The Lake of Mana.

Kael slowly opened his eyes, feeling a sensation of lightness he hadn't expected, almost as if he were floating. The last thing he remembered was collapsing exhausted onto the ground, but now a warm, wet feeling was touching his face. He blinked, confused, and tried to move, but his energy was still low, his muscles heavy with fatigue.

"What...?" he murmured, trying to orient himself, but before he could complete the thought, a warm, sticky tongue touched his skin again, and he turned his head, seeing the same creature he had encountered earlier – the small creature that had helped heal the wound on his arm.

It was there, with its bright eyes and curious demeanor. Its movements were gentle, almost as if it were trying to wake him up in a caring way, like an animal trying to rouse its owner.

Kael looked at it with a surprised expression, still a bit dazed. "You... are you waking me up?" he asked, his voice hoarse.