《Fate of The Elemental Swordsman》


 Chapter 1 The Awakening to the Invasion

    Chapter 1 The Awakening to the Invasion 27/07/908


    Yonas awoke to a voice that seemed to echo from within his own mind, a strange blend of clarity and detachment. His eyes shot open, and for a moment, he lay still, the world around him blurred and indistinct.


    His breath caught in his throat as he heard some robotic voice speak.


    Welcome, Yonas.


    The higher being has bestowed future knowledge to you and all humans.


    You possess elemental aptitude. Prepare for the upcoming monster invasion.


    The monster invasion will begin in six years. Prepare wisely.


    A shiver ran down his spine. The words were stark and impersonal, yet the implications were as heavy as a stone in his gut. Elemental aptitude? Monster invasion? The higher being? His mind reeled, grasping for logic in a situation that seemed to defy it. His fingers clenched the blanket beneath him, knuckles white with the force of his grip. He swallowed hard, the taste of fear sharp on his tongue.


    "What... what is this?" he whispered, his voice barely more than a rasp. "Is this real?"


    A tremor ran through him, a mix of fear and the undeniable pull of curiosity. Whatever this was, it had told him. And if the words said were true, it told every single human on this planet.


    He sat up slowly, his movements careful and deliberate. His room remained the same¡ªwooden walls lined with old carvings, a single window where pale morning light seeped through¡ªbut the air felt different, charged with a weight he couldn¡¯t quite describe.


    His legs felt weak as he swung them over the edge of the bed. The wooden floor was cool beneath his feet, grounding him. He pressed his palms against his temples, trying to steady the whirlwind in his mind. "Okay... okay. Think, Yonas. What do I do now?"


    No answers came. Only the silence of the morning, and the soft creak of wood as the house seemed to breathe around him.


    "Mom? Dad?" His voice barely rose above a whisper, and when no response came, he forced himself to his feet. The hallway stretched ahead of him, dimly lit by the first fingers of dawn. His parents'' room was just down the narrow hallway, and his younger brother Liem usually woke up with the dawn, just as he did.


    Every step felt heavy, as if the air had thickened, resisting his movement. The weight of the higher being¡¯s message pressed against his chest, and he struggled to draw a full breath. Six years until a monster invasion. And he had elemental aptitude¡ªwhatever that meant.


    The door to his room creaked open behind him, and Yonas spun, his pulse thundering in his ears. Liem stood in the doorway, his bright blue eyes wide, a mirror of Yonas'' own. "Yonas? Did you hear it too?"


    The words struck him like a hammer. His brother had heard it too. It wasn''t just him.


    "Yeah... I heard it." His voice was tight, barely more than a rasp. "Did... did it say you have elemental aptitude too?"


    Liem nodded, his small frame trembling. "It did. And it said... monsters. Six years. What does that mean, Yonas?"


    "I don''t know." Yonas knelt, bringing himself to eye level with his brother. He rested a hand on Liem''s shoulder, feeling the boy''s bones too close to the skin. "But whatever it is... we''ll figure it out. Together. Okay?"


    Liem nodded again, and a fragile smile broke through his fear. "Okay."


    Yonas drew his brother into a hug, closing his eyes against the rising tide of uncertainty. They stayed like that for a moment, a lifeline against the storm, until the soft sounds of movement echoed from the kitchen. Their parents were awake.


    "Come on," Yonas said, standing and taking Liem''s hand. "Let''s see if they heard it too."


    Yonas sat at the kitchen table, the air thick with the unspoken weight of the higher being¡¯s message. His parents moved around the small space with a sense of purpose, but their faces betrayed the confusion and fear they felt. His mother stirred a pot over the hearth, though Yonas doubted she had any appetite, while his father paced by the window, fingers twitching at the curtains as if expecting the world outside to suddenly change.


    "What does it mean?" His mother finally spoke, her voice thin. "A monster invasion? Six years... How do we even prepare for that?"


    "I don¡¯t know," his father replied, his tone just as strained. "But it¡¯s not just us. If everyone heard it, then... then maybe the kingdom will do something."


    Yonas exchanged a glance with Liem. The younger boy¡¯s hands gripped the edge of the table, knuckles white. Yonas took a breath, steadying himself. "It said I have elemental aptitude. Liem too."


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    His parents turned to them, the room swallowing the sound of the crackling fire. "Elemental aptitude?" his father asked. "Are you sure?"


    Yonas nodded. "It said in my mind... It said I had elemental aptitude, and Liem must have heard the same thing."


    His mother¡¯s brow knit together, and she lowered the spoon, leaning against the hearth for support. "Elemental aptitude... like Nasir?"


    "Nasir?" Yonas¡¯ mind churned. His uncle¡¯s name felt distant, a figure from stories of the capital. "You mean the one from the capital? The elemental swordsman?"


    His mother nodded. "He could sense and use elemental energy. It¡¯s why he left. He was granted a home there."


    "And he''s coming here," his father added. "He left last week. It was supposed to be a simple visit, but... fate, it seems, had other plans. This higher being announcement happened just as he was on his way."


    A fragile thread of hope wrapped itself around Yonas'' heart. Uncle Nasir, the swordsman who had faced threats and seen the world beyond their quiet town, might hold the answers they needed.


    The weight of the conversation settled over them, and Yonas felt the walls of the small home closing in. "I''m going to get some fresh air," he muttered, pushing his chair back.


    Outside, the world was untouched by the chaos in his mind. The sky stretched pale and empty, a sharp breeze cutting through the morning stillness. He grabbed his practice sword, the wood worn smooth by years of use, and made his way to the patch of dirt behind their home.


    Each swing, each step, became a rhythm, a distraction from the fear gnawing at his thoughts. His muscles ached, the burn of physical exertion a welcome relief from the cold grip of anxiety. He moved until his arms trembled, until his breath came in ragged gasps.


    When exhaustion finally claimed him, he sat in the dirt, his sword resting across his knees. He stared at the horizon, where the sun bled into the sky, turning the world a muted shade of amber. His mind drifted, and the weight of sleep pulled him under.


    In the dream, shadows twisted around him. He stood in a world painted in blood and ash, the air thick with a metallic tang. A creature moved in the periphery of his vision, its silhouette sharp and wrong. It had green skin, slick and taut, and stood a little shorter than him. Its limbs were wiry, its fingers ending in claws that scraped against the ground. Yellow eyes pierced the darkness, and when it grinned, its teeth were needle-like, too many for its narrow jaw.


    The creature''s breath came in wet rasps, and its claws dragged through the dirt, carving lines that smoked and bled. Yonas couldn¡¯t move, his body locked in place as the creature crept closer, its eyes never leaving his.


    A sudden, sharp noise pulled him from the dream. Yonas sat up, his room cast in the pale grey of early morning. His skin was damp with sweat, his pulse a wild drumbeat in his chest. The dream lingered; each detail etched into his mind with a clarity that felt more like a memory than a vision.


    He swung his legs over the bed, grounding himself on the cool wooden floor. Outside, the quiet hum of his parents'' voices drifted from the kitchen. They were still talking, their words too soft to catch. Planning. Worrying.


    Yonas closed his eyes, the creature''s yellow gaze seared into the darkness behind his lids. He knew, deep in his bones, that it wasn¡¯t just a nightmare. The creature was real. And it was waiting.


    Yonas trudged down the stairs, each step heavy with the remnants of his unsettling dream. The wooden planks creaked beneath his feet, the familiar sounds grounding him as he approached the kitchen. The scent of porridge hung in the air, mingling with the faint smoke from the hearth.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± Yonas mumbled, slipping into a chair at the small kitchen table. His mother turned from the pot, offering him a gentle smile, while his father leaned against the counter, arms crossed.


    ¡°Morning, Yonas,¡± his father replied. ¡°Did you sleep well?¡±


    Yonas hesitated, the image of the green-skinned monster with yellow eyes still vivid in his mind. ¡°Yeah... I guess.¡±


    His father sighed, running a hand through his hair. ¡°They¡¯ve found a new monster in the woods. Apparently, it¡¯s green and short with sharp claws.¡±


    ¡°Stop trying to scare him,¡± his mother said, her voice gentle but firm. She stirred the pot with steady motions, but her eyes betrayed the same worry etched into every line of his father¡¯s face.


    A drop of cold sweat slid down Yonas¡¯ back. His fingers tightened around the edge of the table, the wood biting into his skin. His mind raced, the details of his dream aligning too neatly with his father¡¯s words. Was it a coincidence? Or something more?


    ¡°Yonas? Yonas!¡± His mother¡¯s voice pierced the fog of his thoughts. She stood closer now, a crease between her brows. ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Yonas forced a smile, nodding quickly. ¡°Yeah, sorry. Just... a bit tired.¡±


    His mother studied him for a moment longer before retreating to the hearth. ¡°We used the communication rune,¡± she began, her tone lighter, almost hopeful. ¡°We asked if Nasir could take you with him when he arrives. He agreed.¡±


    His father¡¯s expression softened. ¡°We know how much you¡¯ve always wanted to be an elemental swordsman. And with this elemental aptitude... well, you need to learn to control it. Nasir can teach you, and he can keep you safe.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement lighting his features. ¡°Really? I can go with Uncle Nasir?¡±


    His mother smiled, the expression a rare comfort against the storm of uncertainty. ¡°Yes. You¡¯ll be safe with him, and you¡¯ll learn so much. It¡¯s the best chance we can give you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Yonas leapt from his seat, a genuine grin breaking through. His dreams of learning the sword, of seeing the world beyond their quiet town, seemed closer now¡ªmore real.


    His father chuckled; the sound strained but sincere. ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon. Grab some clothes, your sword, and anything else you want to take. You¡¯ll need to be ready.¡±


    Nodding eagerly, Yonas darted up the stairs. His room seemed smaller now, each item a piece of the life he would leave behind. He packed carefully, folding clothes and tucking away small keepsakes. His sword, still polished and sharp, lay atop his bag. He tucked his scarf into the sack, a small comfort to take with him.


    Time slipped away as he moved through the motions, his mind a blend of fear and hope. He wondered what Nasir would be like¡ªif he¡¯d still remember the boy who had clung to his leg the last time he visited, or if he¡¯d see only the promise of a new apprentice.


    A sharp knock at the door cut through the quiet, sending a jolt through the house. Yonas froze, his hand still clutching his scarf. His parents¡¯ muffled voices reached him, and he knew.


    He rushed down the stairs, his heart pounding as he reached for the door. His fingers tightened on the handle, and with a deep breath, he began to pull it open.

 Chapter 2 Nasirs Arrival

    Chapter 2 Nasir¡¯s arrival 28/07/908


    Yonas¡¯ hand hesitated on the door handle, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. His breath caught in his throat as he pulled the door open, the creak of the wood sounding louder than usual. Light flooded into the small home, and a tall shadow filled the doorway.


    ¡°Hello, Yonas,¡± a deep, warm voice greeted him. Yonas had to crane his neck to take in the figure before him. Standing at an easy six foot three, Nasir filled the frame with his relaxed, yet solid presence. His scruffy brown hair and warm brown eyes held a soft amusement, as if he found joy in every moment. A simple grey long-sleeved shirt, worn but sturdy, and brown trousers with various bits of equipment strapped to his legs, gave him the appearance of a well-travelled adventurer. At his side hung a standard sword, unadorned but well-maintained, a testament to practical use rather than show.


    Nasir¡¯s lips curled into a smile as he met Yonas¡¯ eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve grown. I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±


    Yonas managed a nod, his voice caught somewhere between his chest and his mouth. ¡°Uncle Nasir...¡±


    The rest of his family stepped forward, his mother brushing past him to wrap Nasir in a quick, firm hug. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, Nasir.¡±


    ¡°You too, sis,¡± Nasir replied, his voice light but genuine. He clasped his brother-in-law¡¯s hand, exchanging a silent nod of respect.


    ¡°Come in, come in,¡± Yonas¡¯ father urged, stepping aside to let Nasir into the warmth of their home.


    The room seemed smaller with Nasir inside, his presence filling the space. He dropped his sack by the door, the light clatter of metal and tools hinting at the life he led away from their quiet town. Despite his size, he moved with an ease that suggested a practiced readiness, a strength beneath his relaxed demeanour.


    The family settled around the kitchen table, the small home drawing them close. Yonas took a seat beside Liem, who fidgeted slightly, his eyes darting between the adults. His wooden horse, a comfort, was clutched tightly in his small hands.


    ¡°So,¡± Nasir began, folding his arms on the table, ¡°I hear there¡¯s been quite the announcement.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ parents shared a glance, a silent exchange before his mother spoke. ¡°Yes. The announcement, the invasion... it¡¯s a lot to take in. We¡¯re still processing it.¡±


    ¡°Understandable.¡± Nasir¡¯s expression softened. ¡°You¡¯re not alone. I think the entire kingdom is reeling. I got the message too. It¡¯s not every day that a higher being decides to play with our lives.¡±


    Yonas shifted in his seat, his fingers tracing the grain of the wood. The air felt heavy, but Nasir¡¯s presence helped, a calm in the storm of uncertainty.


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    His father cleared his throat. ¡°We wanted to ask if you could take Yonas with you. With his aptitude and... well, the invasion on the horizon, he needs to learn to defend himself.¡±


    Nasir¡¯s gaze moved to Yonas, not with scrutiny but with a quiet assessment. ¡°Is that what you want, Yonas?¡±


    Yonas hesitated, his mind swirling with dreams and doubts. ¡°I want to become the greatest elemental swordsman,¡± he said, his voice firmer than he expected. ¡°I know it won¡¯t be easy, but... I believe I can do it.¡±


    The room fell into a stillness. His parents wore masks of calm, but Yonas could see the flicker of emotion beneath¡ªhope, fear, love. Liem¡¯s eyes widened, a mix of admiration and confusion.


    A soft chuckle escaped Nasir¡¯s lips. ¡°Well, that¡¯s quite the goal. It¡¯s good to believe in yourself, Yonas. That¡¯s the first step.¡±


    Yonas swallowed, his heart thudding. He had expected doubt, maybe gentle reassurances, but not the warm acceptance in Nasir¡¯s tone.


    ¡°What about the dangers?¡± Yonas¡¯ mother asked, her voice steady but edged with worry. ¡°We heard about the new monster... the goblin.¡±


    Nasir waved a hand lightly. ¡°The goblin is nothing to worry about. Based on reports, it¡¯s about twenty times weaker than me. I¡¯ve dealt with worse things on a bad day. We¡¯ll handle it. I¡¯ll make sure Yonas is safe.¡±


    A small voice broke into the conversation. ¡°Will you protect him?¡± Liem¡¯s question hung in the air, his fingers still curled around the wooden horse.


    Nasir turned to him, his expression softening. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll keep him safe, Liem. You have my word.¡±


    Liem nodded, a serious look on his young face. Yonas felt a swell of warmth, a tether to his family that he hadn¡¯t realized he needed.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± his father said, his tone a mix of relief and resignation. ¡°Yonas, go finish packing. Nasir, we¡¯ll talk more while he gets ready.¡±


    Yonas rose, the weight of the moment pressing on him. As he moved to the stairs, he felt Liem¡¯s small hand on his. ¡°Will you come back?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Yonas knelt down, meeting his brother¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll come back stronger. I promise.¡±


    Liem hesitated, then thrust the wooden horse into Yonas¡¯ hands. ¡°Take this. It¡¯ll keep you safe.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ throat tightened, and he pulled Liem into a quick hug. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll take good care of it.¡±


    He hurried up to his room, his heart a strange mix of lightness and lead. He added the small wooden horse to his pack, its worn surface a promise he intended to keep.


    Downstairs, the low murmur of adult voices continued. He couldn¡¯t make out the words, but he caught the tone¡ªquestions, plans, reassurances. His parents needed to hear that he would be alright, that this was the right choice.


    When he descended again, his pack slung over his shoulder, Nasir stood by the door, his easy demeanour a comfort against the uncertainty ahead.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Nasir asked, his tone both light and serious.


    Yonas nodded. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m ready.¡±


    The family gathered at the door, a cluster of hugs and whispered words. His mother¡¯s hand lingered on his cheek, his father¡¯s grip on his shoulder, Liem¡¯s small fingers brushing against his own.


    As Yonas and Nasir stepped outside, the world seemed both vast and close. The road ahead stretched out, filled with promise and peril. Yonas took a breath, his fingers brushing the scarf tucked into his sack, the wooden horse nestled against it.


    With a final wave, they set off, the door closing behind them. Each step forward was a step into the unknown, but with Nasir beside him, Yonas felt a quiet strength begin to bloom within.

 Chapter 3 Goblins Whereabouts

    Chapter 3 Goblin¡¯s whereabouts 28/07/908


    The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets as Yonas and Nasir entered the town''s high street. Normally, the bustling marketplace would hum with the cheerful chatter of peddlers and the vibrant colours of fresh produce and crafted goods. Today, however, a muted tension hung in the air. Stalls stood half-stocked, and the faces of the merchants bore the lines of worry. It was as if the entire town held its breath, uncertain of what lay ahead.


    ¡°Stay sharp,¡± Nasir murmured, his voice calm but purposeful. His eyes moved slowly, taking in every corner and alleyway. ¡°We¡¯ll split up for now. Meet me at the bulletin by sunset.¡±


    Yonas nodded, a surge of independence mixing with his apprehension. He adjusted the strap of his sack, feeling the familiar weight of his sword at his side. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll ask around about the goblin.¡±


    Nasir offered a small smile, a brief warmth in the otherwise cool air. ¡°And Yonas¡ªkeep your wits about you.¡±


    With that, they parted ways. Nasir disappeared into the flow of the crowd, a shadow among the whispers of troubled townsfolk. Yonas took a deep breath, steadying himself, and turned towards the familiar path to Dorothy¡¯s grocer stall.


    Dorothy¡¯s small shop sat at the corner of a quieter street. The once bright awning had faded under the sun, and the crates of vegetables and fruits seemed sparser than usual. Yonas noticed the door was slightly ajar, and his instincts prickled. He approached quietly, peering through the gap.


    Inside, Dorothy stood behind her counter, her hands wringing a cloth as she spoke in a trembling voice. ¡°Please... I can¡¯t afford more losses.¡±


    Three boys, not much older than Yonas, loomed over her. Their clothes were worn, their eyes hard with hunger and something darker. One of them reached over the counter, snatching an apple and biting into it with exaggerated slowness.


