While Golden Axe's caravan was still on its first day north, Tovin woke beneath an apple tree.
For several seconds, he believed the southern woods had thrown him there. He remembered running between dark trunks while something moved through the branches above him. He remembered a scream, a flash of healing light, and claws crossing his chest.
Then he remembered dying.
The apple tree stood inside the starter village churchyard. Morning mist covered the grave markers, and a narrow resurrection circle glowed beneath his back.
A system window waited above him.
[Local resurrection completed.]
[Resurrection point: Starter Village Churchyard.]
[Dungeon coins deducted.]
[Current balance: 3 Dungeon Coins.]
[Revival protection has recharged and is active.]
[If death occurs before the recharge is complete, further resurrection is not guaranteed.]
Tovin sat up too quickly. His restored body moved without pain, but panic remained.
"The others?"
