Nova woke with a jolt, the rising sun peeking through the edges of the old hut. His body ached, but his spirit burned with determination. He grabbed his water bottle and took a long sip, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Navy stood by the fire, arms crossed, watching him.
"Good luck, Nova," the old man said, voice calm but firm. "Be careful out there."
Nova nodded, slinging the axe over his back. "Thanks. I'll find Eluria no matter what."
Navy smiled faintly, as if he knew something Nova didn't. Nova waved goodbye and began his journey once more.
Hours passed. The land slowly shifted from wild greenery to signs of civilization roads, scattered fences, distant smoke trails. And then he saw it: a towering structure piercing the sky in the distance.
Mesonia.
Nova stopped in awe, eyes locked on the spire. "So that's Mesonia... the capital of the world."
He crept closer, staying low behind tall grass. The border was crawling with guards, armored and armed with spears, scanning everyone who entered.
Nova's heart pounded. "Damn it... so many guards. Should I really do this?"
He gritted his teeth. "No turning back now."
Just as he was scouting for a plan, he spotted a large transport truck approaching the checkpoint, loaded with crates and barrels. Without hesitation, Nova bolted toward it and dove underneath, wedging himself between supplies.
The truck rolled forward.
Nova whispered under his breath, "Please... let this work."
But just as the truck reached the border gate, a guard raised his hand.
"Stop. Inspection."
The driver grunted. "Sure thing."
Nova's breath caught in his throat as he heard crates being moved, things shifting. A box slid and tumbled over, revealing Nova's legs.
"Hey! What the "
Nova sprang up and leapt out of the truck.
"There's a stowaway! Stop him!" the guard yelled.
Nova dashed forward, weaving through startled travelers. Spears flew past him, one grazing his sleeve. He ducked, slid, and rolled as shouts erupted behind him.
"Don't let him reach the city!"
Nova sprinted with all he had. Sweat poured down his face. Ahead, the gates of Bosco the capital city loomed like salvation.
"Almost there... just a bit more!"
Guards were closing in. Nova pushed harder, adrenaline flooding his veins. He jumped over barrels, dodged horses, and shoved through the crowded market square.
Then, silence.
He slipped into a narrow alley, heart racing. Empty. Quiet.
He dove into a half-broken trash bin and slammed the lid shut, holding his breath.
Footsteps rushed by. Voices shouted. Then... nothing.
Nova exhaled deeply, resting his head against the wall of the bin. "I did it... I actually made it."
Suddenly, the lid creaked open.
A figure stood over him tall, cloaked in shadow, holding a blade.
Nova blinked up. "Uh... hello?.