The wind howled past them as Kyle and Nigel rode swiftly across the cracked earth, heading toward the epicenter of the divine eruption.
The skies had darkened unnaturally, twisted with streaks of gold and black as though reality itself strained under the weight of a descending god.
Nigel glanced sideways at his older brother, who rode ahead with unwavering calm, his cloak fluttering like a banner of war.
They had been riding in silence for a while before Nigel finally broke it.
"Why… did you decide to take me along?" His voice was steady, but the question carried weight. "Wouldn't it be faster if you went alone? Easier too?"
Kyle didn't respond right away. His gaze remained fixed ahead, scanning the unstable horizon.
But eventually, he reined in slightly, letting Nigel catch up. His eyes, sharp and clear, turned to meet his younger brother's.
"It would be. But I'm not going for ease or speed this time."
Kyle admitted.
Nigel frowned.
"Then what?"
"Experience."
