chapter1289

Lydia's lips curved into a gentle smile as she gave a small nod. "Yeah." Deep down, she clung to the hope that somewhere in this world, another Vision Rejuvenation Grass might be out there, waiting to be found.

Connor had lunch with Lydia, then headed back up the mountain. By the time they finished lunch, the rain had faded away, leaving Mount Gemspire wrapped in drifting clouds. The whole place felt even more mysterious, the mist making everything look dreamlike and out of reach.

Connor searched the mountain, moving slowly, eyes scanning every patch of earth. He didn't want to miss a single inch. Damien and his team followed, just as careful, combing through the undergrowth alongside him. Honestly, Damien had already led his men over the mountain the moment he got the order. They'd checked every corner. There wasn't the faintest sign of the Vision Rejuvenation Grass.

The rain-soaked wind was chilly as it swept past, and Connor felt like there was a stone pressing on his chest, so heavy he could barely catch his breath. Everywhere he looked, the mountain was bursting with green, but to him, it all seemed faded and gray. He'd walked these paths so many times, each step now felt sharp, almost painful, like he was walking on knives.

Once again, he found himself in the old clearing. This was where the Vision Rejuvenation Grass used to bloom, its flowers once bright and full of life. Now, the place was just empty and bare.

Connor crouched down, his fingers shaking as he brushed the dirt. All those memories rushed back, crashing over him like a wave. "If only I hadn't used it back then..." His voice was rough and low, every word soaked in regret and heartbreak.

He knew he couldn't turn back time, but his mind kept slipping into those impossible what-ifs. If he hadn't used up the Vision Rejuvenation Grass, maybe there'd still be hope for Lydia's eyes. Maybe things wouldn't be this broken.

From a distance, Damien watched, anxiety twisting in his chest. He'd never seen Connor like this before. The man who was always calm, always in control, now looked completely lost, like the life had been drained right out of him.

Damien opened his mouth, struggling to say something, anything that might help. But the words just wouldn't come. All he could do was stand by, silent and helpless. Connor just sat there, barely moving, lost in his thoughts. Time seemed to drag on forever. The sunset started to paint the sky with deep red, and the fading light wrapped around Connor, making his shadow look even lonelier.

Just as Connor was about to give up and make his way back, something caught his eye. A faint flicker of green, so small it almost disappeared into the earth. At first, he thought he was imagining it. He rubbed his eyes hard, then looked again.

Right where the old Vision Rejuvenation Grass once grew, a tiny green sprout was pushing its way out of the soil.

It was small and fragile, but to Connor, it was like a spark in the darkness, a sudden jolt that made his heart skip a beat. "Is this... is really happening..." His words

tumbled out in distehis

as he

stumbled forward, almost dropping to his knees. He leaned inclose, careful not to crush the delicate sprout.

It was real. A new shoot, pale green and full of life, standing out against the dark, damp earth. Connor's heart raced, pounding so hard he thought it might burst. But then doubt crept in, cold and sharp. Was he just seeing things because he wanted it so badly? The Vision Rejuvenation Grass was impossibly rare. How could it possibly be here again?

"Damien! Damien!" Connor's voice shook as he called out.

Damien heard him and rushed over, worry written all over his face. "Boss, what happened?" He was out of breath, eyes darting over Connor as if expecting the worst.

Connor pointed at the tiny sprout, his hand trembling. "Look. Is that a new shoot from the Vision Rejuvenation Grass? Please, tell me I'm not seeing things."

Damien followed Connor's gaze, and his eyes went wide. That little patch of green, even though it was barely there, looked just like the Vision Rejuvenation Grass seedlings Ke remembered He knelt down for closer look, inspecting it with care, and the longer he stared, the more unbelievable it all felt.