Hidden Village

"Mm..."

Aster slowly opened his eyes—a simple action he had taken for granted before, but now it felt like a punishment sent from heaven itself.

"Huh?"

As he gazed at the ceiling above him, his eyes struggled to focus on the thatched, bamboo ribs holding up the grass-like roofing materials. He blinked in confusion. "This place is..." His voice came out hoarse, dry from an extended period without water.

Looking around, he found himself in a modest hut, its structure entirely made of bamboo, even the floor he lay on. The simplicity of the materials did not undermine the craftsmanship, however.

In fact, the hut reminded him of his childhood home—a humble dwelling hidden deep within the nearby forest where he would often go for solitary walks, escaping into the tranquility of nature. The air there was always so refreshing.

"Ugh...!"