The sky above shuddered as a massive spatial distortion rippled through the air. From the gaping tear in reality, a flaming figure hurtled downward, a blazing comet crashing violently into a jagged mountain range below.
Amidst the smoke and smoldering debris, Emery stirred.
Pain lanced through his body, every nerve screaming in protest. His clothes were scorched, and his skin was marred with deep bruises and cuts. Exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually, he fought the searing ache to sit upright in a lotus position.
With trembling hands, he pulled out a recovery pill, the faint glow of alchemical energy glimmering in the pale light. He swallowed it quickly, feeling the restorative power seep into his veins, knitting wounds and replenishing his strength little by little.
His breaths steadied, and his focus sharpened. Closing his eyes, Emery extended his divine sense outward, feeling the pulse of the land around him.