    ¡°I said I¡¯d pay you later,¡± he drawled, the juice dripping down his chin. His companions chuckled, the sound empty and sharp.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Yonas stepped inside, his voice firm. The laughter cut off, and three sets of eyes turned to him. ¡°Put it back. You¡¯re not thieves.¡±


    The boy with the apple sneered, tossing the half-eaten fruit aside. ¡°Who¡¯s gonna make us, runt?¡±


    Dorothy¡¯s eyes widened when she saw Yonas, her fear tinged with a desperate hope. ¡°Yonas, it¡¯s fine. They were just leaving.¡±


    ¡°No, we weren¡¯t.¡± One of the other boys, lanky and pale, leaned against a sack of potatoes. ¡°Old lady¡¯s got plenty. She won¡¯t miss a few bites.¡±


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    Yonas took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword¡ªnot to draw it, but to remind them he was not afraid. ¡°If you need food, ask. Stealing just makes you cowards.¡±


    The leader¡¯s face twisted, the bravado cracking under Yonas¡¯ steady gaze. ¡°You think you¡¯re better than us? You¡¯re just another weakling playing hero.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not playing.¡± Yonas¡¯ voice dropped, cold and clear. His father¡¯s words echoed in his mind¡ªwords before fists. ¡°Leave now, and I won¡¯t make you regret it.¡±


    Tension coiled in the air, and then the leader lunged. Yonas moved without thinking. His foot slid back, his body dropping into a low stance as the boy¡¯s fist cut through the empty space where his head had been. Yonas twisted, his sheathed sword sweeping out and catching the boy behind the knee. He hit the ground with a dull thud.


    The others hesitated, but Yonas¡¯ calm expression held them in place. ¡°You¡¯re hungry. I get it. But there are better ways.¡±


    The boy on the ground groaned, clutching his leg. ¡°Kian,¡± one of the others muttered, a flicker of fear breaking through the facade of bravado.


    Kian. The name settled in Yonas¡¯ mind. He would remember it.


    Kian pushed himself up, his eyes dark with anger. ¡°You think you¡¯re strong, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I think strength isn¡¯t just about who hits hardest,¡± Yonas replied. ¡°It¡¯s about who stands back up and chooses the right path.¡±


    Silence hung between them. Kian¡¯s fists clenched and unclenched, the battle between pride and sense playing out on his face. Finally, he looked away, the fight draining from his posture. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll go.¡±


    ¡°Take this.¡± Yonas reached into his sack, pulling out a small loaf of bread. He broke it in half, offering it to the boys. ¡°Eat. Then find work. You¡¯re not thieves, not really.¡±


    The boys exchanged wary glances. Kian took the bread, his expression unreadable. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to see you back here like this,¡± Yonas said simply. ¡°You deserve better.¡±


    The boys shuffled out, shadows under the clouded sky. When they were gone, Dorothy sank onto a stool, her shoulders trembling.


    ¡°Thank you, Yonas,¡± she whispered. ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Yonas knelt beside her, his expression softening. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Her worn hands reached out, holding his. ¡°You¡¯re a good boy. Your parents should be proud.¡±


    ¡°When I become the greatest elemental swordsman, I¡¯ll change this town,¡± Yonas said, his voice steady. ¡°No one will go hungry. No one will be left behind.¡±


    Dorothy¡¯s eyes shone, a fragile light in the dimness of her shop. ¡°I believe you.¡±


    Before leaving, Yonas paid for a small sack of apples, slipping a few extra coins onto the counter. Dorothy didn¡¯t argue¡ªshe knew he couldn¡¯t afford it, but the gesture mattered more than the money.


    His next stop was the fruit seller¡¯s stall. The vendor, a wiry man with quick eyes, spoke of a green-skinned creature lurking at the edge of the forest. ¡°It just... watched me,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Didn¡¯t attack, just stared. Eyes like it had a sickness.¡±


    Yonas thanked him, piecing together the clues. The goblin was not just a wild beast¡ªit had intent. It was planning.


    As the sky bled into shades of orange and purple, Yonas made his way to the bulletin. Nasir was already there, his expression thoughtful.


    ¡°Find anything?¡± Nasir asked.


    ¡°Yeah. The goblin¡¯s been seen near the forest. It¡¯s... observing people.¡±


    Nasir nodded. ¡°Same here. Seems like it¡¯s more than just a creature. We¡¯ll need to be careful.¡±


    Yonas matched his uncle¡¯s pace as they turned toward home, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. His resolve had only grown stronger. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he would face them head-on.

 Chapter 4 Setting up Camp

    Chapter 4 Setting up camp 28/07/908


    The sun dipped behind the treeline as Yonas and Nasir made their way to the forest''s edge. The air grew cooler, a soft breeze rustling through the underbrush. Nasir led the way, his strides confident and unhurried, while Yonas followed close behind, his eyes darting over the shifting shadows.


    ¡°Here¡¯s good,¡± Nasir said, stopping in a small clearing. The area was surrounded by trees on three sides, with a gentle slope leading down to a brook that murmured softly over smooth stones.


    Before Yonas could fully take in their surroundings, Nasir had already slipped his pack from his shoulders and set to work. In what felt like mere moments, a fire pit was cleared, stones ringed the edges, and dry kindling was arranged in a neat pile. His movements were fluid and practiced, each action serving a clear purpose.


    Yonas knelt by his own pack, fumbling to unroll his sleeping bag. He tried to mimic Nasir¡¯s efficiency, but his fingers tangled in the straps, and the bag refused to cooperate. By the time he had finally laid it out, Nasir had already started a fire, the flames crackling to life with a few sparks of flint against steel.


    ¡°How do you do it so fast?¡± Yonas asked, half in awe and half in frustration.


    Nasir chuckled, propping up a couple of branches to hang their dinner over the fire. ¡°Years of practice. You¡¯ll get the hang of it. Survival skills are just as important as combat skills. A well-rested fighter is a sharper fighter.¡±


    Yonas nodded, setting his pack aside and moving closer to the warmth. The heat licked at his face, the smell of wood smoke mingling with the crisp evening air. Nasir pulled a small wrapped bundle from his pack and unfolded it to reveal two skinned rabbit legs.


    ¡°Bought these from the butcher,¡± he explained, threading the meat onto sticks and positioning them over the fire. ¡°Traded some information for it. Figured a hot meal would do us good.¡±


    Yonas'' stomach rumbled in agreement, and he settled in beside Nasir, his knees drawn up as he stared into the flames. The quiet stretched comfortably between them until Nasir spoke again.


    ¡°So, you¡¯ve heard about the Kingdom Council¡¯s ranking system, right?¡±


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Yonas said. ¡°I know it¡¯s about power levels, but not much else.¡±


    Nasir nodded, slowly turning the skewered rabbit to ensure it cooked evenly. ¡°The ranks help measure ability, but they¡¯re not perfect. They fluctuate based on experience and intelligence. A rank 1 elementalist, for example, can move elemental energy off their body, shaping it to their will. But for a rank 1 elemental swordsman, they can only apply elemental energy to their body and their sword¡ªthey can''t project it outward yet.¡±


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    ¡°What about a rank 2 elemental swordsman?¡± Yonas asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°To reach rank 2, you need to be a rank 1 elementalist and a rank 1 swordsman. At that stage, an elemental swordsman can enhance their weapon and body with elemental energy more efficiently and start to control the energy with greater precision. They still can¡¯t project it far, but their strikes and defences become more potent.¡±


    Yonas took this in, his mind working through the implications. ¡°What about you? What rank are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a rank 4 elemental swordsman,¡± Nasir said, not with pride but with a simple honesty. ¡°As a pure swordsman, I¡¯m rank 6, but my elemental energy skills are stuck at rank 3. Without mastering that, I can¡¯t progress further.¡±


    Yonas hesitated. ¡°Is it because elemental energy is hard to control?¡±


    ¡°For me, yeah. I just don¡¯t have the same talent with it as I do with the sword. But that¡¯s alright. Not everyone¡¯s path is the same.¡±


    A comfortable silence fell between them as the rabbit began to brown, its scent mingling with the smoke. Yonas watched the flames dance, his thoughts drifting.


    ¡°What about me?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°Where do I stand?¡±


    Nasir offered him a skewer, the meat sizzling slightly. ¡°You¡¯re a rank 1 swordsman, and you¡¯re close to rank 2. Your body is changing¡ªmuscles developing, blood flowing more efficiently. I¡¯ve seen it before.¡±


    The warmth of the fire battled with a chill of doubt that ran through Yonas. ¡°But the goblin... you said it¡¯s as strong as a rank 4 swordsman. I¡¯m not ready for that.¡±


    Nasir bit into his meal, chewing thoughtfully before responding. ¡°On paper, sure. But strength isn¡¯t everything. That goblin was watching the fruit seller instead of attacking. A true predator strikes when the opportunity presents itself. If it hesitates, that means it has a weakness.¡±


    Yonas picked at the meat, his appetite dulled by the weight of his thoughts. ¡°So... what do we do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll weaken it for you. I want you to get a feel for its movements and learn from it. Experience is the best teacher.¡±


    Yonas looked up, finding Nasir¡¯s expression steady and sure. ¡°What if I fail?¡±


    ¡°Then you fail. And then we try again.¡± Nasir¡¯s tone was light, but his words held a gravity that pulled Yonas back to the present. ¡°Remember, strategy matters just as much as strength. If something stronger is chasing you, and you lead it into a trap¡ªa pit with spikes, say¡ªyou¡¯ve just beaten it with your brain.¡±


    Yonas nodded slowly, the fire¡¯s warmth finally reaching him. ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all I ask.¡± Nasir leaned back, his silhouette against the fading light. ¡°Get some rest. We¡¯ll need sharp eyes tomorrow.¡±


    The fire burned low as they prepared for the night. Yonas nestled into his sleeping bag, the cool earth beneath him grounding his racing thoughts. He stared up at the canopy of leaves, the dark sky peeking through in fractured shards.


    Just as his eyes began to droop, a soft rustling reached his ears. His muscles tensed, the blanket of sleep slipping away. He shifted, his hand finding the hilt of his sword. The sound came again, a brush of leaves against something solid.


    ¡°Nasir?¡± he whispered, his voice swallowed by the night. His uncle did not stir, his breathing slow and even.


    Yonas held his breath, every sense straining as the rustling grew nearer. Shadows danced at the edge of the firelight, twisting and curling as if alive. His pulse quickened, each beat a hammer against his ribs.


    Then, the sound stopped. Silence wrapped around him, heavy and absolute.


    And then... another rustle, closer this time.


    Yonas tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing through Nasir¡¯s words¡ªexperience, intelligence, strategy. The darkness seemed to thicken, pressing in from all sides. Whatever was out there, it was waiting.


    And so was he.

 Chapter 5 The Goblin Hunt

    Chapter 5 The Goblin Hunt 28/07/908


    The night held its breath. Yonas¡¯ fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword, his knuckles pale in the dim light. His eyes strained against the darkness, searching for the source of the rustling that had shattered the quiet of their camp. Nasir remained still, his breathing even and unhurried, but there was a coiled tension in his posture.


    ¡°Prepare to run,¡± Nasir¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper, but every syllable struck Yonas like a drumbeat. His mind flashed to the goblin from his dream, the green skin and yellow eyes, the gnashing teeth and the dark forest. His body began to shake, the sword in his hand suddenly feeling like lead.


    ¡°Yonas,¡± Nasir said, sharper this time. ¡°Breathe. Focus.¡±


    Yonas swallowed, the air catching in his throat. His knees locked, a cold sweat running down his back. He couldn¡¯t move. His muscles were stone, and his mind a whirlpool of fear.


    The bushes trembled, the rustling growing louder, sharper. Something was coming.


    ¡°Run!¡± Nasir¡¯s shout snapped the night in two.


    Yonas¡¯ legs obeyed before his mind did. He turned, his feet hammering against the dirt, and dashed into the forest. Branches whipped against his face, and roots clawed at his ankles. His breath came in ragged gasps, each one scraping his lungs raw. Behind him, he heard the clash of steel, the guttural cries of goblins, and Nasir¡¯s voice¡ªa roar against the chaos.


    His foot caught a root, and he crashed to the ground. The impact knocked the air from his chest, his vision swimming with stars. He struggled up, his hands sinking into the damp earth. The sounds of battle seemed farther away now, a distant nightmare.


    Then he saw it.


    A goblin, shorter than him but brimming with malice, peeked from behind a tree. Its skin glistened in the pale light, its yellow eyes wide and wild. A long tongue darted over its cracked lips as if tasting his fear. When its lips peeled back, Yonas glimpsed jagged, stained teeth.


    Yonas¡¯ breath stuttered. His instincts screamed at him to run, to keep running until the world fell away. But he knew, deep down, he couldn¡¯t. The goblin would catch him, and he¡¯d die with its teeth in his throat.


    He ducked behind a tree, forcing his breathing into a shallow rhythm. His hands trembled, his sword slick in his grip. The world narrowed to the rustle of leaves, the soft patter of goblin feet, the wet sound of its tongue licking at the air.


    Yonas pressed himself against the bark, every muscle a wire pulled tight. He closed his eyes, listening. The goblin was close¡ªtoo close. His pulse throbbed in his ears, a metronome to his terror.


    The goblin lunged.


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    Yonas spun out from behind the tree, his sword slashing in a wide arc. Steel bit into flesh, a spray of dark blood catching the moonlight. The goblin shrieked, a sound that cut through Yonas¡¯ bones. Its clawed hand lashed out, raking across his arm. Hot pain bloomed, but he didn¡¯t falter.


    The creature barrelled into him, knocking them both to the ground. Yonas¡¯ sword slipped from his hand, skittering into the brush. His back hit the dirt, the goblin straddling his chest, its weight pressing down like a boulder. Sharp nails dug into his shoulders, pinning him in place.


    Its jaws opened wide, strings of saliva stretching between its fangs. Yonas thrust his arm up, and the goblin bit down, its teeth sinking into his forearm. Agony exploded through him, a red-hot lance of pain. His vision wavered, darkness seeping into the edges.


    But something snapped inside him¡ªa raw, desperate will to survive.


    With his free hand, Yonas reached up and jammed his thumb into the goblin¡¯s eye. The soft orb burst under the pressure, viscous fluid oozing over his hand. The goblin screamed, a high, keening wail. It thrashed, but Yonas didn¡¯t stop. His fingers curled into its empty socket, pushing deeper, until he could feel the wet, pulsing mass of its other eye from the inside.


    He yanked.


    The goblin convulsed, its body seizing as its sight was torn away. Yonas felt warmth against his skin, the creature¡¯s blood soaking into his clothes. Its bite loosened, and he tore his arm free, the wound ragged and bleeding.


    He scrambled to his knees, the world a blur of pain and adrenaline. His hand found his sword, the metal cold and grounding. The goblin lay on its side, twitching, its hands clawing at the empty hollows of its face.


    Yonas rose, his legs trembling but holding. He took a step forward, then another. The goblin gurgled, a pitiful, wet sound. It reached out, its fingers brushing his boot.


    He drove the blade into the eye socket, the steel piercing through to the goblin¡¯s brain. The creature went still.


    The silence that followed was absolute. Yonas stared at the corpse, his chest heaving. His blood dripped onto the leaves, each drop a drumbeat in the quiet. His vision tunnelled, the edges turning grey. His body slumped, and he collapsed against a tree, the bark rough against his back.


    The world dimmed, and he slipped into darkness.


    When Yonas opened his eyes again, it was to the dim glow of a fire and the sharp, metallic taste of blood on his tongue. His arm throbbed, the pain a dull, steady rhythm. He tried to move, but a weight held him down.


    ¡°Stay still.¡±


    Nasir¡¯s voice. Low, tired. Yonas turned his head, the world swimming. His uncle knelt beside him, one hand pressed against his broken arm. Soft wisps of light flowed from Nasir¡¯s palm, seeping into Yonas¡¯ skin. The pain ebbed slightly, a cool relief against the burn.


    ¡°What... happened?¡± Yonas¡¯ voice was a rasp.


    ¡°You survived.¡± Nasir¡¯s face was a mask of exhaustion, his eyes shadowed. ¡°Thirty goblins, Yonas. They came out of nowhere. You... you killed one.¡±


    Memories crashed over him¡ªthe goblin¡¯s teeth in his arm, its eyes under his fingers, the blade sinking into its skull. His stomach churned, bile rising in his throat.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t... I didn¡¯t run far enough.¡±


    Nasir¡¯s hand moved to Yonas¡¯ forehead, the touch gentle. ¡°You did well. You did what you had to.¡±


    The warmth of the healing faded, and Nasir sat back, his breathing uneven. ¡°Your arm¡¯s not fully healed. I¡¯ve used too much energy. We¡¯ll need to wait until I recover to fix it properly.¡±


    Yonas nodded, the motion weak. His eyelids drooped, the pull of sleep irresistible. ¡°Are... are you okay?¡±


    Nasir managed a small smile, the first hint of warmth since the attack. ¡°I am. You¡¯re stronger than you think, Yonas. And braver.¡±


    Darkness tugged at him, and Yonas let it take him. The last thing he felt was Nasir¡¯s hand, steady and reassuring, resting on his shoulder.

 Chapter 6 Recovery and New beginnings

    Chapter 6: Recovery and New Beginnings 29/07/908


    Yonas stirred awake, the world around him a hazy blur of orange and shadow. His body ached, each breath a reminder of the brutal fight with the goblin. His arm throbbed with a dull, persistent pain, wrapped tightly in makeshift bandages. The stiffness in his limbs made even the slightest movement a challenge.


    A soft crackle came from the campfire nearby. Nasir sat beside it, a calm but weary presence. His silhouette flickered in the firelight, every movement slow and deliberate. When he noticed Yonas stirring, a soft smile crossed his face.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± Nasir said. His voice, though gentle, carried the weight of exhaustion.


    Yonas opened his mouth, but his throat felt parched. He managed a nod, shifting slightly. Pain shot through his arm, and he winced. Nasir was at his side in an instant, steadying him with a careful hand.


    ¡°Easy,¡± Nasir murmured. ¡°Your arm is broken. I need more time to recover enough energy to heal the bone properly.¡±


    Fear rippled through Yonas, the memory of the goblin¡¯s twisted grin flashing in his mind. He had been so close to death¡ªif not for Nasir, he wouldn¡¯t be here now. A shiver crawled up his spine, and he swallowed hard.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered.


    Nasir eased back onto his makeshift seat, his movements steady despite the weariness etched into his features. He stirred the fire, coaxing the embers to life, a quiet rhythm to fill the silence.


    Yonas shifted again, testing his limbs, but the pain in his arm kept him still. Frustration boiled beneath his skin, not just from the injury but from the sense of failure that gnawed at him. He had survived, but only barely.


