Chapter 894 - Mountain Valley Lake

The sun, high and warm, bathed the Heartwood Mountains trail in a golden light. The air, crisp with the scent of pine and damp earth, carried the hum of awakening life. Theo, a young man with a sturdy backpack, walked at the front of his group. Behind him, June, her red bandana a bright splash against the green foliage, scanned the path ahead with a practiced eye. Aurora had wide eyes as she admired the views. She adjusted his camera strap, a silent intention to document the day. Ayia, with her characteristic energetic stride, led everyone, accompanied by Shizuka and Kaori, and paused occasionally to point out a particularly vibrant wildflower or a distant, soaring hawk.