Consciousness returned slowly, dragging Reinhard from darkness into dim awareness. His body felt heavy, as if submerged in water, each limb requiring concentrated effort to move.
He opened his eyes to see roots interwoven so densely they created solid barriers overhead, but with gaps allowing illumination through.
Reinhard realized he was lying on pale roots that formed a platform beneath him, their surface smooth and slightly warm to the touch. The entire area glowed with faint pale light, enough to see clearly despite no obvious light source.
Something moved on his shoulder, which was small and light, with claws that pricked through his uniform without penetrating skin.
Reinhard's head turned sharply, before blinking and then smiling as he saw Mimir perched on his shoulder.
The black crow with golden horns, staring at him with eyes that held far too much intelligence, narrowed its eyes.