    Nasir seemed to sense this. ¡°The fight with the goblin wasn¡¯t just a test of strength,¡± he began. ¡°It was a lesson. Not just about fighting¡ªbut about survival.¡±


    ¡°I rushed it,¡± Yonas muttered, his voice tight. ¡°I could¡¯ve landed a better hit if I¡¯d waited.¡±


    ¡°You could have,¡± Nasir agreed. ¡°But remember, the goblin was five times stronger than you. The fact that you survived is a testament to your instincts.¡±


    Shame and pride warred within Yonas. He could see his mistakes, the moments where hesitation or desperation had nearly cost him his life. Yet, hearing Nasir¡¯s perspective, a small ember of pride remained. He had survived.


    After a quiet meal, Nasir laid out the plan for the coming months. ¡°Every night, we¡¯ll focus on meditation. The goal is to heighten your senses and, eventually, connect with elemental energy.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ eyes widened. Elemental energy felt like a distant dream¡ªsomething reserved for the truly gifted. ¡°How long will it take?¡±


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    Nasir¡¯s expression remained unreadable. ¡°It could take years. But our goal is different. If you can reach rank 1 elemental swordsman within six months, it would be nothing short of a miracle.¡±


    ¡°Six months?¡± Yonas felt a mix of dread and excitement. ¡°Is that even possible?¡±


    ¡°Only a handful of prodigies have ever done it,¡± Nasir admitted. ¡°But it¡¯s a bonus goal. The real aim is for you to reach rank 3 swordsman, gain experience, and learn from the world around you.¡±


    The weight of the task settled on Yonas'' shoulders. It was immense, nearly impossible¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t hopeless. ¡°We¡¯re not in a rush,¡± Nasir added. ¡°You¡¯ll learn at your own pace. Progress isn¡¯t always visible, but every step forward matters.¡±


    As night fell, Yonas sat cross-legged near the fire. Nasir demonstrated the meditation posture, his breathing slow and even, his presence like a stone in a calm pond. Yonas mirrored him, closing his eyes and drawing a deep breath.


    The sounds of the forest filled his ears¡ªthe rustling of leaves, the distant calls of animals, the gentle crackle of the fire. The cool air brushed against his skin, a reminder of the world around him. He tried to focus, to feel for something beyond himself, but all he found was the ache in his muscles and the pulse of his wounds.


    Frustration gnawed at him. He clenched his fists, his body tensing as if he could force the energy to reveal itself through sheer will. His mind was a whirlpool, thoughts crashing against each other, each one louder than the last.


    A soft chuckle broke the silence. Yonas opened one eye to see Nasir watching him, an amused smile on his lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re throwing rocks into the pond, Yonas,¡± Nasir said. ¡°All you get are ripples. You need to let the water settle.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ frustration was palpable, but Nasir didn¡¯t push him. Instead, he leaned back, his gaze drifting to the stars. ¡°You know, when I was your age, I couldn¡¯t do it either.¡±


    Yonas looked up, curiosity breaking through his irritation.


    ¡°An elementalist came to town, looking for kids with potential. He picked me out¡ªI had no idea why. I thought he¡¯d made a mistake.¡± Nasir¡¯s voice was soft, as if speaking to the night itself. ¡°It took me a full year to sense elemental energy. I wasn¡¯t special. I just kept trying.¡±


    Yonas felt a strange comfort in the story. Nasir¡¯s journey had been slow and uncertain, just like his own. Maybe struggling wasn¡¯t a sign of failure¡ªmaybe it was part of the path.


    ¡°The mind is like a pond,¡± Nasir repeated. ¡°If you throw rocks at it, you¡¯ll only see ripples. You need to let it be still.¡±


    Yonas sat quietly, the metaphor swirling in his mind. He struggled to grasp its meaning, his thoughts trying to piece it together. Finally, he decided to stop trying so hard. He let his mind drift, his thoughts wandering to nothing in particular. His breathing slowed, his body unwinding.


    In the quiet of his mind, images surfaced. His family¡¯s faces, the weight of their hopes resting on his shoulders. The memory of the goblin¡¯s jagged teeth, the searing pain of its bite, the wet warmth of his own blood. His resolve solidified, a quiet voice in the back of his mind whispering, ¡°I won¡¯t be as scared as I was that night.¡±


    But still, no elemental energy stirred. The air remained still, indifferent to his efforts. Nasir didn¡¯t interrupt. He understood that this moment of reflection was as valuable as any breakthrough.


    The fire had burned low, the embers casting a soft glow. Nasir nudged Yonas gently. ¡°Get some rest. Tomorrow¡¯s another day.¡±


    Yonas lay down, his body weary but his mind too active to sleep. He stared at the stars, tiny and distant against the black sky. They felt like his goal¡ªfar away, almost unreachable. But still, they shone.


    The night stretched on, the fire¡¯s final embers glowing faintly. Yonas¡¯ last thought before sleep took him was a promise to himself: he would keep trying, even if success felt like a distant star.

 Chapter 7 Into the Forests Shadow

    Chapter 7: Into the Forest''s Shadow 30/07/908


    Yonas'' body still ached, but he forced himself to move. His broken arm remained bound, the pain a dull throb under the bandages, but he wasn''t about to let it stop him. He needed to prove, if only to himself, that he wasn''t as weak as he had felt against the goblin.


    He took on small tasks¡ªgathering firewood, refilling his water satchel. Each motion tested his endurance, and bending down to collect sticks was a challenge he hadn''t expected. Without his dominant arm, even simple movements required focus. His body protested, muscles stiff and sore, but he pushed through, driven by a quiet promise to himself: I won''t lose so pathetically ever again.


    Nasir watched, his expression calm but observant. He didn''t offer to help, only murmuring, ¡°This pain is temporary.¡± It was a simple truth, but it settled into Yonas'' mind, echoing with every step he took.


    When Yonas finally sat down, his chest heaving with effort, Nasir handed him a small portion of dried meat. They ate in silence, the forest breathing around them, a living backdrop to their quiet meal.


    ¡°You know,¡± Nasir said, breaking the silence, ¡°In a real battle, no one will give you a moment to catch your breath.¡±


    Yonas nodded, biting into the meat. His jaw ached, but he kept chewing, kept moving forward.


    ¡°You need to tear your muscles to build them stronger,¡± Nasir continued. ¡°Every step forward is a chance to grow. But strength also means knowing when not to push too hard.¡±


    Yonas didn''t reply, but his expression hardened, a flicker of determination in his eyes. He wouldn¡¯t question Nasir¡ªhe had faith in him. His body might have limits, but his spirit didn''t.


    As the sun rose higher, Nasir led Yonas deeper into the forest. ¡°Today, we focus on tracking. The forest speaks¡ªyou just have to learn how to listen.¡±


    Nasir knelt, brushing his fingers against the forest floor. ¡°Look for footprints, broken branches, a change in the smell of the air, even worn patches of ground. Anything that feels out of place.¡±


    Yonas crouched beside him, his own hand hovering over the ground. He tried to focus, but every rustle, every shadow, pulled at his attention. His movements were hesitant, his eyes skimming over details he needed to see.


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    After an hour, his frustration grew. He hadn¡¯t found a single sign¡ªnot even a hint of animal tracks. His breath quickened, but then he forced himself to stop. He let out a long breath, a smile tugging at his lips.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get even better,¡± he whispered, turning his frustration into a quiet resolve.


    Nasir said nothing, but his approval was clear in the subtle nod he gave.


    The forest around them felt like a different world. Strange plants with soft glows lined their path, casting a pale light in the shaded underbrush. The air had a pulse, a rhythmic thrum that Nasir described as the forest ''breathing.'' Yonas couldn¡¯t feel the elemental energy, but he could sense the life around him, the way everything seemed to move with a purpose.


    As they walked, Nasir began to tell a story. ¡°There¡¯s a tree, hidden somewhere in a place not many dare go. The Tree of Four Elements. It glows with a purplish hue, a beacon for legendary creatures. A rank 9 elementalist created it, and it¡¯s said to breathe elemental energy into the land around it.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ mind drifted, his imagination painting pictures of the tree¡ªits leaves shimmering with light, its roots winding deep into the earth, connecting to everything. His heart beat faster. Could he find it one day? Would he be strong enough to stand before it?


    The afternoon turned to evening, and Yonas attempted to hunt. Nasir had taught him to track, to feel for changes in the ground, but he struggled. His fingers traced the earth, but he found nothing. No tracks, no signs of life. He bit back his frustration, reminding himself that asking for help wasn¡¯t a failure.


    ¡°If I really can¡¯t find a way forward, I¡¯ll ask,¡± he told himself. But not yet. He wasn¡¯t stuck¡ªjust learning.


    Their meal that night came from the small creatures they had managed to catch. Yonas chewed slowly, the taste of his own effort making every bite more satisfying. It wasn¡¯t just about the food¡ªit was about the proof that he was getting better, no matter how small the progress.


    As darkness settled, they sat by the fire. Nasir guided Yonas through meditation again. With less pain in his body, Yonas found it easier to concentrate. He closed his eyes, breathing slowly, his thoughts focused on his goal¡ªto become the strongest elemental swordsman.


    ¡°The mind is a pond,¡± Nasir¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°Let the ripples settle. Only then will you see clearly.¡±


    Yonas sat still, his breathing even, his body relaxed. His thoughts drifted, brushing against memories of his family, his promise to them, the image of the glowing elemental tree. He could almost see it in the darkness behind his eyelids, a symbol of his dreams.


    When he opened his eyes, the fire had burned low. The forest was alive with natural sounds¡ªanimals calling, leaves whispering in the wind. He lay down, staring at the stars. They seemed impossibly far away, but they shone all the same.


    His last thought before sleep claimed him was simple and honest: I¡¯ll keep trying. No matter how distant my goal seems.

 Chapter 8 The First Step Forward

    Chapter 8 The First Step Forward 02/08/908


    Yonas awoke early, his body still sore but his mind sharper than it had been in days. He pushed himself up, his limbs light and ready. His broken arm, still healing, remained bound but was much improved. He had asked Nasir why he hadn¡¯t used healing energy to mend it fully.


    Nasir had explained with a calm but firm tone, ¡°If you rely on healing energy too much, your body will forget how to recover on its own. When the body becomes dependent on elemental energy, its natural resilience fades. Real strength comes from enduring pain, letting your body learn to heal itself.¡±


    The explanation made sense to Yonas. His body needed to learn to heal, to endure, not to expect a shortcut. It was a lesson as much mental as it was physical.


    He moved through basic sword drills, focusing on his footwork and keeping his balance. His strikes lacked power, but his movements were more deliberate. Each swing of his sword cut through the morning air, not with strength but with a quiet determination. Nasir stood nearby, his presence felt more than seen. When Yonas¡¯ stance faltered or his swing lacked precision, Nasir offered subtle hints¡ªa shift in his own stance, a nod towards Yonas'' feet, a whispered reminder to breathe.


    The training was a warm-up. Nasir had made it clear that most of Yonas¡¯ real lessons would come on the road, where every step and every breath could lead to a new experience. Even in these small moments, Yonas could feel the shift in his own attitude. He no longer approached training as a chore but as a path forward¡ªa way to build himself up piece by piece.


    After they finished, Nasir announced it was time to move on. Yonas packed up his belongings with a steady hand. His movements were practical, lacking hesitation. His body felt strong, and he no longer let the memory of his injuries define him. His seriousness had deepened, a reflection of the knowledge that another fight might come at any moment. Nasir noticed the change but said nothing, allowing Yonas to walk his own path.


    Their journey led them deeper into the forest, the path winding between gnarled trees and over roots that threatened to trip the unwary. The air held a damp chill, a reminder of the rain that had passed through the night before. Yonas remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the undergrowth, his grip on his sword firm.


    When they encountered the small group of goblins, Nasir moved like a shadow. His sword whispered through the air, each strike swift and precise. Within moments, five goblins lay still on the forest floor. Yonas watched, his breath caught between admiration and the chill of realising his own inexperience.


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    One goblin remained, its beady eyes darting between Yonas and Nasir. Yonas stepped forward before Nasir could say anything. His body reacted before his mind could hesitate, his sword raised, his stance solid.


    The goblin lunged, its movements quick but not unpredictable. Yonas'' mind spun with possibilities. He imagined different attack patterns, trying to prepare for every outcome. His feet shifted, his sword wavered, caught between a block and a strike.


    ¡°You can¡¯t move if you never take the first step. Stop thinking ahead and start thinking in the now!¡± Nasir¡¯s voice cut through Yonas¡¯ tangled thoughts.


    The words hit like a stone, sending ripples through his mind. Yonas'' focus narrowed. His movements became simpler, his defence tighter. He began to block more effectively, his timing sharpening with each exchange. The goblin pressed him, but instead of retreating, he held his ground. His breath came hard, his muscles burning, but he found a rhythm in the chaos.


    A smile broke through his concentration. Not of joy, but of acceptance. He wasn¡¯t winning, but he wasn¡¯t losing either. His footwork improved, his sword an extension of his intent. But as the fight dragged on, his strength waned. His chest heaved, sweat slicked his brow, and his sword felt heavier with every swing.


    The final push came not from strategy but from resolve. Yonas lunged, his sword catching the goblin¡¯s shoulder, forcing it back. But his victory was brief. His muscles seized, his body cramping, locking him in place. He stood, defenceless, his blade too heavy to lift.


    Nasir moved in a blur. His sword whispered through the air, and the goblin fell. He turned to Yonas, his expression a blend of praise and caution. He reached out, pulling Yonas to his feet.


    ¡°You adapted quickly,¡± Nasir said, his voice even. ¡°But you need to find your way forward. Sometimes, attacking is the best defence. You hesitated, and that hesitation nearly cost you.¡±


    Yonas nodded, the words sinking into the marrow of his bones. He wasn¡¯t ashamed of needing Nasir¡¯s help¡ªdisappointed, perhaps, but not defeated. He realised that the fear holding him back was rooted in his near-death experience, the shadow of that first goblin still haunting his movements.


    Nasir¡¯s praise buoyed him, but it was the critique that sharpened his resolve. He had lasted longer against the goblin than before. His body had reached its limit, but his mind remained clear. His spirit, though tested, felt stronger for it.


    As they settled down for the evening, Yonas replayed the fight in his mind. He saw where he had hesitated, where he needed to be bolder. But instead of letting it fester, he allowed the thoughts to pass through him, his breathing slow and steady. He had found a way to analyse without spiralling into doubt¡ªa balance between thought and rest.


    The forest¡¯s night sounds wrapped around him, a comforting blanket of life. He lay on his bedroll, his body aching but his mind at peace. The stars above seemed closer, their light a reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, mattered.


    Sleep came slowly, but when it did, it brought with it a sense of progress. Yonas'' last thought before darkness took him was simple: I took the first step forward. Now, I just need to keep walking.

 Chapter 9 The First Step Is Movement

    Chapter 9 The First Step Is Movement 04/08/908


    Yonas awoke with a sense of purpose, his body responding naturally as he rose to his feet. The morning air carried a chill, biting gently at his skin as he moved through his warm-up drills. The exercises were simple¡ªstretches, basic sword swings, and footwork patterns¡ªbut each motion felt like a stone laid on the path ahead.


    Nasir watched from a distance, his expression unreadable. He offered no immediate advice, allowing Yonas to find his rhythm. The young swordsman''s movements were deliberate, every step with a purpose. Where before his actions had been guided by hesitation, now they flowed with a quiet intent. It was not about speed or strength but about understanding the space around him.


    The training remained a warm-up, a gentle prelude to the real lessons that lay ahead. Yonas focused on the fundamentals, not pushing himself to exhaustion but instead maintaining a steady pace. His breath remained even, his muscles warming under the early sun.


    Despite the simplicity of the exercises, Yonas found his mind wandering. The repetition of each swing and step became a rhythm that lulled him into distraction. His focus slipped, and his movements grew mechanical. Nasir, sensing this, offered a soft correction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your body move on its own. Make every swing intentional,¡± he said, his tone both firm and gentle.


    Yonas shook his head, grounding himself in the moment. He thought back to the first night with Nasir¡ªthe fear, the pain, and the sting of failure. He would not let his mind drift. His goal was clear, and every step toward it needed his full attention.


    When the warm-up ended, Nasir approached. ¡°How do you feel?¡±


    ¡°Ready,¡± Yonas replied. His voice held a confidence that surprised even himself.


    Nasir nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through his stoic expression. ¡°Then let¡¯s move.¡±


    The forest awaited, its canopy thick and its air cool. As they walked, the world around them seemed to change. The light dimmed, filtered through layers of ancient leaves. The ground softened, damp with the scent of earth and moss. Yonas¡¯ senses heightened, each step echoing in his ears, each shift of wind bringing new scents. He felt the prickle of anticipation under his skin.


    Nasir moved with the same quiet efficiency as always. His eyes scanned the trees, his body remaining loose but ready. Yonas mirrored his movements, though his own were more rigid. The deeper they went, the more his muscles tightened. He could see more animals¡ªrabbits darting through underbrush, deer watching from the shadows, their eyes glinting in the half-light.


    ¡°Stay focused,¡± Nasir murmured. ¡°The forest can deceive you. Not everything that moves is harmless.¡±


    They pressed on, the sounds of life around them mingling with the whisper of their own footfalls. At times, Nasir would stop, his head tilting as if listening to something only he could hear. Yonas would still himself, his breath caught in his chest, waiting for a sign. Most often, Nasir simply resumed walking, offering no explanation. It was a lesson in patience and vigilance¡ªtraits Yonas knew he needed to cultivate.


    ¡°The trees here are older than most kingdoms,¡± Nasir said during one such pause. His voice was low, almost reverent. ¡°Their bark is tough, almost uncuttable. They draw in elemental energy from the earth. You could hack at one all day, and by morning, it would seem untouched.¡±


    Yonas ran his hand over a nearby trunk. It felt cool, the grooves of the bark deep and ancient. ¡°Does that mean the forest is...alive?¡±


    ¡°Alive and aware,¡± Nasir replied. ¡°It has its own will. It allows us through because we aren¡¯t a threat. But if you bring fire here, the forest will fight back.¡±


    Yonas considered this, his imagination wandering. He pictured trees moving in the night, roots coiling like snakes. The forest became something more¡ªa place with a heart and mind, a silent observer to his journey.


    As they ventured further, the canopy grew thicker, casting the world in a green twilight. The air turned colder, brushing against Yonas¡¯ skin with a damp chill. His breath misted in front of him, a reminder of the distance they had travelled from the warmth of their camp.


    When they stumbled upon the goblins, Yonas felt the world snap into focus. His body shifted, weight balanced on his feet, his sword ready. The fear that had gripped him in their first encounter with these creatures was still there, a low hum beneath his skin. But now, it was tempered by something new¡ªa sense of readiness.


