Chapter 95: Chapter 95: Into the Unknown

Sam stretched his arms above his head, feeling the satisfying pop of his joints as the early morning sun started its slow climb over the Craggy Mountains. The village behind him, where he'd spent weeks holed up with musty old books, was now a speck on the horizon. It was peaceful, sure, but Sam was done with peace. He craved adventure—preferably the kind that didn't involve the smell of ancient parchment or endless cups of bitter tea.

He adjusted the strap of his trusty leather pack, mentally going over the contents once more. Compass? Check. Extra clothes? Probably not enough for whatever weird weather the Valley of Convergence might throw at him, but hey, that's what magic was for, right? And most importantly, snacks? Definitely check. Sam was all about preparedness—especially when it came to staying well-fed.