Author's Note:
Beginning with this chapter, some Ásján conversations will be directly translated and highlighted in bold for less confusion.
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The woodland just outside the bustling capital was bathed in a warm and gentle glow that filtered through the thick canopy of leaves. As the clock approached ten in the morning, the hunting ground, illuminated by the mid-morning light, buzzed with activity.
The forest floor, blanketed with a soft layer of fallen leaves, emitted a hushed crunch underfoot as participants moved about. Birds, their lively melodies echoing through the air, flitted among the branches, adding to the natural symphony of the surroundings. Meanwhile, smaller creatures scurried in the underbrush, contributing to the vibrant life of the forest.