Golden light consumed Reinhard's consciousness, drowning thought in radiance too bright to resist. His body remained in the forest, surrounded by enemies, protected by his companions.
But his mind traveled elsewhere, pulled by the Star Jewel's power into memories not his own.
The light faded gradually, revealing a settlement.
Buildings constructed entirely from wood stretched in organized rows, creating a town-like structure that suggested careful planning despite primitive materials. The architecture bore similarities to what Reinhard had seen in Nuevo, but it was older.
These were the foundations upon which later cities would be built.
People moved through the streets, and their faces held expressions Reinhard recognized immediately. It was despair of being in a hopeless situation, horror of what they saw, and fright at what they should do.
