Far removed from the bustle of the Hierarchical Cities, beyond the mountains they sat on, an idyllic peace presided over the landscape. So different it was from the urban areas, the scenery seemed to belong to an entirely different world.
Sticking out of the center in a clearing near a sparse forest stood a steep hill leading to a cliffside. Covered with short grass, it overlooked the green countryside surrounding it. The only sign in the area of it having been visited before by someone was the lone, decorated grave marker and a deep groove carved into the dirt. Despite its simplicity, the wooden cross held a lingering impression along with the drying flowers resting at its base. Apart from the occasional drop-by from someone, it always stood alone. But not at the present moment.
A warm breeze blew by, taking bits of plant matter with it. Accompanied by the swirling leaves, songbirds fluttered about. They eventually found a perching spot on the shoulders of someone who had been standing stock still for some time. With another gust of wind, they flew back to the tree nearby where they had built their homes.
"…" After giving a long look at the makeshift gravesite, the cloaked stranger stepped closer to stand by its side and peer at the horizon. Unlike its regular visitor, he was not there to place small bouquets in remembrance for someone.
The eyes beneath the shadow of his hood swept over the sprawling view of distant hills. After drawing a slow breath, he murmured, "So this…is the world you've made possible—" It was a name that should no longer be heard by anyone, hence why he kept the last part unsaid.
He only needed to look for a moment to sense the general state of things. As it currently stood, the world was still steeped in chaos. One would think such a state brought more bitter upset and violent conflict. Yet the man saw a steady calm pervading the air as a sign that no such things happened. Could this be the result of a world uniting against a common evil? "Then let us witness this new dream, forged from the pieces of the never-ending nightmare…" Nobody but himself heard the parting words, said like a prayer.
Having seen enough, he prepared to resume on his journey. The path he had taken so far appeared similar to mindless wandering but it was not without purpose.
He had barely taken a step when a strange feeling appeared in the center of his soul. His body tensed up as an abnormal chill showed itself during a warm, sunny day. From somewhere, he sensed a pulse.
Looking behind over his shoulder to see the grave marker, he sought the empty space in between for answers to little avail. Like trying to keep grasp on a drop of black ink inside a vast sea, whatever he searched for dissolved but lingered in an infinitesimal amount. The passing feeling was dangerous and achingly familiar.