    Nasir stepped forward, his movements fluid. ¡°I won¡¯t use elemental energy,¡± he said. ¡°Watch closely.¡±


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    Yonas¡¯ heart pounded, not from fear but from anticipation. He knew this was more than just a fight¡ªit was a lesson.


    Nasir moved through the goblins like a breeze through leaves. His sword cut arcs through the air, each swing a continuation of the step before it. Yonas watched, his eyes drawn not to the strikes but to Nasir¡¯s feet. Each movement started there. His stance shifted before his blade did, setting up the attack before it came.


    It was more than footwork¡ªit was a dance. Nasir maintained his distance until the perfect moment, then stepped in with a precision that left the goblins reeling. He didn¡¯t overpower them; he outmanoeuvred them. It was not about strength but about positioning, about always being in the right place to strike.


    The last goblin fell, and Nasir turned to Yonas. ¡°Movement dictates the fight. Never let your feet get stuck.¡±


    The words echoed in Yonas¡¯ mind. He replayed the fight over and over, dissecting each motion, each step. His hands gripped his sword tighter, his feet testing the ground beneath him. He knew now that the sword was secondary. It was the feet that guided the battle.


    When they stopped for a break, Yonas could not sit still. He moved in circles, his feet tracing patterns in the dirt. He sidestepped, backstepped, imagined a goblin lunging at him and his feet reacting before his sword did. His body began to find a rhythm, his muscles warming to the practice. His movements were not yet smooth, but they were deliberate.


    He whispered to himself, a mantra to keep his mind focused. ¡°The first step is to move.¡±


    The forest around him faded, his world shrinking to the space between his feet and the ground. Each step felt like a question, his body searching for the answer. He stumbled, his balance tipping, but he did not stop. Every misstep was a lesson, every correction a step forward.


    When Nasir called for them to continue, Yonas felt a surge of energy. He had not mastered the lesson, but he could see the path. The fear of misstepping, of failing, had lessened. In its place was a quiet resolve. He would take this first step, and then the next, and then as many as it took to become strong.


    As they walked, Yonas¡¯ mind turned inward. His thoughts were not of the dangers ahead but of his own movements. He replayed the image of Nasir¡¯s fight, the way his uncle¡¯s feet seemed to whisper over the ground. He wanted to understand¡ªnot just copy but internalise the concept. He had seen the flow, and now he needed to feel it.


    Yonas felt a surge of determination. He approached his uncle, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. ¡°Can I try facing a goblin?¡±


    Nasir¡¯s lips curled into a grin. ¡°You think you¡¯ve figured it out?¡±


    ¡°I want to see if I understand what you¡¯ve been teaching,¡± Yonas replied. His tone was not of arrogance but of curiosity, a desire to test himself without the need to prove anything.


    Nasir¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Alright then.¡± With a nod, he led Yonas deeper into the forest. After a few minutes of searching, they found a lone goblin rummaging through the underbrush. Without hesitation, Nasir strode forward, gripped the creature by its head, and, with a powerful toss, sent it stumbling toward Yonas.


    Yonas'' breath was shallow as he faced the goblin. His mind raced, not with fear but with focus. He repeated Nasir¡¯s words like a mantra, ¡°The first step is to move.¡± His feet shuffled against the forest floor, finding balance in the uneven ground. His toes dug slightly into the dirt, creating friction and stability, his knees bent and ready to spring in any direction.


    The goblin charged, its muscles rippling beneath mottled skin. Yonas sidestepped, his feet moving before his sword even twitched. He kept his sword steady, not overcommitting to a swing he couldn¡¯t finish. Each dodge, each step, felt like another piece of the puzzle sliding into place. His feet moved in short, calculated bursts, never lingering too long in one spot. His heels barely touched the ground, his weight distributed on the balls of his feet, allowing him to shift his direction at a moment¡¯s notice.


    The creature¡¯s claws swiped through the air, each near miss pulling Yonas deeper into his rhythm. He began to circle the goblin, his feet tracing a wide arc as he maintained distance. His eyes stayed on its feet, reading the telltale shifts of weight that signalled its next move. Every step he took was a counter to the goblin''s motion, a preemptive reaction that turned the fight into a dance.


    As the battle dragged on, Yonas¡¯ muscles burned. His arms trembled, the weight of his sword amplifying with every swing. His body was close to its limit, but his mind remained sharp. He focused on the goblin¡¯s movements, the way its feet dug into the earth before each attack. He mirrored its rhythm, not to match it but to counter it. His breathing fell into sync with his movements, each exhale marking the moment his feet touched the ground.


    He tried to maintain his focus, the goblin¡¯s attacks became more frantic, each missed swipe adding a layer of desperation. Yonas felt the rhythm of the fight, the ebb and flow of motion, and he began to anticipate the goblin¡¯s next move. He felt the vibrations of the earth through his soles, the slight tremors giving him an instinctive sense of where to shift his weight.


    When his strength finally waned, his steps grew heavier. The once graceful dodges turned into sluggish retreats, his feet dragging through the dirt. He signalled to Nasir, a small gesture but enough to convey that he had reached his limit. The goblin leapt, and before it could close the distance, Nasir stepped in.


    The older swordsman moved like a shadow, his feet a blur of motion. His blade cut through the air in a clean arc. The goblin fell, its snarl fading into silence. Nasir¡¯s eyes shone with a mixture of pride and amusement.


    ¡°You¡¯re quicker than I thought. Impressive, granted you couldn¡¯t swing your sword properly,¡± Nasir said, his grin warm but his words honest. ¡°But you¡¯ve got the right idea. Footwork first. The blade will follow.¡±


    Yonas collapsed onto his bedroll that night, exhaustion pulling at his limbs. His mind replayed the fight, dissecting every mistake and every small victory. He whispered into the cool night air, ¡°The first step is to move. The next step is to keep going. And someday, I¡¯ll run.¡±


    The fire burned low, casting gentle shadows. As sleep claimed him, Yonas dreamed of movement¡ªof his feet gliding over the ground, of his body reacting without thought, of a future where he would not just walk the path but own it. And the forest around him, silent and ancient, seemed to nod in approval.

 Chapter 10 History of Valoria

    Chapter 10 History of Valoria 07/08/908


    Yonas moved through his morning training with a growing sense of frustration. His feet shuffled across the uneven ground, his sword tracing hesitant arcs through the air. No matter how many times he repeated the drills, his movements felt stilted, his steps uncertain. He could not recapture the fluidity he had felt only days before.


    His mind worked against him, a torrent of strategies and overcomplicated plans that bogged down his every action. He found himself two, sometimes three, steps ahead of his own body, his thoughts stretching into imagined futures that never came to pass. His foot would slip, his sword would overextend, and he would find himself off balance, exposed.


    Nasir watched quietly, his expression neither encouraging nor condemning. When Yonas finally paused, his breath ragged, Nasir only offered a single line: ¡°To move, you need to take the first step. But to take the first step, you need to move.¡±


    The words only added to Yonas'' frustration. He clenched his sword tightly, the leather grip biting into his palms. Without warning, he threw his head back and screamed, his voice piercing through the quiet of the forest. The sound echoed, startling a flock of birds into the sky. When his breath ran out, he stood there, chest heaving, the tension slowly ebbing from his body.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Nasir. ¡°Again.¡±


    This time, his movements were calmer. His mind still buzzed with strategies, but he forced himself to focus on the present. One step, then another. His feet moved with more intent, his strikes becoming less about the outcome and more about the process. He did not achieve the same flow as before, but it was a step forward, and for now, that was enough.


    After breaking camp, they set off deeper into the Eldergrove. The forest stretched endlessly around them, every tree a clone of the last, every path swallowed by the same thicket of undergrowth. The air hung heavy, a stillness that pressed against their skin. Yonas felt a creeping unease, not from any visible threat but from the sense that the world around them had paused, waiting for something to happen.


    Nasir led the way, his steps sure even as the landscape refused to change. His eyes darted to the ground, where Yonas only saw dirt and leaves, but Nasir seemed to see more. His fingers occasionally brushed a broken branch, his gaze lingering on worn patches of earth. Signs of movement, of life, hidden in plain sight.


    ¡°To get to the capital, we need to go through the Eldergrove,¡± Nasir explained, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°And there¡¯s no better place to train than where the monsters are.¡±


    Yonas nodded, though his mind drifted. He knew that to truly become stronger, he needed to understand not just the dangers of the forest but the very kingdom he aimed to protect. There was more to being an elemental swordsman than battle¡ªit was about knowing the world he lived in, the history that shaped it, and the people he would one day fight for.


    To pull him from his thoughts, Nasir began to speak, his tone slipping into the cadence of a storyteller.


    ¡°Valoria wasn¡¯t always governed by a council,¡± he said. ¡°Once, we had a king¡ªa ruler so cruel that his name is no longer spoken. He ruled with fear, beheading anyone he thought might rise against him. He killed five of our ten strongest warriors, leaving our kingdom vulnerable. It was his tyranny that led to the council''s formation.¡±


    ¡°Did it work?¡± Yonas asked, his curiosity stirring. ¡°The council, I mean. Are they better than a king?¡±


    Nasir hesitated, his steps slowing. ¡°For the most part, yes. The council brought stability. We haven¡¯t gone to war since they took over. But not everything is perfect. Many of them care more about securing their own wealth and power than serving the people.¡±


    ¡°But how do they get away with it?¡±


    ¡°The council operates behind closed doors. Votes are secret, and the only rule is that disagreements are never discussed publicly. One in four council members speaks for the people¡ªthe rest align with the powerful. The common folk don¡¯t see it. They see peace, safety. They think the council is working miracles.¡±


    Nasir explained how Valoria was divided into four main sectors, each with its own strength. Aegisfell, where the strongest elemental swordsmen were born and trained. Zephyros, where elementalists pushed the boundaries of magic, even now working to materialize elemental energy to make it more accessible. Pyrenhold, the kingdom¡¯s beating heart of craftsmanship, where weapons of legendary power were forged. And Thalrune, the educational hub, a place of knowledge and strategy.


    These four sectors surrounded the kingdom''s capital, where the grand castle stood. It was a fortress not only of stone but of politics, housing the council members and the powerful dukes who wielded influence over Valoria. Beyond the walls of the four sectors lay the Hinterlands, a sprawling region home to the common folk. While the inner sectors thrived with prosperity, the Hinterlands bore the weight of the kingdom¡¯s neglect, vulnerable to threats from both monsters and bandits.


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    Nasir spoke of Baldric Emberforge, the master craftsman who could infuse elemental energy into weapons, and Eldric Loreweaver, the living archive of knowledge. He told of Thorin Wyrmcall, the rank 8 elementalist whose small, strategic victories kept the kingdom alive in the war against Draeven.


    Thorin Wyrmcall was more than just a rank 8 elementalist¡ªhe was a force of nature. His command over wind and storm was unmatched, allowing him to call forth tempests that could shift the tide of battle. It was said that during the darkest hours of the Draeven war, when Valoria''s forces were cornered against the Silver Ridge, Wyrmcall stood upon the cliffs and summoned a storm so fierce it tore the Draeven ships to splinters. The wind howled with his rage, and lightning struck with pinpoint accuracy, each bolt guided by his will. His control over elemental energy was not just a skill but an art, each motion a brushstroke that painted the battlefield with both destruction and salvation.


    Nasir pulled a worn, leather-bound book from his satchel as they walked through the dense underbrush of the Eldergrove. The book''s edges were frayed, and its cover bore deep scratches, signs of both age and adventure. Yonas had seen it before, always tucked close to Nasir''s side, but this was the first time he had shown it openly.


    ¡°This is my monster book,¡± Nasir explained, holding it out for Yonas to see. ¡°Every creature I¡¯ve encountered, every threat I¡¯ve avoided¡ªit¡¯s all in here.¡±


    The book felt heavier than it looked when Yonas took it in his hands. The leather binding was smooth from years of handling, but it retained a weight that seemed more than just physical. It was a magical book, one that responded to thought. Nasir explained how he could think of a particular creature, and when he turned the pages, the book would flip to the right entry on its own. It was an expensive artifact, a small fortune spent to ensure survival.


    The reason the book could also act like a normal book, allowing Nasir to flip through the pages manually, was more practical than magical. Nasir explained that if he ever forgot something he had written down, he wouldn''t be able to recall it just by thinking of it. By allowing him to look through the book like a traditional tome, he could rediscover old knowledge, ensuring that nothing important was ever lost to the passage of time.


    Nasir opened the book, the pages rustling with a life of their own. Neat, slanted handwriting filled the parchment, accompanied by detailed sketches of creatures and plants. There were maps too, rough but clear, showing the territories of certain monsters and the safest routes through dangerous areas. Annotations crowded the margins, small notes that marked changes in behavior or new discoveries. The book was alive with knowledge.


    ¡°Do you only write about monsters?¡± Yonas asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Nasir said, flipping to a page showing a cluster of glowing blue vines. ¡°I include plants too. Some are dangerous, like these Luminth Vines. They lure creatures in with their light and then constrict, draining their life force. Others are useful¡ªherbs that can numb pain, mushrooms that enhance night vision. The forest is as much an ally as it is an enemy, if you know what to look for.¡±


    Yonas traced a finger over the inked lines, feeling the slight raise of the ink under his touch. Each page was a story of survival, a testament to caution and preparation. ¡°Have you shown this to anyone else?¡±


    Nasir shook his head. ¡°I work alone. Most wouldn¡¯t believe what¡¯s in here anyway. People in the capital, even some in the Hinterlands, think the Eldergrove is just an old forest. They¡¯ve never seen what it hides.¡±


    The pages turned to a sketch of a creature with sinewy limbs and translucent skin. Its eyes were dark pits, its mouth a maw filled with needle-like teeth. ¡°Shade Stalker,¡± Nasir said. ¡°It lives in shadows, blending in until it strikes. I watched it take down a boar without a sound.¡±


    ¡°Did you fight it?¡± Yonas asked, his voice hushed.


    ¡°No need,¡± Nasir replied. ¡°Not every battle is worth fighting. Sometimes the best move is to avoid danger altogether. The Shade Stalker hunts by sound and heat. Staying still, keeping quiet¡ªthat¡¯s how you survive.¡±


    The book also held secrets about harmless creatures. Nasir showed him a drawing of a small, rabbit-like creature with three eyes and long, delicate ears. ¡°Fae Hares. Their fur can be used in potions to enhance hearing. Harmless, but rare.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ curiosity grew. ¡°How does the book work? There¡¯s no way it has enough pages for all of this.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t,¡± Nasir said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s enchanted. The book remembers. When I write something, it¡¯s stored within, and when I need it again, I think of it, and the page appears. But if I ever forget what I wrote, I can turn it into a normal book, flipping through each page in order. It¡¯s saved me more than once.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ mind raced with possibilities. He thought of keeping his own book one day, of recording not just what he saw but what he learned. The idea settled in him, a small flame of inspiration that warmed against the cool air of the forest.


    ¡°There are still blank pages,¡± Nasir continued. ¡°This forest, the world¡ªit holds more secrets than I could ever write down. Every day, something new could appear. A new monster, a new plant, a new danger.¡±


    He closed the book, the leather cover soft in his hands. ¡°It¡¯s not just about knowing what¡¯s out there. It¡¯s about being prepared. Knowledge is as much a weapon as any sword.¡±


    Yonas nodded, his grip tightening on his own sword. The weight of Nasir¡¯s words hung in the air, a reminder that strength alone was not enough. He needed to learn, to see, and to remember. The monster book was a path, not just to survival but to mastery.


    As they continued through the forest, Yonas found himself looking at the world with new eyes. Every rustle of leaves, every strange plant, every flicker of movement¡ªit was all part of a story, a page waiting to be written. He would listen, he would learn, and one day, he too might hold a book filled with the secrets of the world.

 Chapter 11 A Glimpse of Terror

    Chapter 11 A Glimpse of Terror 10/08/908


    Yonas jolted awake, his body drenched in sweat, his breath ragged.


    The cool night air wrapped around him, yet he felt no relief¡ªonly a creeping, suffocating weight pressing against his chest. His ears strained against the silence, every distant rustle of leaves and chirp of insects suddenly feeling too sharp, too intrusive.


    His hand instinctively found the hilt of his sword, gripping it with white-knuckled intensity, as if the cold steel could anchor him back to reality. But the dream refused to fade.


    The image of the creature lingered in his mind, towering, gaunt yet unnervingly powerful, its bloodshot eyes locking onto him as if it could see through his very being.


    It had not attacked, had not spoken, had not moved¡ªand yet, its presence had suffocated him.


    Behind it, other monsters lurked, their shapes hazy and indistinct, as if intentionally hidden from his sight.


    This was no ordinary nightmare.


    He hadn¡¯t imagined it.


    He had been shown it.


    His gaze darted across the darkened forest, half-expecting the creature to step out from the shifting shadows, its bloodshot eyes fixating on him once more.


    The trees loomed over him, ancient and unmoving, their twisted branches clawing at the star-scattered sky like the hands of forgotten giants.


    Yet, something felt off.


    The air carried a biting chill, far colder than before, and the usual nocturnal sounds¡ªthe chirping of crickets, the distant howls¡ªfelt muted, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.


    He swallowed hard, forcing air into his lungs, but even breathing felt laborious, like he was inhaling something thicker than air.


    His sword, a source of confidence in the past, now weighed heavy in his grip, its cold steel offering no comfort.


    Was it truly just a dream?


    Or was it something more¡ªan omen, a prelude to the horrors yet to come?


    The thought sent a slow, creeping shiver down his spine.


    He had faced goblins, had tasted fear and pain, had survived against odds that once seemed insurmountable.


    But this... this was something else entirely.


    Something greater.


    Something inevitable.


    Sleep was no longer an option.


    His body was exhausted, his limbs aching with the dull remnants of battle and training, yet his mind remained restless, gnawing at the images burned into his thoughts.


    He needed to do something¡ªanything¡ªto shake the lingering unease.


    With a quiet exhale, he shut his eyes and attempted to meditate, forcing himself to steady his breathing, to clear his mind.


    But it was pointless.


    His muscles remained tense, his shoulders locked as if bracing for an attack.


    Every time he tried to focus, the vision of the monster resurfaced, its piercing red eyes watching, waiting.


    Frustration bubbled up inside him, clawing at his patience.


    His fists clenched on instinct, his nails digging into his palms as his breath came faster.


    Then, without thinking, he drove his fist into the ground, the sharp impact jolting through his arm.


    The pain was grounding, but it wasn¡¯t enough.


    A low growl escaped his throat, his body trembling with frustration¡ªnot just at the dream, but at himself.


    Why am I still afraid?


