Dorothy's POV:
- Well, I think I've recovered.
I run my hands over my entire body to make sure there's nothing wrong with it. Even though I've done this more than six times, you can never be too sure.
- Now I just have to get free from here.
I move the stems on top of the egg a little to observe what's happening outside. The same hole that tormented me was now my window to the outside.
- Just the sky.
But, despite everything, I couldn't perceive anything important. Since I could only see upwards, I couldn't learn much about my surroundings that way. Then I create a small flame in my right hand. With it, I enlarge the hole enough to poke my head out.
- Although they should burn faster, it's surprisingly difficult to burn these stems.
It takes me a while to make a hole, but I'm finally able to sit up. After pulling out the piece of stem, I gently stretch my limbs.
- Ahhh, finally some freedom.
My numb limbs finally begin to untangle as the sun slowly bathes them in its light. I spend a few seconds savoring the moment before scanning my surroundings.
"A… swamp?"
The answer left me perplexed. Contrary to my expectations, I seem to be in a completely unfamiliar place. Despite having heard about this place from adults, I'd never been to a swamp before; seeing it with my own eyes is certainly something different. Water is scattered everywhere, and all sorts of plants grow there. The density of these plants partially blocks the water, making it unclear what is land and what is water.
- …and I'm in the middle of the lake.
With some effort, I look down and see that I'm in the middle of a lake with crystal-clear water. The stems supporting the bud rise strangely from the water, clinging to the tops of some distant trees. I can't help but sigh at the sight before me.
- Nath has always been very inconsiderate of her sister. Leaving me stranded in the middle of a lake.
Looking around, any solid ground is too far away to reach. Although there are green patches in the lake full of plants, I can't say for sure if those parts are water or land, so I rule them out.
- I guess that would be my only option.
I look at one of the clusters of stems supporting the bud. If I climb it to the tree, at least I'll be able to reach it. Slowly, I pull myself up through the gap I made, carefully raising my arms for balance. The slippery stems and the unstable shape only make each step a great leap of faith. Slowly, I approach until I can touch it with my hands. I let out a huge sigh of relief as I relax my body.
*Chop*
- ….. Huh?
Before I can understand what's happening, my world turns upside down as I plummet at high speed. The shock only makes everything feel stranger.
*splash*
In the blink of an eye, I'm underwater. The impact of the fall completely empties my lungs of air. The pain of the impact is completely drowned out by the pain of my lungs collapsing. I can pitifully feel them retracting, gasping for air. The image of the sun is reflected underwater as I slowly sink to the bottom.
"Nath... Erick!"