Alab's death is a tragic one; dying at the hands of a giant wolf, alone and in the middle of nowhere, is not a death deserved by anyone. However, this is not yet the end.

Alab's corpse, drench in rainwater, started to move. If anyone is there with him, he/she might jump from fear. The statue continued to glow with increasing intensity while it floats above Alab's lifeless body. A majestic aura emanates within the statue as it provides warmth to anything its light touches. Divine light permeates Alab's body, and it also began to glow.

Alab's glowing body started to float amidst the darkness of the night, the coldness of the rain, and raging winds. Changes began to occur within his body. The skin is the first to change. His shredded chest heals at incredible speed; even the accumulated scars throughout the years all faded like it never been there before. The skin gained elasticity and a healthy glow.

Then the light digs deeper into his muscles and bones, repairing all damaged parts and refining every fiber and cartilage to strengthen it. Finally, his organs are bathed with the sacred light, expelling toxins and filth they contain. The light peaked its intensity on the mind and heart, bringing unknown changes within.

After some time, the light starts to die down, but before it fades away, an ancient symbol etched on Alab's chest, then it was gone along with the fading light. Alab's body has been reborn by the mysterious power of the statue. However, his soul has yet to return.

I found myself in a dark place, a place devoid of sound or any sign of life. It feels like I'm sinking in the water, yet I felt nothing, not even fear or apprehension. I moved my lips, trying to speak, but no words nor sound comes out. I kept on sinking, never to reach the bottom. Time does not seem to exist; I'm no longer sure how long I've been slipping in this infinite space.

Am I dead? Is this death? It doesn't matter anymore...

Wait! It doesn't feel right! I have this nagging feeling of doubt. This feeling came out of nowhere, but as time passes, it's getting stronger. After doubt came unacceptance and unwillingness. It feels uncomfortable, yet it seems crucial that I won't forget these feelings. Through my "efforts," as though I break through an invisible wall and a wave of emotions, memories, and life returning to me.

Light suddenly appeared like the end of the tunnel. A compelling force drives me towards the light like a mother pulling me to her embrace. The light embraced me the moment I got near it, and I got the feeling of coming back home.

The soul returned, but it was different from before. Alab still Alab, yet he is not the same. These changes in his soul are so faint that no one will notice it, even Alab himself.

Finally, the light was gone like it never been. Alab's body fell gently on the ground. The rain stopped without anyone noticing, and peace has returned to the middle of the forest.

Opening his eyes, Alab felt like he had a very long dream, a dream he fails to remember. Suddenly he remembers something frightening, and he jumps up, and he looks around. Noticing no danger, he finally focused on checking his body. He recalled that a large wound should be on his chest, yet he discovered in surprise a flawless skin beneath a tattered tunic.

What baffles him more, though, is that he felt energized; he feels a surge of energy throughout his body. He feels as though he's reborn.

What just happened? A simple question, yet he has no idea to answer it. He blanks out for a few minutes, trying to recall any sliver of a memory of previous hours. Unfortunately, his memory failed him this time.

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Humans have one of the most remarkable ability to adjust and push forward despite everything that life throws at them. That's why Alab tries to shake his doubts off and determine his next action.

Noticing an open chest near him, he picks it up and throws it in his pack. He knew it's somehow related to what happened to him, so he plans to investigate the chest after returning home.

Making sure that he didn't miss anything, he starts his journey back home.

Thinking of home, Alab started to get anxious once again.

My sister will surely kill me this time. This hunt was the longest I've been gone home, and I'm sure she is worried sick. I need to be back home as fast as possible.

Alab hastens his stride as he transverse the forest with practiced ease. The sun is already high, making the forest warm, yet Alab does not break a sweat even after traveling a few miles. With his haste, he overlooked how fast he was transversing the terrain. If this were a day ago, he would take one day to travel the same distance he travels today within half an hour.

After two hours, he is finally back at the top of the waterfall that overlooks the valley. This waterfall is formed by several branches of the river which flows down into the valley, creating a long curtain of water as the water trickles down to form a beautiful lake.

This spectacular waterfall, however, is feared by the village people. The old people call it the "gateway to hell" to scare children, not to enter Dorsum forest.

I scaled down the steep slope, careful with every step until I reached the ground. I cleaned myself as best as I can after getting to the lake then continued to enter Kasa village.

My goal is to buy meat from the market since my hunting expedition was a failure. However, I need to have some money first, so I plan to sell the wooden chest I found. Hopefully, it is something of value.

Houses dotted Kasa village with no particular order. I navigate through the scattered houses and enter the middle of the town where the market is found.

As I enter the marketplace, I noticed that many tents are being set-up. Carts and horses scattered all around while people are busy at work and trading goods.

Right, it's time for the merchants to come to our remote village. Without these merchants annually visiting, our town might not have any connection to the outside world.

Passing through the snow-covered street, I noticed a tent being crowded; curious, I joined the crowd. This particular merchant sells his jewelry collection, and many young ladies and married women are attracted. I noticed that the necklaces, rings, and other goods are housed within beautiful and intricately designed boxes and chests.

The jewelry themselves are exquisite pieces making them costly. Because of such a steep price, the crowd started to discourse, allowing me to approach the merchant.

The merchant gave me a disappointed look. "If you're not buying, I suggest you go on your way."

"I have something that might interest you." He raised an eyebrow, not sure if he should believe my words. "I doubt that you have something that will interest you!" He said haughtily.

However, the moment I brought out the wooden chest, I saw a change in his expression. It was just brief, but It failed to illude me. This slight change confirmed my theory that the chest is something special.

"I admit that this chest is of good quality, but it is too plain. I'll give you ten gold coins." He said casually.

"I have no idea how much this chest cost, but I know ten gold is not enough." I know I said something dumb when I saw a hint of a sneer on his lips.

"I don't want to make things hard for you, so I'll take it for 20 gold coins. I can also throw in one necklace, and you can choose from my selection." The merchant proposed with gleaming eyes.

He knows what he's doing. He gave me an excellent offer that hard to resist. However, this also shows how valuable this chest is. I was about to refuse his offer when I noticed a beautiful necklace resting on a white cloth beside the merchant. It has a shape of a snowflake dotted with small diamond-like stones.

Noticing my gaze, the merchant pick it up. "This is from the new shipment I got, it is quite expensive, but I'm willing to part with it in exchange for that chest."

I hesitated for a second but, thinking of my sister, my hesitation crumbled and agreed to his offer. The transaction was completed, and I got 20 gold coins and a beautiful snowflake necklace. "Now I got money for meat and a perfect present for Ngebe." I think to myself with a smile.