The Guardian Dragon

Chapter 14 Issei Bizarre Encounter In The Wood... Or Was It A Dream?

Chapter 14

Issei Bizarre Encounter In The Wood... Or Was It A Dream?

The sound of hurried footsteps mingled with the crisp crunch of snow underfoot, echoing through the silent expanse of the wintry woods. Bathed in the soft, silvery glow of the full moon, the forest seemed to hold its breath as Issei ventured deeper into its mysterious depths.

Confusion clouded Issei's mind as he navigated through the labyrinth of trees. He couldn't recall why he found himself in the forest, nor could he remember falling asleep at all. He falls to the ground by an unseen obstacle, causing him to stumble and collapse into the powdery snow with a gasp. For a fleeting moment, he lay there, breathless and disoriented, the world around him a swirling blur of uncertainty. Was he lost in reality or merely trapped within the confines of a vivid dream?

Issei pushed himself to his knees, his gaze fixating on a distant point in the woods. Though his memories eluded him, his instincts remained steadfast, guiding him towards a destination shrouded in mystery yet pulsing with significance.

Summoning a sharp intake of breath, Issei rose to his feet, the chill of the winter air biting at his exposed skin as he forged ahead. Each step sent a jolt of pain through his weary limbs, but he paid it no heed, his focus fixed on the elusive mystery drawing him ever closer.

As he sprinted through the dense forest, his lungs burned with each ragged breath, his heart pounding in sync with the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps. It felt as if he had been running for an eternity, yet with every passing moment, he could feel the pull of his destination growing stronger, a mysterious force urging him onward.

The towering trees blurred past in a dizzying whirl of motion, their branches reaching out like spectral fingers to grasp at his fleeting form. As the canopy above began to thin, a glimmer of hope pierced through the darkness, illuminating the path ahead with a soft, ethereal light.

Finally, Issei stumbled into a small clearing, collapsing to his hands and knees in exhaustion. Relief washed over him as the inexplicable feeling that had plagued him since entering the forest dissipated. Gathering his strength, he lifted his gaze to survey his surroundings and was met with the warm flicker of a campfire dancing in the center of the clearing.

A pot hung over the flames, its contents simmering and sending tendrils of aromatic steam into the crisp night air. Sitting beside the fire was an old man, his weathered features softened by the warmth of the flames.

As the old man turned to meet Issei's gaze, a smile spread across his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes in a familiar expression of warmth and kindness.

"Ah, you're here," the old man remarked, his voice carrying a hint of amusement and recognition. "I was wondering if you would show up."

Issei felt a sense of familiarity wash over him at the sound of the old man's voice, as if they were old friends meeting again after a long absence. Though questions lingered in his mind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle upon him in the presence of the enigmatic figure before him.

"What are you doing there on the ground? Come on, get up," the old man said, his voice warm and inviting. "Come close to the fire and have a drink of what I call Siegbrau."

Issei's brows furrowed in confusion as he struggled to his feet, his limbs protesting with every movement. Despite his weariness, the allure of the crackling fire and the promise of the mysterious elixir beckoned him forward.

With weak steps, Issei approached the fire, drawn to its comforting warmth like a moth to a flame. As he drew near, he could feel the heat seeping into his bones, thawing the chill that had settled within him during his journey through the wintry woods.