for a stone table where a young man sat calmly, as if the world around him had never changed.
"Master!"
She stopped abruptly in front of the table. "I… I have good news!"
Her words cut off. She gasped for breath, her chest rising and falling unevenly.
"Hgh… hgh…"
She bent forward, hands braced on her knees, trying to draw in as much air as she could.
The green-haired young man let out a soft sigh. His gaze was gentle, though his voice carried a light reprimand.
"Catch your breath first. Have you forgotten the basic lessons I always teach you?"
But it was clear she had run too far. Her body still trembled, her breathing refusing to settle.