    He had thought he was past this.


    He had fought, bled, killed, and yet the moment something truly terrifying loomed over him, he was reduced to the same trembling boy who had faced his first goblin.


    The sound of his fist striking the earth had not gone unnoticed.


    From across the camp, a shift in movement caught Yonas¡¯ attention.


    Nasir sat up, his eyes sharp despite the early hour, his instincts already on high alert.


    He said nothing at first, simply watching, his gaze assessing rather than reprimanding.


    Yonas ran a hand through his sweat-dampened hair, exhaling sharply before speaking.


    ¡°I saw something,¡± he admitted, his voice quieter than he intended.


    He hesitated for only a moment before spilling the details of his dream¡ªthe towering monster, its haunting red eyes, the hazy figures lurking behind it.


    He expected Nasir to wave it off as nothing more than a nightmare, but instead, the man remained still, his expression unreadable.


    A long silence stretched between them before Nasir finally spoke, his tone calm but laced with something just beneath the surface.


    ¡°So, you¡¯re seeing the next monster to come from the invasion?¡± he said, phrasing it as a statement rather than a question.


    Yonas nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat.


    "It was different," he murmured. "Taller than any goblin¡ªtaller than you."


    Nasir¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but there was a slight pause, a flicker of something behind his eyes. He didn¡¯t comment, letting Yonas continue.


    "It wasn¡¯t bulky, but it looked strong¡ªlike its body was built for speed and precision. Its arms were too long, nearly dragging against the ground, and its claws¡­" He exhaled, steadying his voice. "They weren¡¯t like a goblin¡¯s. They were sharp, curved¡ªlike knives designed to carve through flesh in a single swipe."


    Even as he spoke, Yonas felt his pulse quicken, the vivid details of the dream gripping his mind like iron chains.


    "And its face¡ª" He hesitated. "It had no mouth. Just a sharp nose, and its eyes¡­ red, bloodshot, like it hadn''t slept in centuries."


    His grip tightened around his sword. The more he described it, the more real it felt, as if speaking the words would summon the creature from the shadows.


    "But the worst part?" His voice lowered. "It just stared at me. Like it knew me. Like it was waiting."


    For the first time, Nasir¡¯s face tightened. It was subtle¡ªa flicker of tension at the corner of his mouth, a slight narrowing of his eyes, as though something about the description didn¡¯t sit right with him.


    Then, just as quickly, his expression smoothed over, his usual calm returning as he crossed his arms.


    "Hm," he muttered. "If it¡¯s only ten times stronger than you, I¡¯ll handle it. You focus on your training."


    Yonas frowned.


    Nasir¡¯s words were meant to reassure him, but they felt too casual, too dismissive. His uncle had faced countless monsters before¡ªgoblins, beasts far beyond Yonas¡¯ comprehension¡ªbut something about this creature had made him pause, even if just for a moment. Yonas had caught it in the way his jaw tensed, in the slight narrowing of his eyes, in the way his usual offhanded confidence seemed forced.


    It wasn¡¯t fear. But it was something.


    "You don¡¯t seem as relaxed as you sound," Yonas muttered, studying him carefully.


    Nasir exhaled through his nose, rubbing the back of his neck as if weighing his words. "I¡¯m always wary of new monsters," he admitted. "Never a good idea to underestimate something you don¡¯t know. But for all we do know, that thing isn¡¯t even in Eldergrove. Could be deeper in, could be somewhere else entirely." His gaze flickered toward the distant treeline before settling back on Yonas. "No sense in worrying about it yet."


    Yet.


    That single word stuck in Yonas'' mind like a splinter.


    Yonas didn¡¯t argue, but the unease in his chest didn¡¯t fade.


    Nasir¡¯s explanation made sense, but it didn¡¯t feel right. The way the monster had stared at him in the dream¡ªunblinking, unshaken, aware¡ªit wasn¡¯t something that could be brushed off as mere coincidence. He had dreamed of goblins before fighting them, and now this? It wasn¡¯t random. It wasn¡¯t meaningless.


    But what was it? A warning? A vision? A sign of what was to come?


    He clenched his jaw and forced the thoughts aside. Thinking about it wouldn¡¯t change anything. Whether the creature lurked deep in Eldergrove or beyond its borders, it didn¡¯t matter yet. He wasn¡¯t strong enough to fight it¡ªnot now. And dwelling on the unknown wouldn¡¯t bring him any closer to that goal.


    With a slow breath, he steadied himself. Focus on what¡¯s in front of you.


    For now, that was the only thing he could do.


    The first light of dawn began to creep through the trees, casting faint golden streaks across the dense foliage. The air remained cold, but the oppressive weight from the night had lessened. Nasir stretched, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the conversation.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he said, his tone shifting back to something lighter. ¡°No point sitting around thinking about nightmares. We need to move.¡±


    Yonas nodded, pushing himself to his feet. His body still carried the lingering stiffness of sleep, but his mind was already sharpening. He tightened his grip on his sword, feeling its weight settle in his palm, grounding him.


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    As they set off, the forest around them stirred to life. Birds flitted between branches, their calls echoing through the air, and small creatures rustled through the undergrowth. But despite the morning¡¯s tranquility, Yonas¡¯ mind remained tethered to the dream. He kept his senses on high alert, scanning the shadows between the trees, half-expecting those bloodshot eyes to reappear.


    The unease hadn¡¯t left him. It had simply quieted, lurking beneath the surface.


    Waiting.


    The hours passed in relative silence, broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath their boots and the occasional snap of a twig. Yonas remained focused, his senses attuned to every shift in the forest. Though he told himself it was just caution, he knew the real reason¡ªhe couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was watching them.


    Nasir led the way with his usual ease, scanning the path ahead with the practiced eye of someone who had spent years navigating untamed lands. But Yonas noticed something different today. There was an extra sharpness to Nasir¡¯s movements, a subtle shift in how his eyes flickered toward the deeper shadows, how his fingers occasionally flexed near the hilt of his sword. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to tell Yonas one thing.


    Nasir had felt it too.


    Neither of them spoke about it. They didn¡¯t need to.


    As the morning wore on, the tension in Yonas¡¯ body eased¡ªnot because he felt safe, but because he refused to let fear dictate his actions. He focused on his movements, stepping lightly, adjusting his stance every so often, making sure his balance was right. It was a habit now, one that had been drilled into him since Nasir had first forced him to fight a goblin.


    After what felt like hours, Nasir slowed his pace and gestured subtly with his hand. Yonas followed his line of sight and spotted them¡ªthree goblins, prowling near a fallen tree, their crude weapons gripped tightly in their clawed hands.


    The sight didn¡¯t send ice through his veins the way it had before. Instead, a steely calm settled over him. He wasn¡¯t the same boy who had frozen in terror during his first battle. He had faced goblins before. He knew how they moved, how they attacked, how predictable they were.


    Nasir stepped forward, rolling his shoulders. "I¡¯ll take two. You handle the last one."


    There was no hesitation in his voice, no doubt. Just expectation.


    And Yonas didn¡¯t intend to disappoint.


    Nasir moved first, his blade cutting through the air with practiced ease. The two goblins barely had time to react before he was upon them, his movements swift and efficient. There was no wasted motion, no unnecessary flair¡ªjust precise strikes that ended the fight before it even truly began.


    Yonas barely had time to take in the display before his own opponent lunged at him. The goblin snarled, baring its jagged teeth as it swung its crude blade. Yonas sidestepped, his heart steady, his focus unwavering.


    Watch the movement, don¡¯t anticipate¡ªreact.


    He wasn¡¯t here to win with brute strength. He was here to learn.


    The goblin came at him again, faster this time, its strikes wild but repetitive. Yonas adjusted his footwork, moving just enough to avoid the slashes, his mind working to analyze every detail¡ªthe goblin¡¯s rhythm, its habits, its aggression.


    For the first time, he wasn¡¯t just surviving. He was studying.


    The goblin let out a sharp, guttural screech, stumbling back as dark blood seeped from the wound. Yonas didn¡¯t rush in¡ªhe didn¡¯t need to. Instead, he watched. The goblin clutched its side, its jagged teeth bared in pain, but its eyes¡ªthose wild, beady eyes¡ªstill burned with rage. It wasn¡¯t thinking. It wasn¡¯t adjusting.


    It was reacting.


    Yonas exhaled slowly. He had been right. Goblins didn¡¯t learn. They repeated.


    The goblin snarled and lunged again, just as reckless as before. But this time, Yonas was ready.


    His footwork was sharper, his positioning deliberate. He side-stepped at the last second, shifting his weight just enough to redirect the momentum. His blade moved in the same breath¡ªan upward slash, clean and precise, carving deep into the goblin¡¯s chest.


    The creature choked on its own breath, its body staggering as the life drained from it.


    And then, with a final, weak growl, it collapsed to the ground.


    Yonas didn¡¯t lower his sword. His chest heaved, his heartbeat thundering in his ears, but his mind remained clear. This wasn¡¯t like the first goblin he had fought, where fear had consumed him. This time, he had control¡ªover his movements, over his focus, over the battle itself.


    He took a cautious step forward, watching as the goblin¡¯s body shuddered, its fingers digging weakly into the dirt. Even on the brink of death, it still wanted to fight.


    A part of him hesitated.


    Another part didn¡¯t.


    With a sharp breath, he raised his sword and brought it down, the final strike swift and clean. The goblin jerked once¡ªthen stilled.


    Yonas exhaled, lowering his blade.


    This time, there was no panic. No hesitation.


    Only resolve.


    Nasir watched in silence, his arms crossed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn¡¯t laugh, didn¡¯t comment¡ªjust observed. Yonas¡¯ reaction wasn¡¯t arrogance, nor was it misplaced confidence. It was earned.


    The boy who had once hesitated, who had once doubted his own ability to land a proper strike, now stood over a defeated enemy. He hadn¡¯t panicked. He hadn¡¯t waited for rescue. He had adapted, analyzed, and struck when the moment was right.


    Nasir lifted a hand to his face, covering his mouth as his smirk widened. He had expected progress, but not this fast.


    ¡®At this rate,¡¯ he mused to himself, ¡®he won¡¯t just be a competent fighter¡ªhe¡¯ll be dangerous.¡¯


    Nasir watched in silence, his arms crossed, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn¡¯t interrupt, didn¡¯t offer immediate praise or criticism.


    "I hesitated too much," he admitted, eyes still on the goblin¡¯s body. "I could¡¯ve finished it sooner if I attacked earlier instead of waiting for the perfect moment."


    Nasir nodded, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. "You¡¯re not wrong," he said. "Your footwork was solid, but your attacks were lacking. You were too focused on avoiding mistakes instead of committing to your strikes. A strong offense can sometimes be the best defense¡ªespecially against something as predictable as a goblin."


    Yonas frowned, mulling over his words. He had spent so much time studying the goblin, learning its patterns, that he hadn¡¯t trusted himself enough to act decisively.


    Next time, he thought, I won¡¯t hold back.


    As they moved deeper into the forest, Nasir suddenly stopped. His head tilted slightly, his body tensing just enough for Yonas to notice.


    Yonas followed his gaze and saw it¡ªa hole in the earth, unnaturally perfect in shape, as if something had carved it with deliberate precision. It was at least two meters wide, its edges smooth, unnervingly circular. But what unsettled Yonas the most was the absence of anything from within. There was no noise, no scent, no flicker of movement. It was a void.


    Nasir crouched beside it, picking up a small rock. Without a word, he tossed it in.


    Yonas listened. He waited.


    But no sound came.


    He blinked. ¡°It¡­ it didn¡¯t hit the bottom?¡±


    Nasir didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes and extended his hand. A small fireball flickered to life in his palm before he sent it down into the hole. The light should have illuminated the descent, revealing depth, contours¡ªsomething.


    But instead, the fire vanished the moment it crossed the threshold, snuffed out in an instant as if it had been devoured.


    For the first time since they had begun their journey, Yonas saw a sliver of unease cross Nasir¡¯s face.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t natural,¡± Nasir murmured, his voice quieter than before. ¡°Not even close.¡±


    Yonas swallowed, his instincts screaming at him to step back, but he forced himself to stay put. He had seen plenty of strange things in the forest, but this was different. The unnatural silence around the hole, the way it seemed to consume sound and light¡ªit felt wrong.


    Nasir stood up, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his sword. There was no immediate danger, no growl in the distance, no shifting shadows in the underbrush. But that was the problem. The forest was never this quiet.


    Yonas turned to him. ¡°Nasir¡­ what is this?¡±


    Nasir exhaled slowly, his stance firm. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted. He reached for a small metal device on his belt, something Yonas had never seen him use before.


    He lifted the communicator to his lips.


    ¡°This is Nasir,¡± he said, his voice taking on a formal edge. ¡°Reporting an anomaly within Eldergrove. Coordinates unknown. Potential interference with elemental energy. Send word to the council.¡±


    He released the device, his jaw tightening.


    The only response was static.


    Nasir frowned, tapping the side of the communicator as if expecting it to suddenly work. The static remained, a low, droning hiss that sent a chill creeping up Yonas¡¯ spine.


    "Interference?" Yonas guessed, though he wasn¡¯t entirely sure what that meant in this context.


    Nasir exhaled sharply. "Something¡¯s blocking the signal. And considering the only things that can do that are powerful elemental forces or artifacts, I¡¯d rather not stay here longer than necessary."


    His voice was calm, but Yonas could see the tension in his posture, the way his muscles remained taut, ready for action. This wasn¡¯t like him. Nasir never worried.


    That made it worse.


    Yonas glanced back at the hole, his stomach knotting. "So¡­ what do we do?"


    Nasir didn¡¯t answer right away. His eyes remained locked on the empty void before them, calculating, weighing possibilities. Then, with a quiet sigh, he sheathed his sword.


    "We leave," he said. "Now."


    But before they could take a step, the forest trembled.


    A deep, guttural screech echoed through the trees, so unnatural that Yonas¡¯ blood ran cold. His ears rang, his body seizing up as the very air around them seemed to shudder.


    Then, emerging from the shadows, it came.


    The monster from Yonas¡¯ dream.


    Yonas¡¯ breath caught in his throat as the creature stepped into view. It was even more terrifying than in his dream¡ªtaller than Nasir, its gaunt, sinewy body covered in sickly pale skin that stretched over its frame like it had been starved for centuries. Its arms were too long, nearly dragging against the ground, ending in curved, knife-like claws that gleamed in the dim forest light.


    Its face was somehow even worse. It had no mouth, no visible way to speak, yet the piercing, bloodshot eyes bore into Yonas as though it were screaming into his mind. A long, jagged nose jutted from its face, twitching slightly as if sniffing the air.


    Yonas¡¯ grip tightened on his sword, but the moment he shifted his stance, the monster¡¯s head snapped toward him. He felt his stomach drop.


    It had sensed him. Immediately.


    And then it just¡­ stood there. Motionless. Staring.


    Nasir hadn¡¯t drawn his weapon yet, but his hand hovered near the hilt, his body unreadable. His silence was unsettling¡ªYonas knew his uncle well enough to tell when he was weighing his options. The fact that he hadn¡¯t attacked yet meant one thing.


    Even he wasn¡¯t sure what they were dealing with.


    Yonas'' pulse pounded in his ears as the eerie silence stretched on. The creature had screamed before¡ªbut how? It had no mouth, nothing that should have been able to produce sound. Yet he had felt it, the wail reverberating through his skull, shaking him to his core.


    He risked a glance at Nasir, whose eyes remained locked on the creature, his jaw tight. "How did it scream?" Yonas whispered, his voice barely audible.


    Nasir exhaled through his nose, his expression dark. "I don¡¯t know."


    And that was the worst answer he could have given.


    The creature remained still, its grotesque, elongated body eerily poised, as though waiting for something. Yonas could feel its gaze pinning him in place, not just looking at him but through him. His fingers trembled around the hilt of his sword. Every instinct screamed at him to move, to run, to do something¡ªbut his body refused to obey.


    Then, without a single muscle twitching, the monster let out another scream.


    Yonas felt it more than he heard it. It wasn¡¯t a sound in the air¡ªit was a force, a crushing weight that rattled inside his skull, reverberating deep in his bones. His knees buckled, his vision blurred, and a stabbing pain shot through his head as if his very thoughts were being shaken apart.


    He clutched his temples, gritting his teeth, his breath coming in short gasps. "How¡ª" The words barely escaped him before another wave of invisible pressure crashed into his mind.


    Nasir staggered slightly, his stance shifting to absorb the force, but his reaction was far more controlled. His fingers flexed, his jaw set, but there was something off¡ªa sharp edge of uncertainty in his eyes.


    Yonas struggled to steady his breath. ¡°What¡­ what is that?¡± His voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.


    Nasir didn¡¯t answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the creature, his fingers twitching near the hilt of his sword.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he admitted, his voice low, almost grudging. ¡°It¡¯s screaming, but¡­ there¡¯s no sound.¡±


    That realisation made Yonas¡¯ stomach twist. If there was no sound, then what was hitting them?


    The pressure suddenly stopped.


    Yonas gasped for air, his ears ringing in the unnatural silence that followed. His limbs felt weak, as though he had been sprinting for miles without rest. His heart pounded against his ribs.


    The monster hadn¡¯t moved. It simply watched.


    And Yonas had the sickening feeling that the screaming had been a test.


    The stillness shattered in an instant.


    The largest creature¡¯s head snapped forward, its body lurching as it suddenly sprinted toward them with terrifying speed.


    But it wasn¡¯t alone.


    Two more figures emerged from the shadows, their gaunt, white-skinned bodies moving in perfect synchrony with the first. Their bloodshot eyes locked onto Nasir and Yonas, their elongated limbs jerking unnaturally as they moved.


    Then Yonas saw it¡ªa fourth creature trailing just behind the others.


    It was smaller.


    His breath hitched. There can be smaller ones?


    He had assumed these monsters were a single, uniform kind, but the existence of a juvenile version threw that assumption out completely. Did they grow? Were there even bigger ones somewhere deeper in the Eldergrove? The realisation sent a fresh wave of unease through him, but he had no time to dwell on it.


    The first monster closed half the distance in a second. The way it moved was wrong¡ªits limbs jerking in unnatural angles, yet somehow fluid, each step devouring the ground beneath it without resistance. There was no wasted motion, no sign of effort¡ªjust a blur of white skin and bloodshot eyes bearing down on them.


    A fresh wave of panic surged through Yonas¡¯ body, his instincts screaming at him to move, to run¡ªbut Nasir was already acting.


    With a sharp motion, he shoved Yonas back, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    "Move!"


    Nasir¡¯s sword was in his hands in an instant, his body shifting into a defensive stance just as the first monster lunged at him, its razor-sharp claws slicing through the air.


