The sun dipped beyond the trees, painting the forest in hues of gold and deep blue. Shadows stretched long and wide, and a soft chill settled into the evening air.
Lou Zen sat near a small campfire, carefully roasting a fish he had caught from a nearby stream. The crackling flames danced in his eyes as the smell of roasted meat filled the air.
A short distance away, Mei Ling sat quietly, her back resting against a tree. She watched Lou Zen, eyes curious, calm… and thoughtful.
Lou Zen glanced at her with a soft smile.
"Mei Ling, would you like some fish?"
She nodded slightly. Without saying another word, Lou Zen stood, picked up the perfectly roasted fish, and walked over. Sitting down beside her, he gently handed it to her.
"It might not be royal cuisine," he chuckled, "but it's not bad."
Mei Ling took the fish, her fingers brushing his.
"Thank you," she said with a small smile before taking a bite.
"It's really good."
Lou Zen looked into the fire for a moment, then asked,
"So… where are you from?"
"I'm from Central Place," she replied, still eating.
Lou Zen raised an eyebrow.
"What are you doing out here then?"
Mei Ling paused, then sighed.
"I came here with my uncle. He warned me not to wander too far from the city… but I got distracted."
She looked down, embarrassed.
"There was a small market. I wanted to see everything. I didn't realize how far I had walked. Then… I felt someone was following me. I panicked and ran. Before I knew it, I ended up in this forest."
Lou Zen nodded, understanding.
"You're lucky I was nearby."
"I know."
Mei Ling looked at him gratefully.
"What about you? Why are you here?"
Lou Zen's expression turned serious.
"I'm here to find the Black Sword," he said.
"If I don't get it back in time… my entire family's history could be erased."
Mei Ling's eyes widened.
There was a moment of silence. The fire popped softly in the background.
Then she spoke, gently but firmly.
"Don't worry. You helped me… I'll help you."
Lou Zen looked at her, a little surprised.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
🌙 The night deepened.
The fire dimmed. Crickets chirped. The forest had gone quiet.
Mei Ling and Lou Zen lay under the open sky — not far apart, but not too close either.
Lou Zen's eyes slowly closed.
But then… the dream began.
He saw himself, standing in a battlefield.
In his hands — the Black Sword.
Around him — chaos.
Members of the Lou family were being slaughtered by the Xin clan.
Screams. Blood. Fire.
He shouted, but no sound came out.
Just as a blade came toward him — he gasped awake.
💨 A cold breeze brushed his face. The fire was almost out.
He turned to his side — Mei Ling was asleep.
She shivered slightly.
Without a second thought, Lou Zen reached into his ring and pulled out a warm cloak. Gently, he placed it over Mei Ling.
As he adjusted the cloak, her hand suddenly moved.
She grabbed his wrist — lightly, instinctively — and pulled it toward her.
Lou Zen froze.
He could've pulled his hand away.
He should've.
But he didn't.
Instead, he laid down beside her — their hands still touching — and stared at the stars above.
He didn't know why…
But it felt right.
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