Web of Lost Memories

The moment he stepped out of the temple, the world felt different.

It wasn't just the air—cool and crisp against his skin—or the golden light filtering through the towering trees. It was something deeper. Something inside him.

He had faced himself. And he had survived.

But what now?

Elara walked ahead, her cloak swaying with each step. She hadn't spoken much since they left the temple, and honestly, he didn't know what to say either. His body still ached from the fight, his mind replaying the battle over and over.

Finally, he broke the silence. "So… what was that trial for?"

Elara didn't stop walking. "To test your resolve."

He frowned. "That's it?"

She glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Did you expect some grand prize?"

He hesitated. Yeah, kinda. Most webtoons he read had protagonists who got OP abilities after trials. Instead, all he got was a bruised body and an existential crisis.

Seeing his expression, Elara smirked. "Power doesn't come from a single fight. Strength is built. If you can't even face yourself, how will you stand against the trials ahead?"

He sighed. "So basically, 'git gud.'"

She frowned. "What?"

"Never mind."

They walked in silence again, the sounds of the forest surrounding them. Birds chirped in the distance. Leaves rustled in the wind.

Then his stomach growled.

Loudly.

Elara stopped. Slowly, she turned to face him.

He cleared his throat, pretending nothing happened. "So, uh, where are we going next?"

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Have you even thought about how you're going to survive here?"

He crossed his arms. "Of course! Step one: don't die. Step two: find food. Step three: profit."

Elara looked unimpressed. "You're hopeless."

Before he could argue, she reached into her satchel and tossed something his way. He barely caught it, fingers closing around a small, round fruit.

He eyed it suspiciously. "This isn't poisonous, right?"

"Eat it or starve."

Fair enough. He took a cautious bite. The fruit was surprisingly sweet, juice dripping down his chin. It wasn't a five-star meal, but after everything he'd been through, it tasted like heaven.

As he ate, he glanced at Elara. "So, what's the plan? Do I just… keep wandering around until I find a way home?"

Elara's expression darkened. "You still think you can escape?"

His chewing slowed. "I mean… yeah?"

She sighed, looking up at the sky. "You're not the first outsider to appear in this world."

His heart skipped a beat. "Wait—there were others?"

She nodded. "Few. And none of them ever made it back."

His stomach twisted.

No. That wasn't right. There had to be a way. There was always a way.

He swallowed hard. "Then I'll be the first."

Elara studied him for a moment, then turned away. "We'll see."

Something about the way she said it sent a chill down his spine.