    The other two creatures veered outward, circling them, their movements eerily coordinated.


    Yonas stumbled, barely managing to regain his footing, his heart hammering in his chest. The miniature version of the creatures had its bloodshot gaze locked onto him specifically. It crouched lower, as if preparing to pounce.


    Nasir met the first strike head-on.

 Chapter 12 Breaking Through Limits

    Chapter 12 Breaking Through Limits


    Yonas barely had time to react before the miniature version of the monster lunged at him.


    Despite its smaller size, it was unnaturally fast, its elongated limbs moving with a terrifying mix of instinct and intelligence. It didn¡¯t just charge forward mindlessly¡ªit feinted, testing Yonas¡¯ reaction, before slashing at him with a sudden burst of speed. He barely managed to twist away, but not fast enough. A sharp sting flared across his ribs, followed by the warmth of blood seeping through his tunic.


    His breath hitched as he stumbled back, the pain flaring with every movement. The creature¡¯s bloodshot eyes gleamed, studying him the way a predator studies weakened prey. Its posture remained loose, unreadable, as if it were waiting for him to make a mistake.


    Yonas clenched his jaw, shoving the pain to the back of his mind. He didn¡¯t have time to process it. He could feel his heartbeat hammering against his ribs, but he forced himself to steady his breathing. This wasn¡¯t about endurance¡ªit was about survival. His only options were to stall or win. Losing was not an option.


    I will not be weak.


    Yonas tightened his grip on his sword, his mind racing as he observed the creature¡¯s movements. It was fast¡ªfar faster than him¡ªbut there was a pattern to how it attacked. Each lunge and swipe followed a precise rhythm, as if the monster had a set way of hunting. It struck with wide, sweeping arcs, using its long arms to create a deadly zone around itself, forcing Yonas to retreat. It was a calculated way of fighting, designed to keep its prey trapped at the perfect striking distance.


    The cuts on his ribs and cheek throbbed with every movement. He couldn¡¯t afford to keep dodging¡ªhis body would give out before the creature did. But if he tried to attack outright, he risked being struck down before he could even get close. His sword alone wouldn¡¯t bridge the gap between them.


    Then he noticed something.


    The monster¡¯s elbow joint barely moved during its attacks. Its reach was its greatest strength, but in close quarters, that same reach became a limitation. It had to commit fully to every swing, leaving brief openings where it was vulnerable. If he could get inside its range, he could force it into a fight where it wasn¡¯t built to win.


    A plan formed in Yonas'' mind. He had to close the gap.


    He adjusted his stance, steadying his breath. His instincts screamed at him to stay back, to keep a safe distance¡ªbut safety wasn¡¯t an option. He needed to take a risk.


    With a sharp inhale, he drove forward.


    The monster reacted immediately, jerking back in surprise. Its claws lashed out, but Yonas had anticipated the movement this time. He twisted his body, avoiding the brunt of the attack, and closed in further. He was inside its reach.


    For the first time, the creature hesitated.


    Yonas felt his pulse spike. It worked.


    Now he just had to keep pushing forward.


    Yonas pressed his advantage, refusing to let hesitation creep in. Now that he was inside the monster¡¯s reach, it flailed, its elongated arms suddenly a burden rather than an advantage. It tried to take a step back to regain distance, but Yonas wouldn¡¯t allow it. He moved with it, keeping close, forcing it into a fight where its own body worked against it.


    The creature snarled and swung wildly, its claws missing by inches. Yonas ducked beneath one strike and stepped in closer, slashing at its torso. His blade struck true, but the wound was shallow¡ªthe monster¡¯s skin was tougher than he had expected. Still, it reacted, stumbling back slightly, and that was enough. He was forcing it into a defensive position.


    Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Nasir.


    Yonas had never seen him struggle before. His mentor, who always seemed untouchable, was now locked in a desperate battle against the three larger monsters. Every time he engaged one, the others took advantage of the opening, slashing at his exposed back and sides. Blood streaked his clothes, and his movements, while still sharp, had lost their usual ease.


    Yonas'' stomach twisted.


    Then he saw it¡ªone of the monsters feinted an attack, drawing Nasir¡¯s attention, while another lunged low and raked its claws across his arm. Nasir staggered back, blood pouring from the wound like a broken dam.


    Yonas froze. His breath hitched in his throat.


    Nasir was hurt.


    Badly.


    Something inside Yonas shifted.


    It wasn¡¯t fear for himself. It wasn¡¯t the instinct to flee. It was the raw, gut-wrenching terror that Nasir was going to die.


    The thought struck him harder than any wound he had taken so far. His chest tightened, his heart hammering against his ribs as if trying to break free. A sickening weight settled in his stomach. He had never considered the possibility¡ªnot really. Nasir had always been strong, always been in control. But now, Yonas could see it clearly. If this fight continued like this, Nasir wouldn¡¯t make it out alive.


    He couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    His body trembled, his fingers tightening around his sword until his knuckles turned white. Every part of him screamed to move, to act.


    His vision blurred at the edges, but his focus had never been sharper.


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    He would not let Nasir die.


    Everything around Yonas seemed to slow, as if the world itself had decided to move at half-speed. The sounds of the forest faded, the rustling of leaves, the distant growls of monsters¡ªall of it became nothing more than a dull murmur in the back of his mind. His focus had sharpened to a singular point: Nasir.


    Blood poured from Nasir¡¯s arm, his movements growing heavier with every passing second. He still fought with precision, but the weight of his wounds was beginning to show. His footwork, once effortless, was a fraction slower. His swings, once decisive, now carried the slightest hesitation. Yonas could see it¡ªthe weakness creeping in. He was holding on, barely, but for how much longer?


    Yonas clenched his teeth. A sharp inhale rattled through his lungs, but no amount of air could steady the storm raging inside him.


    He turned his gaze back to his own opponent, just in time to see the miniature monster barrelling toward him again, claws glinting in the dim forest light. Its speed was relentless, a blur of white against the dark backdrop of Eldergrove.


    For the first time, Yonas didn¡¯t just react¡ªhe saw.


    Every shift in its posture, every tightening of its muscles, every flicker of intent in its bloodshot eyes¡ªhe could read them. The way its weight shifted onto its back leg, the subtle twitch of its clawed fingers¡ªit was about to lunge for his throat.


    He was out of time.


    An inner voice, raw and primal, surged up from the depths of his mind. It wasn¡¯t a thought, but a feeling¡ªa certainty that refused to be denied.


    Enough.


    I will not be weak.


    I will not lose him.


    His body tensed, every nerve alight with a surge of something foreign, something new. The fear, the hesitation, the doubt¡ªit all collapsed under the weight of something greater.


    Yonas planted his feet and charged forward.


    Yonas lunged forward, his body moving on sheer instinct. There was no plan, no calculated response¡ªjust pure, unrelenting determination. His sword felt lighter in his grip, his legs moving faster than they ever had before. The miniature monster¡¯s bloodshot eyes widened, caught off guard by the sudden aggression.


    But Yonas could already tell¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t make it in time.


    Even as his blade cut through the air, he could see the trajectory, could feel the delay in his muscles. The monster would reach him first. Its claw was already swinging forward, its grotesque fingers stretching toward his exposed throat.


    Time slowed further, the world narrowing into that single moment.


    Then, something broke inside him.


    It was as if a dam had shattered, an unseen flood of power bursting free from deep within his core. A surge of energy coursed through him, rushing to every limb, making his body feel weightless¡ªunstoppable.


    A roaring gust of wind exploded outward. Leaves and dirt spiraled into the air, caught in an invisible current that pulsed around him. The miniature monster flinched, its eyes squinting against the sudden force.


    Yonas barely registered what was happening. His blade moved faster, his legs felt lighter, his entire body surged forward with newfound speed.


    What is this?


    He had no time to think. He didn¡¯t understand this power, didn¡¯t control it¡ªhe simply let it happen.


    His sword, now propelled by the very air around him, struck before the monster could react.


    The wind carried the blade forward, slicing clean through flesh and bone. A single, perfect cut.


    The miniature monster didn¡¯t even have time to scream. Its body split in two, its momentum carrying both halves past Yonas as they crashed lifelessly onto the ground.


    The world snapped back into motion. The forest sounds rushed in all at once, the distant battle cries, the rustling of disturbed leaves. But Yonas wasn¡¯t thinking about any of it.


    He wasn¡¯t thinking at all.


    His eyes darted toward Nasir and the three larger monsters. He could feel something pulsing inside him, something new¡ªsomething powerful.


    And he wasn¡¯t done yet.


    Yonas barely took a breath before his body moved again. He wasn¡¯t thinking¡ªhe was acting. The same force that had carried his sword through the miniature monster now surged through his legs, pushing him forward with unnatural speed.


    His vision locked onto the three towering creatures that surrounded Nasir. One of them had just torn through his mentor¡¯s sleeve, its claws dripping with fresh blood. Nasir had shifted into a defensive stance, his breathing controlled but heavier than before.


    He¡¯s slowing down.


    The thought ignited something in Yonas¡ªa need to act.


    Wind roared around him, swirling at his feet as he closed the distance in a blur. It wasn¡¯t just movement¡ªit was momentum. Every step propelled him forward, the air bending to his will, carrying him rather than resisting.


    The nearest monster turned too late. Yonas had already reached its blind spot. He didn¡¯t waste time.


    His sword flashed downward, the wind guiding his strike with precision. The blade bit deep into the back of the monster¡¯s leg, severing tendons in a clean motion. The creature let out a strangled, guttural cry as its balance faltered, its knee buckling under its own weight.


    One down. Keep moving.


    Yonas didn¡¯t stop. He pushed off the ground, letting the wind propel him sideways before another monster¡¯s claw could reach him. His heart pounded, his breath sharp, but the energy inside him refused to fade. It demanded more.


    He pivoted, his focus shifting to the next creature.


    But this time, it was ready.


    The remaining two had seen what he could do, and they weren¡¯t about to let him strike so easily again.


    The second monster swung at him with terrifying speed, its claws cutting through the air like razors. Yonas barely had time to react. He twisted mid-step, but not fast enough.


    A sharp pain tore through his side as the monster¡¯s claws raked across his ribs. He gritted his teeth, the force sending him tumbling across the forest floor.


    The wind flickered.


    He landed hard, the air in his lungs forcing itself out in a painful gasp. His limbs trembled, his muscles screaming in protest. The adrenaline had dulled the pain at first, but now¡ªnow he could feel it.


    Something was wrong.


    The strength¡ªthe power¡ªthat had surged through him just moments ago¡­ it was fading.


    Yonas pushed against the ground, trying to rise, but his arms barely responded. His body, moments ago light as air, now felt heavier than stone. A crushing exhaustion spread through him like wildfire, his muscles seizing as though drained of every last ounce of strength.


    The sharp sting along his ribs burned with each breath, but it wasn¡¯t just the wound. Something inside him had shattered.


    He had felt it¡ªthat intoxicating surge of power coursing through his limbs, lifting him beyond his limits. But now, as quickly as it had come, it was gone.


    He couldn¡¯t move.


    His vision blurred, the world tilting as he struggled to hold himself up. His sword, his lifeline, slipped from his fingers, embedding itself weakly in the dirt.


    And then he heard it.


    The heavy thud of footsteps. The monsters were coming.


    He forced his head to lift, eyes locking onto the towering figures ahead. The creature he had crippled still writhed on the ground, snarling through its pain, but the other two had already turned¡ªtoward him.


    A suffocating weight settled in his chest.


    He had been too reckless.


    For all his strength, for all his growth¡ªhe wasn¡¯t ready.


    His breath came in ragged, uneven gasps. He had to move. He had to fight.


    But his body refused.


    The wind, which had once answered his call, now ignored him. The elemental energy that had surged through him like a raging current had left him stranded, abandoned at the worst possible moment.


    A shadow loomed over him.


    The nearest monster¡¯s bloodshot eyes gleamed with hunger, its jagged claws twitching in anticipation.


    Yonas tried to lift his arms¡ªtried to do something. But even as he screamed at his body to move, his limbs remained frozen, locked in place by sheer exhaustion.


    The monster raised its arm.


    The killing blow was coming.


    And Yonas couldn¡¯t stop it.

 Chapter 13 The Aftermath of Power

    Chapter 13 The Aftermath of Power 10/08/908


    Nasir¡¯s breath came sharp and controlled, but beneath that exterior, frustration churned inside him.


    He had wanted to see how far Yonas could go, how much he could push himself before reaching his limit. But in doing so, had he risked too much? Yonas wasn¡¯t just struggling¡ªhe had collapsed, unmoving, vulnerable. A sharp pang of guilt clawed at Nasir¡¯s chest, but he shoved it down. This wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on mistakes.


    The remaining monsters had noticed Yonas'' condition, their twisted faces shifting toward him, sensing weakness. A predator¡¯s instinct. Nasir felt his pulse hammer against his ribs. The boy couldn¡¯t defend himself anymore¡ªone wrong move and Yonas would die right in front of him.


    His grip on his sword tightened, the weight of his choices pressing down on him. He had held back before, testing Yonas, but now, there was no room for hesitation.


    With a sharp exhale, he let his elemental energy surge through him, preparing to end this in an instant.


    The last monster hesitated, its bloodshot eyes darting between Nasir and the corpses of its fallen kin.


    Unlike goblins, which fought with mindless aggression, these creatures possessed something far more dangerous¡ªintelligence. It wasn¡¯t simply reacting out of fear; it was assessing the situation, processing its chances of survival. It had seen how easily Nasir cut down the others. It had watched its kin fall in mere moments. It knew it couldn¡¯t win.


    Then, it turned and ran.


    Nasir¡¯s eyes narrowed. A goblin would have fought to the death, too stupid to understand its own mortality. But this creature? It had chosen to retreat¡ªnot out of panic, but with intent. It moved with purpose, weaving between trees, its body shifting seamlessly into the shadows as if it had done this many times before.


    His instincts screamed at him. Letting it go felt like a mistake. If it was smart enough to recognize an unwinnable fight, then it was smart enough to return with reinforcements. The thought of more of these creatures lurking in the depths of the Eldergrove, learning, adapting, waiting for the perfect moment to strike¡ªit wasn¡¯t a risk he could afford.


    Without hesitation, he acted.


    A sharp breath. A surge of energy. The air around him twisted and howled, spiraling into his open palm. In an instant, it solidified into a spear¡ªa lethal construct of wind compressed to the density of steel, its razor-thin edges shimmering in the dim light.


    He didn¡¯t wait.


    The moment the spear reached completion, he hurled it forward, the sheer force of the launch sending a gust of wind ripping through the clearing. It shot through the trees like a phantom, leaving no sound, no warning. The monster barely had time to turn before the spear struck.


    The impact was devastating.


    The weapon drilled deep into the creature¡¯s back, its high-velocity rotation twisting the flesh apart as it tore through muscle and bone. The spiraling motion acted like a blender, churning its innards into an unrecognizable mess of shredded organs and ruptured tissue. The monster let out a strangled gurgle, its limbs jerking violently, its body twitching as though trying to resist the inevitable. It staggered, took two more steps forward, then collapsed in a heap.


    Blood pooled beneath it, thick and dark, its body still faintly convulsing as the last remnants of life flickered away.


    Silence fell over the forest once more.


    Nasir exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he released the last remnants of elemental energy from his body. His breathing was controlled, steady, but his mind was already shifting focus.


    One threat was gone.


    But the one behind him? The one that truly mattered?


    Yonas.


    Nasir turned sharply, his focus snapping from the fallen monster to the boy lying motionless on the forest floor.


    Yonas wasn¡¯t moving.


    His chest remained still, no rise, no shallow breath. His lips, once flushed with life, had turned pale, almost bluish. His skin was damp with sweat, yet cold to the touch. Nasir knelt beside him, pressing two fingers to his neck. No pulse. He moved his hand to Yonas¡¯ chest. No movement. A creeping dread clawed at the edges of his mind, but he forced it down. Now wasn¡¯t the time for doubt.


    He worked quickly, assessing the damage. There was no wound, no obvious external injury that could have caused this¡ªno, this was something else. Then, it hit him. The cause was painfully clear. Yonas hadn¡¯t just collapsed¡ªhis body had completely shut down. He had burned through all his oxygen, leaving nothing to sustain himself.


    Nasir cursed under his breath.


    He placed a hand over Yonas¡¯ nose and mouth, channeling his air elemental energy. Wisps of wind coiled around his fingertips as he forced a controlled stream of fresh, breathable air into the boy¡¯s lungs. He moved his free hand to Yonas¡¯ sternum and began pressing down in rhythmic compressions.


    His movements were swift, precise¡ªthis wasn¡¯t guesswork. He had done this before. A battlefield medic certified in emergency resuscitation, Nasir had seen men brought back from the brink of death, some luckier than others. But Yonas wasn¡¯t a soldier. He was just a kid. And this wasn¡¯t some shallow injury¡ªit was complete oxygen deprivation. If he didn¡¯t wake up now¡­


    No. He refused to think like that.


    Nasir gritted his teeth, forcing another breath of air into Yonas¡¯ lungs, pressing down harder against his chest. ¡°Come on, kid,¡± he muttered, his voice low, controlled, but carrying a weight of urgency beneath it.


    Nothing.


    Again. More air. More pressure. His hands moved with relentless precision, ignoring the stiffness setting into his own muscles, ignoring the tremor of unease creeping into his bones.


    Then¡ª


    A violent gasp.


    Yonas'' body convulsed as if he had been yanked from the void, his back arching off the ground as his lungs expanded. He choked on the first breath, his fingers twitching, his entire body trembling from the shock of being pulled back from the brink.


    His eyes snapped open¡ªwide, unfocused, wild.


    He sucked in air greedily, his breath ragged, desperate, his body instinctively trying to make up for what it had lost. His limbs felt too weak to move, but the sensation of life flooding back into him was overwhelming.


    Nasir exhaled, rolling back slightly onto his heels. The stiffness in his hands lingered, but the tension in his chest finally loosened. His breath was slow, measured, his expression unreadable.


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    Then, in the smallest moment, a quiet sigh escaped his lips.


    Yonas was alive.


    Hours passed.


    Yonas remained on the ground, his breathing steady but weak, his body caught in the throes of exhaustion. The aftereffects of what he had done¡ªof what he had forced his body to endure¡ªwere far worse than simple fatigue.


    Pain wracked every inch of him.


    His limbs felt heavy, leaden, as if they didn¡¯t belong to him. His muscles ached with a deep, consuming soreness, not just from strain, but from deprivation¡ªhis body had been starved of oxygen for too long, leaving his very cells screaming for relief. A dull, throbbing pain settled in his skull, making even the act of keeping his eyes open feel unbearable. His lungs burned, raw from being pushed beyond their limit, each breath sending sharp, stinging reminders of his near-death experience.


