Ethan's body felt crushed, his consciousness drifting between reality and darkness. After being devoured by the dragon, he felt nothing but the pain tearing through him, as if he were sinking into oblivion. But somehow, his awareness gradually returned.
A chill coursed through him, contrasting the heat and acid that had tormented him inside the dragon.
With great effort, his eyes opened. A blinding light assaulted him, as if the sun were shining on him for the first time in his life. However, this was not the sun he knew from Earth.
The sky above was a purplish red, with two suns hanging low on the horizon. Thick clouds moved slowly like smoke, and a strange aroma filled the air.
Ethan tried to move, but his body felt heavy and stiff, as if his bones had just been reassembled. Every movement sent sharp pains through him, but oddly, that pain felt familiar like the remnants of a battle.
Though his body was battered, it felt... stronger. He sensed something different. There was a new power, an energy he didn't understand, but it flowed vigorously within him.
"What... is this?" Ethan murmured hoarsely. His hands trembled as he pressed them against the ground. The earth was rough and hard, almost like stones worn down over thousands of years. As he slowly sat up, he began to take in his surroundings.
Confused, he tried to recall what had happened before all of this. The dragon... the battle... the hunger that drove him to fight the beast.
His body should have been destroyed by the dragon's acid. Yet here he was, alive in an unknown world.
The blinding sunlight streamed through the cracks of the small cave where he lay. The light dazzled his eyes, and with unsteady steps and a sense of bewilderment, Ethan began to follow it.
He walked out of the cave, and what he found before him left him speechless, incredulous. The world spread out before him was not the Earth he had once known.
As Ethan emerged from the cave, he found himself atop a high mountain, with a cold wind piercing his skin. However, the air temperature felt strange not completely cold, but not warm either.
The sky above appeared pale blue, almost like dawn, but there were two suns hanging on the horizon, casting a gentler light than the sun of Earth.
From the mountain's height, Ethan could see a vast landscape below him. A sprawling expanse of lush grasslands stretched as far as the eye could see. The grass growing there was unusual waist-high, with a green hue and purple tints that added an odd beauty to the landscape.
Large trees stood tall amid the grasslands, their trunks appearing broader and sturdier than ordinary trees. In the distance, a wide, shimmering river sliced through the land, reflecting the twin suns above. The water flowed clear, but moved gently like thick liquid, not ordinary water.
"Where am I right now?" Ethan murmured, his gaze filled with confusion. "Is this the dragon's realm? If so, I need to be careful of other dragons..."
In the other direction, a dark forest loomed, seemingly dangerous, surrounding the mountain's base. The trees there towered high, their branches intertwining like living tentacles. The leaves appeared thick and dark, blocking much of the light trying to penetrate.
From a distance, Ethan could hear rustling sounds and movement, signs that the forest was alive. But it wasn't ordinary life he sensed an unnatural aura from the forest, as if creatures far more powerful and dangerous lurked within.
The scent of wet earth and decaying leaves filled the air, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
"It seems I need to avoid more than just dragons here..." Ethan muttered warily, narrowing his eyes at the ominous forest.
In the more open grasslands, Ethan spotted several strange creatures grazing. They had large bodies like bison, but their skin appeared harder, almost like a layer of stone. From a distance, he saw massive horns jutting from their heads, glimmering like crystals in the sunlight.
Although they looked like peaceful herbivores, Ethan knew that this world was full of peculiarities and dangers he had yet to understand. Creatures of that size might possess more power than he could imagine.
By the river, he saw a shadowy movement beneath the surface. Occasionally, massive creatures surfaced giant fish with scales that reflected light like mirrors.
Ethan observed how these fish swam gracefully, but beneath that calm water, clear danger lurked.
Every so often, he saw something large and swift moving, creating ripples that crashed against the riverbank. It seemed that the creatures in this river could be dangerous predators, waiting for prey bold enough to approach.
Though this world was filled with peril, Ethan realized it was also rich with resources he could utilize. In the forest, strange plants might possess healing properties or even magical powers.
Throughout the grasslands, he could see brightly colored plants sparkling, possibly containing more than just nutrition. The flowing river might hold healing water, or perhaps it could be toxic to those unfamiliar with its properties.
Yet, Ethan knew that every resource in this world came with its own risks. Powerful creatures and an ecosystem he didn't fully comprehend made every step he took a challenge. However, his survival instincts began to adapt to this environment.
With a burning determination, even as his body remained battered, Ethan began to plan his next steps. This world might be foreign, but he would find a way to survive, to grow stronger, and someday, to return.
This new world was a challenge, but also a vast opportunity for him to become stronger than ever. He just needed to learn how to endure and make use of everything around him.
With one last glance at the dark forest and the serene yet dangerous grasslands, Ethan began his descent down the mountain, embarking on his new journey in this unfamiliar world, while harboring a smoldering vendetta in his heart.
Ethan carefully descended the mountain, the wounds on his body throbbing with every step. Though he was still injured, the power from the dragon's heart he had consumed gave him an unmatched boost.
The desire for revenge and to conquer this world ignited his spirit, driving him to move faster despite the pain.
As Ethan entered the vast grasslands, he began to take a closer look at his surroundings. The expansive grasslands around him were filled with plants and creatures he had never seen before. He cautiously observed the strange plants growing from the ground.
Some of these plants emitted a soft glow at night, while others appeared to be flowers that released an enticing fragrance.
As Ethan traversed the grasslands, he began to feel a change in his mood and energy. Every time he saw the large creatures grazing in the fields, he felt an instinctual urge to devour and absorb their strength. This desire grew stronger over time.
He discovered a large tree with golden fruits hanging from its branches. Curiously and cautiously, Ethan plucked one of the fruits and ate it.
It tasted very sweet and provided an additional boost of energy to his body. This plant turned out to contain highly useful nutrients, aiding in the healing of his wounds, though he was still far from fully healed.
After some time exploring the grasslands, Ethan felt the need to venture further. He headed toward the dark, threatening forest.
This forest was vastly different from the grasslands the tall, intertwining trees made it difficult for sunlight to enter. The sounds of rustling and the booming movements of hidden creatures intensified the eerie atmosphere.
Ethan stepped carefully, relying on his instincts and sharp hearing to detect danger. Within the forest, he encountered various creatures, from giant insects to predatory animals shimmering with bright colors.
Some of these creatures appeared to be hybrids of animals and plants, with bodies capable of changing shape and color to blend in with their surroundings.
In the forest, Ethan discovered even rarer resources. Some plants exhibited extraordinary healing abilities, while others were toxic if not properly processed.
Ethan learned to be cautious, using his newfound knowledge to identify plants and creatures that could assist him on his journey. Every new discovery became a key to surviving in this perilous world.