"Finally," Jessie muttered, stretching her arms. Her voice was weaker than usual, but her eyes had regained focus. "If I ever see another grain of sand again, I'll burn it."
Ash smirked faintly. "And make glass, then sell it for profit."
"Should I laugh?" Jessie asked in a straight tone.
"Ofcourse, if you don't want to end up between my legs" Ash said and instantly realised how it came out.
Jessie ignored his comment but her face had changed to crimson from sillyness.
The environment itself pulsed faintly with mana.
"Feels different," Jessie said, rubbing her forearm. "Almost... alive."
They climbed a narrow path, and the world opened up.
A village was carved into the cliff like a cluster of bird nests. Steps made from rock, rope bridges, and little gardens hung on platforms.
Lanterns hung overhead — not iron, but crystals that drank moonlight and gave it back as soft teal light.
