Wow…" Jeff said, his voice echoing in the smoky air. "Your world's kinda… warm. And dramatic. I like it."
We stood in front of the burnt remains of my family mansion. The air smelled like ash and memories. Vines crept over the collapsed walls, and black smoke curled up from the wreckage.
Jeff took a few steps closer, kicking a piece of burnt wood. "Dang, this mansion's toast—literally. What is this place, anyway?"
I clenched my fists, heat rising in my chest. "This… was my home."
He turned to me. "Was?"
I stared at the ruins, my teeth grinding. The image of my clan—my family—flashed in my mind. Their laughter. Their pride. And the screams. The fire.
My voice cracked as I shouted, "This was the Tiger Clan's estate! My family! My people! They burned it all to ash!"
Jeff froze. "Whoa, bro, I—"
"They destroyed everything! EVERYTHING!"
The rage inside me boiled over. The ground trembled slightly as the old fury I buried came back like fire in my veins.
Jeff raised his hands defensively. "Okay, okay! Chill! Maybe I crossed the line asking—my bad, bro! I didn't mean to poke the trauma volcano!"
I took a deep breath. The anger slowly cooled into exhaustion. "No… it's fine. I shouldn't yell at you. It's not your fault."
Jeff scratched his head awkwardly. "You sure? 'Cause that looked like a level-99 emotional explosion."
I sighed, turning my gaze to the smoky horizon. "Let's just… go. Down the mountain. I need to find my uncle. Maybe he's still alive."
"Uncle, huh?" Jeff said, falling in step beside me. "What's his name?"
"Uncle Ryo Fang. He's my father's brother. He was a soldier once — a serious guy, built like an ox, but kind underneath. The type who can drink three barrels of ale and still walk straight."
Jeff laughed. "Sounds like my kinda dude."
We started descending the mountain path. The sky slowly turned from orange to purple as dusk crept in. I could see the faint glow of a village below — tiny lights flickering like fireflies.
Jeff whistled as we walked. "So, this is your world, huh? I gotta say, it's pretty… smoky."
"Jeff."
"Yeah?"
"Don't push it."
"Okay, okay," he said, smirking.
As we approached the first stone road, a group of villagers passed us. Their clothes were simple, their faces tired, and they spoke in a language Jeff didn't understand. One of them bumped into Jeff's shoulder and muttered something before walking off.
Jeff blinked. "Uh, bro? I think that guy cursed me."
"He said, 'Watch where you're going,'" I translated.
"What? How can you understand and not me? We were in the same fire dimension for months!"
I thought for a moment. "Maybe… the system gave us translation abilities before. Since we're back in my world, it probably only works one way."
Jeff frowned. "Man, that's racist. Even the system's got world bias."
I chuckled. "Yeah, probably."
We walked deeper into the village. The houses were built from bamboo and stone, their roofs curved upward like dragon wings. The smell of roasted meat filled the air, and children ran around laughing. Despite the burnt lands above, this village was alive — warm, and full of human sound.
Jeff looked around, fascinated. "This place feels like one of those manga villages before the main character gets an upgrade. Oh—look! A well!"
He sprinted ahead toward an old stone well in the middle of the village square. Moss grew on the sides, and a wooden bucket hung loosely from a rope.
Jeff grinned and took out a coin from his pouch. "I saw this in an anime once. You throw a coin, make a wish, and—"
"JEFF!"
He paused, mid-toss. "What?"
"That's not a wishing well, you idiot!" I shouted. "That's a water well! For drinking!"
He blinked, then looked at the coin in his hand. "Well… maybe the water will grant me good hydration?"
I groaned and yanked his ear hard. "You're unbelievable!"
"Ow! Bro! That's my thinking ear!"
"It's not thinking enough!"
The villagers looked at us, whispering and laughing. I sighed and let him go. Jeff rubbed his ear and muttered, "Man, I just wanted to make a wish…"
As the sky dimmed to night, we continued down the path. The road wound through thick trees until a large wooden gate came into view — the entrance to a small pavilion lit by lanterns.
Jeff pointed ahead. "That the place?"
"Yeah," I said. "That's the pavilion near my uncle's village. He should be here."
Two guards in brown armor stepped forward as we approached. One of them raised his spear. "State your name and purpose!"
I stood tall. "I am Fan Ling Fang, son of the Tiger Clan. I'm here to see my uncle — Ryo Fang."
The guards exchanged surprised looks. One whispered to the other, "He lives?"
The taller guard bowed slightly. "We've heard the news of your clan's tragedy, young master. Please, follow me."
As we walked through the gate, Jeff leaned closer and whispered, "Dang, they even got guards here. Your uncle must be important."
"He used to be a general," I said quietly. "After the fall of our clan, he disappeared. If he's still alive, he might know who caused it."
Jeff nodded, his usual grin fading a bit. "Then let's find him. Together."
We entered the pavilion courtyard. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, and the sound of bamboo water fountains echoed softly. It was peaceful — too peaceful.
My chest tightened. This place held memories. I used to play here when I was a kid. I could almost see my uncle sitting by the fire, telling stories about dragons and ancient wars.
The guard stopped before a large wooden door. "Your uncle is inside. He will want to see you."
I took a deep breath and placed my hand on the door. My heart pounded, a mix of fear and hope.
Jeff stood beside me, giving a small nod. "You ready?"
"No," I admitted. "But I'm going in anyway."
I pushed the door open. The warm glow of firelight spilled out, casting shadows on the floor.
Inside, sitting at a low table with a jug of wine, was Ryo Fang — my uncle. His once-black hair had streaks of silver, and his right arm was wrapped in bandages. His eyes widened when he saw me.
"Fan Ling…" he whispered. "You… you're alive."
I stepped forward, voice trembling. "Uncle Ryo…"
He stood slowly, disbelief written on his face — and then, in one motion, pulled me into a tight embrace.
Jeff stood awkwardly at the door, scratching his head. "Uh… should I… join the hug or—?"
Ryo turned his gaze toward Jeff. "Who is this… odd man?"
Jeff pointed to himself. "Jeff. Professional chaos bringer. Also your nephew's best bro."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "He speaks strangely."
Fan Ling sighed. "You have no idea."
The tension in the room faded into small laughter, even from Ryo. For the first time since my return, I felt warmth — real warmth — not from fire or rage, but from family.
Outside, the night deepened, stars glittering over the mountain village.
But in the shadows, something stirred — unseen eyes watching from the forest's edge, a faint glimmer of red like dying embers.
The past wasn't done with me yet.