The heavy scent of dragonwood incense and the faint rustle of silk curtains were the first sensations that greeted Alex as consciousness gradually returned to him. The darkness that had enveloped his mind receded like a retreating tide, revealing a profound sense of peace.
The unbearable exhaustion that had weighed upon his soul after the final battle was gone. In its place was a deep and steady vitality that pulsed through every corner of his being. His spirit felt calm, his thoughts were clear, and the lingering damage caused by his clash with the cosmic sovereign had largely disappeared.
Slowly, Alex opened his eyes.
An ornate ceiling made from flawless spirit jade stretched high above him. Intricate formations and ancient runes had been carved into its surface, causing faint streams of spiritual light to flow across the chamber like living rivers. The room itself was vast and luxurious, befitting the residence of an emperor rather than a warrior.
