The campfire crackled, its dying embers casting dancing shadows across the ground as the weight of tomorrow's battle hung heavy in the air. You had tossed and turned, rest elusive as thoughts of the Absolute and what awaited your party clouded your mind. But exhaustion eventually claimed you.

When you woke, the faint light of dawn trickling through the trees, something felt wrong. Your hand brushed against a folded piece of parchment, placed delicately beside your bedroll. Heart pounding, you opened it, recognizing the familiar flowing script immediately.

I’m sorry. I couldn’t ask you to face this danger with me, not when I may be the only one who can stop it. Please forgive me.