    But worst of all was the emptiness.


    He had tasted something¡ªsomething beyond himself. The rush of elemental energy surging through him, the sensation of power coursing through his veins, making him faster, stronger. He had wielded something incredible, something greater than anything he had ever felt before. And now, it was gone.


    Yonas shifted slightly, a low groan slipping from his lips as he turned his head. The movement sent another ripple of pain through his body, but he forced himself to endure it. He wasn¡¯t dead. That was enough.


    His eyes flickered open, the blurry haze of his vision settling on a lone figure seated nearby.


    Nasir.


    He sat with his back against a tree, his arms crossed, watching Yonas in silence. His expression was unreadable, his gaze sharp, calculating. He had been waiting. Not with worry, not with overbearing concern¡ªbut with the patient, expectant stare of a mentor who had already assessed the damage and was now preparing for the lesson that followed.


    Yonas swallowed, his throat dry and rough. ¡°I feel like I got trampled by a horse,¡± he muttered hoarsely.


    Nasir didn¡¯t react immediately. Then, with the faintest smirk, he replied, ¡°Be grateful you¡¯re feeling anything at all.¡±


    There was no warmth in his tone, no unnecessary softness. Just fact. Yonas had nearly died. And if he didn¡¯t understand why, it would happen again.


    The pain was unbearable. But Yonas knew, deep down, that this pain was a lesson.


    And Nasir was about to make sure he learned it.


    Yonas forced himself to focus, but his mind was sluggish, weighed down by exhaustion. The fight was a blur¡ªflashes of movement, the rush of wind against his skin, the overwhelming surge of power. Then¡­ nothing. A void. His body shutting down in an instant, as if someone had snuffed out a flame.


    He clenched his teeth. ¡°What¡­ happened?¡± His voice came out weak, barely more than a rasp.


    Nasir shifted slightly, resting one arm on his knee. His eyes remained locked onto Yonas, sharp and unwavering. ¡°You collapsed,¡± he said simply. ¡°Your body shut down because you drained it of the one thing it needs to function.¡±


    Yonas frowned, struggling to piece it together. He knew he had been using air elemental energy¡ªhe had felt it, guiding his movements, making him faster, stronger. But why had it suddenly turned against him?


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± he admitted, his breath still unsteady. ¡°I was just¡­ using it. Like you do.¡±


    Nasir exhaled through his nose, his patience measured. ¡°No, you weren¡¯t.¡±


    He leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving Yonas. ¡°You didn¡¯t draw elemental energy from the environment. You used the energy inside your own body.¡±


    Yonas blinked, his tired mind struggling to grasp the weight of those words. ¡°Inside my body¡­?¡±


    Nasir gave a slow nod. ¡°Oxygen,¡± he clarified. ¡°A derivative of air. You manipulated it directly¡ªused it as fuel to amplify your movements. But the conversion rate was¡­ let¡¯s just say, horribly inefficient.¡±


    Yonas'' stomach twisted as realization sank in. He had drained himself, not just of stamina, but of the very thing keeping him alive. That was why his body had shut down so suddenly¡ªwhy he had nearly died without even realizing it.


    It wasn¡¯t just exhaustion. It was total deprivation.


    A heavy silence settled between them as Yonas absorbed the truth. He had felt so powerful in that moment, yet in reality, he had been walking the edge of a blade, his own abilities nearly killing him before he had even understood them.


    He swallowed hard. ¡°So¡­ what does that mean for me?¡±


    Nasir tilted his head slightly. ¡°It means,¡± he said, his tone carrying its usual bluntness, ¡°that if you don¡¯t learn to control how you use elemental energy, the next time you try that, you won¡¯t be waking up.¡±


    Yonas let the words sink in, the weight of them pressing against his already aching body. He had been on the brink of death, not because of an enemy¡¯s strike, but because of his own recklessness¡ªhis own ignorance.


    His fists clenched weakly at his sides. ¡°So¡­ I nearly killed myself,¡± he muttered.


    Nasir¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes sharpened. ¡°More than ¡®nearly,¡¯¡± he corrected. ¡°Your body was seconds away from shutting down for good. If I had been slower, if I had hesitated¡­¡± He let the sentence trail off, leaving the unspoken truth to settle between them.


    Yonas swallowed, his throat dry. He had known the fight had pushed him beyond his limits, but he hadn¡¯t realized just how close he had come to dying. The power he had wielded¡ªit had felt incredible, but now he understood the cost. It hadn¡¯t been a gift. It had been a gamble. And he had lost.


    ¡°Using your inner energy like that,¡± Nasir continued, his tone firm, ¡°is a last resort. It¡¯s not something you tap into because you feel like it. It¡¯s something you use when death is already at your throat and you have no other option.¡±


    Yonas met his gaze, frustration creeping into his expression. ¡°But it worked,¡± he argued. ¡°I was faster, stronger. I¡ª¡±


    Nasir¡¯s voice cut through him like steel. ¡°And it almost killed you.¡±


    The sharpness in his tone silenced Yonas instantly.


    Nasir exhaled, leaning forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees. ¡°If you ever do that again, the odds of you surviving are not in your favour,¡± he said, his voice steady, final. ¡°It¡¯s more likely to kill you than save you.¡±


    The words struck Yonas deeper than he expected. He had thought he had stumbled onto something amazing¡ªsomething that made him special. But in reality, he had only uncovered a path that led to his own destruction.


    And yet, despite the warning, despite the pain¡­


    A small voice in the back of his mind whispered that he still wanted to feel that power again.


    Yonas let his head rest against the ground, his mind still clouded with exhaustion. But something tugged at the edges of his thoughts, something beyond his near-death experience. He forced himself to focus, piecing together fragments of the battle¡ªthe monsters, the overwhelming rush of power, the sudden collapse. Then, another image surfaced.


    That hole.


    The place where Nasir¡¯s fireball had vanished.


    He turned his head slightly toward Nasir, who still sat nearby, arms crossed, his gaze locked onto the forest as if expecting another threat to emerge from the shadows. Yonas'' voice came out hoarse. ¡°The hole¡­¡±


    Nasir¡¯s eyes flicked toward him, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°It¡¯s gone,¡± he said simply.


    Yonas frowned. ¡°Gone?¡±


    Nasir nodded. ¡°Disappeared. Not just covered up¡ªthere¡¯s no trace of it. Like it was never there in the first place.¡±


    A cold unease crept down Yonas¡¯ spine. The hole had absorbed Nasir¡¯s attack, swallowing elemental energy completely. Now it had vanished without a trace? That didn¡¯t make sense.


    Nasir¡¯s fingers tapped lightly against his arm, a subtle sign that his mind was still working through the implications. ¡°At first, I thought it might be something natural. A sinkhole, some kind of collapse underground. But if that were the case, there¡¯d be some sign left behind¡ªdisturbed earth, cracks, something.¡± He exhaled sharply through his nose. ¡°There was nothing.¡±


    Yonas'' mind raced through possibilities. ¡°Could it have¡­ fed the monsters somehow?¡±


    Nasir glanced at him, considering the idea. ¡°Maybe. If it was absorbing elemental energy, it¡¯s possible the creatures were drawn to it¡ªlike scavengers to a carcass.¡± He paused. ¡°But if that¡¯s the case, then why did it vanish as soon as they were dead?¡±


    The thought sent a shiver through Yonas¡¯ already-weakened body. Something about this felt wrong.


    Then, a darker thought surfaced. One that made his stomach twist.


    ¡°¡­Could it be a portal?¡± he asked quietly.


    Nasir didn¡¯t answer right away. His gaze lingered on the distant trees, as if searching for an explanation within the depths of the Eldergrove itself. Finally, he exhaled. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    That uncertainty unsettled Yonas more than anything else.


    The silence between them stretched, heavy with uncertainty.


    Yonas wanted answers, but none were coming. The hole, the monsters, his near-death experience¡ªit was too much, and his mind, still sluggish from exhaustion, struggled to make sense of it all. He clenched his jaw, frustration simmering beneath his aching body. He hated this feeling¡ªthe helplessness of not knowing.


    Nasir, however, didn¡¯t dwell on the unknown. He had already moved on, his posture shifting from contemplation to something more certain. Whatever the truth was, they weren¡¯t finding it now.


    ¡°We¡¯ll worry about it later,¡± Nasir said, cutting through the silence. His voice carried no doubt, no lingering concern¡ªjust the firm resolve of someone who had already made up his mind. ¡°Right now, you need to focus on what comes next.¡±


    Yonas exhaled slowly. He knew Nasir was right, but that didn¡¯t make it easier. His body was wrecked, every inch of him protesting even the smallest movement. And yet¡­


    ¡°How long?¡± Yonas asked, his voice hoarse.


    Nasir gave him a knowing look. ¡°We still have eleven weeks before we leave the Eldergrove.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ fingers twitched against the dirt. Eleven weeks. Nearly three months. That was more than enough time to learn how to properly wield elemental energy. More than enough time to make sure this never happened again.


    He let out a slow, shaky breath. The pain, the exhaustion, the fear of death¡ªit all boiled down to one simple truth.


    He had seen a glimpse of what he could become.


    And he wasn¡¯t going to stop until he reached it.

 Chapter 14 Whispers in the Dark

    Chapter 14 Whispers in the Dark


    Yonas woke up before the sun had fully risen, his body still aching from the battle.


    The dull throbbing in his limbs was nothing compared to the weight pressing on his mind. The memory of his collapse replayed in his head like a cruel reminder, each moment lingering longer than the last. The monster had nearly killed him¡ªbut worse than that, he had nearly killed himself. His body had betrayed him, shutting down completely, leaving him defenseless. He could still hear Nasir¡¯s voice warning him of the risks, but the words felt distant now, overshadowed by the cold, creeping fear wrapping around his thoughts.


    The reality of his situation was crushing. The forest was relentless, offering no safety, no moments of peace. Every step forward was another step closer to another life-or-death battle. He had been determined to grow stronger, but now, for the first time, he wondered if he could endure this. If he could survive himself.


    A quiet, treacherous thought wormed its way into his mind.


    Run.


    Just for a moment. Just to breathe. Just to be somewhere else, where the weight of death wasn¡¯t pressing against him.


    And as soon as the thought settled, his body acted before his mind could argue.


    Yonas hesitated for only a moment, his fingers twitching at his sides. His breath came slow and uneven, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on his chest like a stone. He shouldn¡¯t be doing this. He knew that. But the thought of staying¡ªthe thought of waking up every morning knowing that the next fight could be his last, that his own power could turn against him again¡ªwas suffocating.


    Without looking back, without allowing himself even a moment of doubt, he stood. His movements were slow, careful. The damp ground barely crunched beneath his feet as he stepped past the edge of the camp, his legs carrying him forward on their own.


    He did not turn to see Nasir.


    He did not allow himself to reconsider.


    The forest swallowed him in silence.


    The mist was thicker here, clinging to him with a damp, unshakable grip. Each breath felt heavier, the air itself denser as he walked further into the unknown. His body moved automatically, his feet following an unseen path, drawn forward by something beyond his understanding.


    The deeper he went, the stranger the world became.


    The trees warped, their trunks twisting unnaturally, branches curling inward as if trying to grasp at him. The ground sloped in ways that didn¡¯t make sense, the path shifting underfoot even though he was certain he was moving in a straight line. Every few steps, the shadows flickered¡ªstretching and shrinking at the edges of his vision, shifting in ways they shouldn¡¯t.


    Still, he did not stop.


    The air was thick with something unseen, something ancient. It wasn¡¯t a force pressing against him, nor a voice calling out¡ªit was a pull, a silent beckoning that tugged at the edges of his mind.


    He didn¡¯t fight it.


    It felt like he had been walking for hours, though the forest had no way of telling time. The mist curled at his feet, rising, swirling, shifting as though it had a will of its own. His heartbeat slowed, his body no longer feeling tired, no longer feeling real.


    He was going somewhere.


    Somewhere he was meant to be.


    Through the thick veil of mist, something emerged.


    At first, Yonas thought it was just another trick of the forest¡ªa jagged rise of stone, another twisted formation of roots. But as he moved closer, the shape became clearer.


    A structure.


    It stood before him, half-buried beneath layers of moss and overgrowth, as if the forest had tried to reclaim it. The stone was worn and cracked, but its presence was undeniable. This was no natural formation. This was built.


    And it was waiting for him.


    The entrance loomed ahead, a massive archway swallowed by shadow. The air around it was colder than the rest of the forest, carrying an unnatural stillness.


    Yonas should have felt wary. He should have turned back. But something about the sight of it filled him with an eerie sense of familiarity, even though he was certain he had never seen anything like it before.


    His breath came slow, his body moving forward before his mind could fully grasp what was happening. He tried to tell himself that he was in control, that he was choosing to step forward, but deep down, he knew the truth.


    This place wanted him to enter.


    And he could not refuse.


    His foot crossed the threshold, and the world around him changed.


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    The air inside was frigid, wrapping around him like unseen hands. The stone walls were lined with carvings, etchings that twisted and flickered at the edge of his vision. He swore the symbols moved when he wasn¡¯t looking directly at them.


    And yet, for some reason, this didn¡¯t unsettle him.


    It should have. The unnatural chill, the shifting marks, the overwhelming silence¡ªeverything about this place should have screamed danger. But instead, something deep within him whispered that he was meant to be here.


    His fingers reached out before he even realized what he was doing.


    He traced the worn carvings along the wall, his fingertips grazing the ancient stone. The moment he touched them, something pulsed beneath his skin¡ªnot a shock, not a force, but a sensation. A pull, faint but unmistakable, thrumming at the edge of his senses.


    His breath hitched.


    The deeper he went, the fainter the light from the entrance became. The mist outside no longer reached him. He was leaving the world he knew behind, stepping into something older.


    Something forgotten.


    And yet, he did not stop.


    The further Yonas walked, the more the outside world faded.


    The air inside the structure was dense, pressing against his skin like an unseen weight. The silence was absolute¡ªno distant rustling of trees, no wind, no sounds of life. It was as if the place had been severed from time itself.


    The glow in the distance pulsed, faint but steady, illuminating the worn stone with an eerie light. The shifting scriptures along the walls caught his attention again. At first, he had assumed them to be completely foreign, an ancient language lost to time. But as he continued forward, something strange happened.


    He could almost read them.


    The meaning was right there, just beyond his grasp, hovering at the edge of understanding. If he focused too hard, the letters twisted away from him, shifting into unfamiliar patterns. But if he simply let them exist¡ªif he didn¡¯t try to force comprehension¡ªfragments of meaning flickered in his mind like echoes of a forgotten memory.


    Yet, this didn¡¯t unsettle him.


    He should have been alarmed. He should have questioned how a language he had never seen before felt so close to familiarity. But he didn¡¯t.


    Instead, he placed his hand against the carvings once more, running his fingers over the ancient stone. The moment he touched them, another pulse rippled through his body¡ªgentle, distant, like a faint heartbeat beneath his skin.


    And then he heard it.


    Whispers.


    Not loud, not clear, but frantic. A chorus of hushed voices, overlapping, trying to reach him, to tell him something¡ªsomething important. The air trembled with their urgency, their desperation, but he could not make out the words.


    His heartbeat quickened.


    The glow ahead grew stronger. The corridor stretched forward, inviting him deeper, and the whispers rose with every step he took. They weren¡¯t pushing him back. They weren¡¯t warning him to turn around.


    They were calling him forward.


    Yonas swallowed, but he did not hesitate.


    He kept walking.


    The corridor stretched on, swallowing him in its depths.


    The glow ahead pulsed steadily, but Yonas barely noticed it now. His focus was locked on the whispers¡ªtheir urgency growing with every step he took. The voices layered upon one another, overlapping in a frantic, chaotic murmur. Though he could not understand them, he felt their meaning pressing against his mind.


    They were guiding him. Calling him forward.


    And then, he saw it.


    At the end of the passage, past the worn stone and flickering carvings, something unnatural loomed.


    A swirling mass of darkness.


    It was not just the absence of light. It was something more. Something present. A void that twisted the space around it, bending the air, warping the edges of reality. It did not move, yet it pulsed with a silent, rhythmic pull, like it was breathing.


    Yonas¡¯ breath caught in his throat. Every part of him screamed to stop, to turn back¡ªbut his body did not listen.


    He stepped forward.


    His heartbeat pounded in his ears, matching the pulse of the whispers, of the dark presence before him. His fingers twitched, the pull growing stronger, his body drawn toward it with each slow step.


    It wasn¡¯t fear that gripped him.


    It was inevitability.


    The closer he got, the more the whispers rose, building into a deafening, wordless crescendo. Pressure swelled in his mind, pressing against his thoughts like a tide trying to break through. His vision wavered, the world around him distorting at the edges.


    He lifted his hand.


    His fingers reached forward, trembling as they stretched toward the darkness. He didn¡¯t know why¡ªonly that he could not stop.


    His fingertips brushed the edge of the void.


    The whispers screamed.


    A crushing force crashed down on his senses, and the world around him shattered into black.


    Yonas gasped.


    His eyes snapped open, his chest rising and falling in ragged, uneven breaths. Cold sweat clung to his skin, his entire body tense as if it had been plunged into ice. His hands curled into the fabric of his bedroll, his fingers shaking, his mind struggling to grasp what had just happened.


    The forest stretched around him, unchanged.


    Misty. Silent. Still.


    His breath came sharp and shallow as he sat up, his limbs trembling with an unease that refused to fade. He felt like he had been falling for an eternity, only to wake in the exact place he had left. But something wasn¡¯t right. His fingers twitched as he reached for the sole of his shoe, running his thumb over the worn material. The dirt was undisturbed. No scuffs, no signs of movement.


    It was as if he had never left.


    His throat tightened. He turned his head toward Nasir, needing some sense of normalcy, some proof that the world hadn¡¯t shifted beneath him. The man¡¯s chest rose and fell in deep, steady breaths, his face calm, unbothered. Asleep.


    Yet, something gnawed at Yonas, twisting his insides with cold dread.


    The mist curled around the camp, heavier than before, clinging to the trees with an unnatural stillness. The usual distant hum of the forest¡ªthe rustling leaves, the chirping of insects, the faint howls carried on the wind¡ªwas gone. The silence was absolute, thick like a presence of its own.


    Yonas swallowed hard, forcing himself to steady his breathing. It had to be a dream. A nightmare, nothing more. The battle had drained him, the stress of nearly dying weighing too heavily on his mind. That was all it was.


    But he didn¡¯t believe it.


