Even though Dou Xinshi's skin was a healthy dark brown, anyone looking at him right now could tell.
He was pale.
Ghostly pale.
And it wasn't from the battle.
It wasn't from the beast he just skewered with his lightning-tipped spear, nor from the blood smeared on his arms and cheeks.
It was from something far worse.
Something internal.
Something… inevitable.
He stood above the fresh corpse, panting, body soaked in sweat - but his wide eyes weren't looking at the enemy on the ground.
They were staring into the void of memory.
Earlier that day.
He had marched into the forest, proud and full of spirit.
His spear rested confidently over one shoulder. A fresh talisman was tucked at his belt.
His goal? Slay a few lesser awakened beasts, harvest their materials, and sell them for money.
It was going perfectly.
For the first ten minutes.
Then he paused mid-step.
A twitch in his lower stomach made his stride falter.
He frowned.
Took another step.
