The Road Beyond the Walls
Victor alongside Lane, Clara, and the five new companions headed out of Fantom City.
They didn't take any quest.
No destination was announced.
No explanation was given.
They simply walked.
And that, more than anything, made the air feel heavier.
The towering gates of Fantom City loomed behind them, iron-bound and weathered, slowly shrinking as they moved forward. The sounds of the city—vendors shouting, metal clashing, laughter, arguments—faded into a distant hum until only the quiet remained.
Ahead stretched an open road.
Dusty.
Wide.
Uncertain.
The morning sun hung low, spilling pale gold over the land, brushing against Victor's black shirt and golden jacket, making the edges glow faintly like embers hidden beneath calm ash.
A soft breeze moved through the group, carrying with it the scent of earth and distant trees.
No one spoke at first.
Because no one quite knew what to say.
Victor walked ahead.
Hands in his pockets.
Relaxed.
