Chapter 60. The Survivors

Ethan Blackwood found himself standing at the edge of a remote clearing deep within the outskirts of Silverwood, where nature’s grandeur met the solemnity of ancient tales. The canopy above was a masterpiece of towering, gnarled trees, their weathered bark and dense foliage filtering the sunlight into a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Wildflowers of vibrant hues graced the forest floor, swaying gently in the caress of a gentle breeze, while the distant murmur of a brook provided a soothing backdrop to the solemn gathering.

This serene setting, so alive with the beauty of the natural world, was a stark contrast to the stories of hardship and sacrifice that he had come to hear. The survivors of the Temple of Flames, a group of immortals who sought refuge here, carried with them the weight of countless lifetimes and the profound questions that had driven them to seek answers.

As Ethan ventured further into the clearing, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him—s