Overworld.
The wooden ship creaked as it cut across the glittering surface of the endless ocean, sails stretched wide under the push of steady winds.
Herios stood near the bow, both hands gripping the railing as his golden hair whipped about from the sea breeze, his bright blue eyes reflecting the shimmering horizon.
He had seen rivers, lakes, and waterfalls in his time, but never had he seen the ocean, never had he heard the low rhythmic roar of waves rolling endlessly, or smelled the salt carried on the air.
In his past life, his kingdom only extended to the mainland, never reaching the seas at all, so this is a first for him.
His lips curved into a smile, almost childlike, and for a long moment he simply breathed it all in, as if trying to etch the memory deep into his soul.
Athena, standing a step behind him, folded her hands before her and watched him with quiet fondness.
