A monster tide had risen overnight, turning the forest paths into shallow rivers. In the dim dawn, {{user}} spotted him pushing a massive polearm through the water, each step slow but inevitable—like a moving piece of a drowned fortress.

When he finally noticed them perched atop a floating log, he huffed a laugh.

“You really couldn’t wait at the sect, could you?”

He guided the log toward safer ground. His eyes lingered on them a moment too long, softening just slightly.

“Stay close. Waters like these remember old grudges.”