    The weight in his chest wouldn¡¯t fade, a pressure settling over him like unseen hands pressing against his skin. His senses prickled, every instinct screaming at him that something¡ªsomeone¡ªwas there.


    Then¡ª


    A voice.


    Soft. Familiar. Calm.


    ¡°Yonas.¡±


    His entire body locked up.


    His pulse roared in his ears, his breath hitching as his fingers instinctively wrapped around the hilt of his weapon. His eyes darted through the mist, scanning the shifting shadows for any sign of movement.


    Nothing.


    No footsteps. No figure emerging from the trees. No hint of where the voice had come from.


    Yet, he knew he had heard it.


    It hadn¡¯t been in his head.


    It had spoken his name.


    The mist remained unmoving, the silence growing heavier, wrapping around him like a creeping fog, thick and unshakable. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to steady his breathing, but his fingers remained tight around his weapon, his knuckles white.


    Somewhere in the stillness, something was watching.


    And it was waiting.

 Chapter 15 The Shadow of Doubt

    Chapter 15 The Shadow of Doubt


    Yonas sat frozen, his breath coming in uneven, shallow gulps.


    The voice had shattered whatever fragile grasp he had on reality. It had been soft¡ªtoo soft. Familiar, yet entirely wrong. It didn¡¯t belong, yet it had spoken his name as if it always had. The weight of it lingered, sinking into his skin, burrowing into the marrow of his bones.


    His mind reeled. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint what felt off. Everything? Nothing? The world had not changed in any obvious way, but it felt misaligned, subtly wrong, as if he had stepped into a dream he could not wake from.


    The mist coiled around him, thicker than before, clinging to the air, making it heavier in his lungs. Shadows stretched outward, yawning into endless depths, their edges shifting whenever he looked too closely. They weren¡¯t just dark¡ªthey were consuming, the kind of blackness that felt like if he stepped too close, he might not come back.


    His fingers wrapped around the hilt of his sword, his grip tightening instinctively. He didn¡¯t remember reaching for it. It had simply appeared in his grasp, his body acting before his mind could register the movement. His knuckles turned white, his heartbeat hammering in his ears.


    Then, the silence broke.


    Not in a gradual, natural way¡ªbut all at once, as if the world had suddenly remembered it was supposed to be alive.


    The wind howled through the trees, shaking the branches with an eerie, hollow resonance. Leaves rustled violently, dry and frantic, the sound multiplying, overlapping, twisting into something more than just the forest stirring. The undergrowth shifted, crackling with movement, though he could see nothing there.


    The noise swelled, a cacophony pressing down on him from every direction. It was as if something wanted to drown him in it, to smother his senses, to make him lose himself in the overwhelming, crushing presence of the forest.


    And then¡ª


    A figure stepped forward.


    Not from behind him. Not from the side.


    It walked straight out of the shadows in front of him.


    And it moved like it belonged there.


    Yonas¡¯ breath hitched as the figure emerged, stepping forward as though it had always been there, waiting in the shadows.


    It did not stumble. It did not hesitate.


    Every movement was deliberate, controlled, as if it was in command of not just itself, but the very air, the very moment. The mist did not swallow it. The shifting shadows did not obscure it. It walked through them, parting them effortlessly, like the world bent to accommodate its presence.


    Yonas¡¯ grip on his sword tightened, his mind racing to make sense of what he was seeing. His body tensed, every instinct screaming at him to run, to fight, to do something¡ªanything. But he remained rooted in place, unable to move, trapped in the space between terror and disbelief.


    Then, the figure stepped into the dim glow of the dying fire, and the breath left Yonas¡¯ lungs.


    It was him.


    Not something resembling him. Not a vague distortion or shadowy trick of the mist. It was him¡ªhis height, his frame, his posture. Every detail matched, down to the way the strands of his hair fell over his forehead.


    But it was wrong.


    The eyes were the first thing he noticed.


    They were deep¡ªendlessly deep¡ªlike staring into a void without a bottom. Hollow, lifeless, empty of anything resembling humanity. There was no flicker of thought, no trace of emotion. And yet, as Yonas locked eyes with it, he felt something cold press against his mind, a whispering presence creeping along the edges of his thoughts, tracing the shape of his fear.


    His stomach twisted violently.


    No. This is a dream. It has to be. This isn''t real.


    But the way the figure moved, the way the fire¡¯s faint glow illuminated its features without distortion¡ªit was too vivid, too solid, too undeniable.


    Yonas swallowed hard, trying to control his breathing. His own voice felt distant in his head, as if his thoughts weren¡¯t entirely his own anymore. His body trembled, his legs stiff and unresponsive.


    The figure didn¡¯t blink. It didn¡¯t shift, didn¡¯t falter.


    Then¡ª


    It smiled.


    A slow, deliberate grin, curling at the edges of its lips with the weight of something indescribable.


    And Yonas felt his blood run cold.


    Yonas'' breath came in sharp, ragged bursts. His body refused to move the way he wanted it to, his muscles locked in place as if an unseen force was keeping him there.


    The figure¡ªhis figure¡ªstood before him, the grin stretching ever so slightly wider, yet its eyes remained hollow, empty, devoid of life.


    No. This isn¡¯t real. This isn¡¯t happening.


    His pulse pounded against his skull, his vision blurring at the edges. His thoughts twisted in on themselves, trying to grasp at some kind of logic, some kind of explanation¡ªbut there was none.


    He needed to ground himself. He needed something real.


    His head snapped toward Nasir.


    His body moved before his mind caught up, scrambling across the cold earth toward where Nasir lay. He reached out, shaking him roughly by the shoulders.


    "Nasir¡ªwake up!" His voice cracked, desperate. "Get up, something''s wrong!"


    No response.


    The firelight cast flickering shadows over Nasir¡¯s face, his features as still as if he were merely lost in deep sleep. But something was wrong. Something was terribly, unmistakably wrong.


    Yonas shook him harder, his fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt. "Nasir!"


    The weight beneath his hands shifted¡ªtoo easily.


    Nasir¡¯s body rolled limply to the side, and Yonas'' stomach lurched as a sickening wet sound filled the air.


    Then, he saw it.


    The deep wound, carved cleanly through his chest.


    A sword had pierced straight through his heart.


    The world around Yonas shattered.


    His fingers recoiled as if burned, his mind unable to process what he was seeing. His breath hitched violently in his throat, his stomach twisting into knots so tight it felt like he was going to be sick.


    Nasir was dead.


    The realization crashed into him all at once, suffocating, unbearable, splitting his thoughts apart at the seams. His hands trembled as he tried to speak, tried to form words, but all that came was a strangled noise from deep in his throat.


    His vision blurred. He couldn''t think, couldn''t breathe¡ª


    Then, the world went silent.


    Not just quiet. Silent.


    The crackling fire, the rustling leaves, the distant nocturnal hum of the forest¡ªeverything ceased.


    Even his own breathing sounded muted, as if the world had collapsed into a void.


    Yonas turned, slowly, his entire body stiff with dread.


    The figure had not moved. It still stood there, watching.


    And then¡ª


    It grinned wider.


    Something inside Yonas broke.


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    The terror, the disbelief, the spiraling thoughts¡ªit all collapsed under the weight of something far stronger.


    Rage.


    His breath came in sharp, uneven bursts, his vision trembling at the edges, his chest heaving with the force of emotions that he could no longer contain. His fingers curled into fists so tight his nails dug into his palms. The cold seeped into his skin, but he didn¡¯t feel it anymore.


    His mind latched onto a single, burning thought.


    Did you do this?


    The figure didn¡¯t answer. It only stood there, still grinning, still watching.


    Yonas didn¡¯t need an answer.


    The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt of his sword, the air responded. It surged around him in a wild, erratic storm, no longer flowing through him but raging¡ªuncontrollable, relentless, dangerous. Wind whipped violently at his clothes, the mist around him twisting and coiling like a living thing, circling him with a restless hunger.


    The energy felt different this time. It wasn¡¯t precise. It wasn¡¯t focused.


    It was desperate.


    The moment his blade left its sheath, he moved.


    Yonas lunged forward, his entire body pushing off the ground with a force greater than before. His sword swung through the air, cutting with the full weight of his fury, the wind howling with each strike.


    And yet¡ª


    Nothing.


    The blade passed through the figure effortlessly, meeting no resistance, no impact, no flesh. It was like slicing through a shadow, an illusion, a ghost.


    Yonas landed, twisting on his heel, already swinging again. Again. And again.


    Each attack carved through empty space.


    He bared his teeth, frustration bleeding into his voice. "Why won¡¯t it cut?! Why?!"


    His voice cracked. His hands trembled.


    Still, the figure did not react. It did not flinch, did not step back. It simply watched.


    And Yonas felt something terrible settle deep in his bones.


    It wasn¡¯t ignoring his attacks.


    It never needed to dodge them.


    Yonas'' breath came in ragged gasps, his chest rising and falling as if he had sprinted for miles. His grip on his sword tightened until his knuckles turned white, but no matter how many times he swung¡ªno matter how much force, how much rage¡ªhis blade met nothing.


    The figure didn¡¯t move.


    It didn¡¯t dodge.


    It simply stood there.


    Watching.


    Mocking.


    The wind around Yonas spiraled out of control, slamming against the trees, scattering embers from the dying fire. But no matter how fiercely the air howled, no matter how much his elemental energy surged in wild defiance, the figure remained unaffected. The mist curled around it like an extension of its being, shifting and warping with each flicker of the dim light.


    His sword cut through the figure again. And again.


    And again.


    Each strike was met with pure nothingness.


    His fury twisted into something else. Something darker.


    Despair.


    Miserable, gut-wrenching despair.


    His arms trembled, his movements growing more frantic, more reckless. His voice broke, his throat burning from the force of his own shouts.


    "Fight me!" His voice cracked, raw and desperate. "Why won''t you fight me?!"


    The figure didn¡¯t answer.


    Instead, it took a step forward.


    Yonas'' stomach twisted violently.


    It moved slowly, deliberately, as if time itself bent to its will. There was no urgency in its stride, no hesitation. Every motion was precise, controlled, as if it already knew exactly how this was going to end.


    Yonas took a shaky step back, his heartbeat hammering in his ears. His instincts screamed at him to keep attacking, to strike until something¡ªanything¡ªhappened. But something was different now.


    The weight of the air had shifted.


    A sickening pressure coiled around him, unseen yet suffocating, pressing against his skin like an invisible force. It wasn''t a hand. It wasn''t a touch.


    And yet, it was touching him.


    A sensation that defied all logic, that should not exist.


    His mind rebelled against it, against the unnatural feeling of something being there and not being there at the same time. He could feel it wrap around his throat, and yet, there was nothing there.


    Nothing at all.


    And then¡ª


    The figure¡¯s hand¡ªhis hand¡ªclamped around his neck.


    Yonas choked.


    A silent gasp left his lips, his fingers instinctively reaching up, clawing at the wrist that wasn¡¯t really there. But it didn¡¯t matter. He could feel it. The pressure, the tightening hold, the cold sinking into his skin like it was draining the very life from him.


    His strength vanished.


    His limbs grew weak, his sword slipping from his grasp as his vision blurred.


    The edges of the world darkened, the shadows stretching toward him, pulling him deeper, deeper into the abyss.


    And for the first time in his life¡ª


    Yonas felt like he was about to die.


    Air flooded Yonas¡¯ lungs in a violent gasp.


    His body convulsed, his hands clawing at his throat as if to tear away the unseen grip that had been choking him. His chest heaved, his breath coming in rapid, uneven bursts, his entire body trembling as if he had just been pulled from the depths of an ocean he hadn¡¯t realized he was drowning in.


    The world around him had shifted.


    No mist. No darkness pressing in from all sides. No figure looming over him with dead, hollow eyes.


    The fire still burned in weak embers, casting a faint glow over the familiar outline of the camp. The rustling leaves had returned, the wind whispering softly through the trees as if nothing had ever changed.


    But something was wrong.


    His wrist was restrained. Tight. Firm.


    Yonas'' gaze darted downward, his vision still swimming from the disorienting shift in reality. His hands¡ªhis fingers¡ªthey weren¡¯t gripping at something invisible.


    They were wrapped around his own throat.


    Panic surged through him again, his breath catching as his mind scrambled to process what he was seeing. He tried to yank his hands away, but he wasn¡¯t the one controlling them.


    Nasir was.


    The older man knelt over him, one hand wrapped around Yonas¡¯ wrist, the other gripping his forearm, forcing his hands away from his own neck. His expression was unreadable¡ªan unfamiliar mixture of concern and something deeper. Something that almost resembled fear.


    ¡°What,¡± Nasir said, his voice controlled but edged with tension, ¡°were you doing?¡±


    Yonas barely heard him. His mind was still drowning in the remnants of the nightmare, the echoes of those empty eyes burned into his thoughts. His breath shuddered as he struggled to find his voice.


    ¡°I¡ª¡± His voice wavered. ¡°I saw¡ª¡±


    His words faltered. He couldn¡¯t get them out. Couldn¡¯t even piece together the horror he had just endured.


    Nasir¡¯s grip loosened slightly, but his eyes didn¡¯t leave Yonas. ¡°You were strangling yourself,¡± he said, his voice quieter now, the disbelief settling into his features. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t woken up, you¡ª¡±


    He didn¡¯t finish the sentence.


    He didn¡¯t need to.


    Yonas¡¯ body felt impossibly heavy, as if all his strength had drained out of him. His hands dropped limply to his sides, his head falling back against the bedroll as a wave of exhaustion slammed into him.


    His fingers twitched. The sensation still lingered¡ªthe pressure, the weight of something cold pressing against his skin.


    It was gone.


    But he could still feel it.


    Yonas¡¯ body refused to move.


    He sat there, his arms limp at his sides, his breath slowing but never fully steadying. The campfire crackled softly beside him, the warm glow casting flickering shadows across the clearing. It should have been comforting. It should have felt safe.


    But it didn¡¯t.


    Nasir was still watching him, his expression unreadable, but his grip had fully loosened. He wasn¡¯t restraining Yonas anymore. He didn¡¯t need to. Yonas wasn¡¯t going anywhere.


    His body trembled¡ªnot from the cold, not from exhaustion, but from something deeper. The weight of what had just happened clung to him, sinking into his very bones. His fingers curled slightly against the bedroll beneath him, but he couldn¡¯t stop them from shaking.


    His mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came.


    It wasn¡¯t until his vision blurred that he realized he was crying.


    The first tear slipped down his cheek in silence, but once it fell, more followed. His shoulders tensed as he fought against the sobs building in his chest, his breath hitching, uneven.


    He clenched his jaw. No. He didn¡¯t want this. Not here. Not now.


    But the moment he tried to swallow it down, the dam broke.


    His body gave out, collapsing forward before he could stop himself.


    Nasir caught him.


    Yonas pressed his forehead against Nasir¡¯s shoulder, his hands gripping the older man¡¯s cloak as if it was the only thing keeping him from unraveling completely. The warmth of another person, the solidness of someone real¡ªit was too much.


    He sobbed. Uncontrollably, violently, his breath shuddering between gasps as everything poured out of him at once.


    ¡°I thought you were dead,¡± he choked out between ragged breaths. ¡°I saw it¡ªI saw the sword¡ªthe blood¡ª¡±


    The words came without thought, tumbling out, raw and broken. The image of Nasir¡¯s lifeless body was still burned into his mind, the gaping wound, the silence that had swallowed the world whole. Even now, even knowing Nasir was alive, it still felt real.


    Nasir didn¡¯t speak at first. He didn¡¯t shush him, didn¡¯t try to push him away. He just let Yonas shake, let him gasp for breath, let him hold onto him like he was the only thing keeping him grounded.


    Then, after a long silence, he finally spoke.


    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± he said simply. No over-explanation. No dismissing Yonas¡¯ fear. Just a quiet, steady truth.


    And somehow, that was enough.


    The sobs didn¡¯t stop immediately, but the weight of them lessened. Yonas¡¯ breathing remained unsteady, his body still trembling, but the crushing tightness in his chest loosened¡ªjust a little.


    Nasir didn¡¯t move until Yonas did. He didn¡¯t pry, didn¡¯t ask him to explain himself.


    He simply stayed.


    And for the first time since the nightmare began, Yonas no longer felt like he was completely alone.


    It took time for Yonas to gather himself. His breathing was still uneven, his fingers still weak as they slowly uncurled from Nasir¡¯s cloak. The weight in his chest hadn¡¯t fully lifted, but at least now, it wasn¡¯t suffocating him.


    Nasir didn¡¯t rush him. He stayed still, waiting, giving Yonas the space to speak on his own terms.


    Yonas swallowed hard. His throat felt tight, but he forced himself to find his voice.


    ¡°I saw¡­ something,¡± he muttered, barely above a whisper. His own words felt distant, uncertain, as if saying them aloud might make them real again.


    Nasir¡¯s eyes sharpened slightly, his focus locked onto Yonas with an intensity that made it clear he was listening. ¡°What did you see?¡±


    Yonas hesitated. The memory of that thing¡ªthe version of himself that wasn¡¯t him¡ªflashed through his mind like a fresh wound being reopened. His fingers twitched, and for a brief moment, he almost considered lying. Saying it was just a bad dream. Saying nothing at all.


    But he couldn¡¯t.


    Because it hadn¡¯t just been a dream.


    So he told him.


    Everything.


    The mist. The silence. The figure stepping out of the darkness, moving with absolute control. The way it had looked exactly like him¡ªbut hollow, empty, wrong. The way it had smiled. The way Nasir¡¯s body had lain there, motionless, his chest split open by a wound that shouldn¡¯t have existed.


    And the way his sword had done nothing.


    The more he spoke, the more he realized how insane it all sounded. And yet, with every word, Nasir¡¯s expression darkened¡ªnot with doubt, not with dismissal, but with something Yonas couldn¡¯t quite place.


    It wasn¡¯t just concern.


    It was something deeper.


    When Yonas finally fell silent, his heartbeat still uneven, he expected Nasir to tell him it was just a nightmare. That exhaustion had taken its toll, that his mind had played tricks on him.


    But he didn¡¯t.


    Instead, Nasir exhaled slowly, his gaze lowering as if he was turning something over in his mind. He was quiet for longer than Yonas expected, and for a brief, uneasy moment, it felt like he was considering something.


    Finally, he spoke.


    ¡°Whatever that was,¡± he said, voice low, thoughtful, ¡°it wasn¡¯t just a dream.¡±


    Yonas¡¯ stomach twisted.


    Nasir looked at him again, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced with something far more serious. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you saw, and I don¡¯t know why it happened. But I do know one thing.¡±


    He leaned forward slightly, his tone steady, grounded.


    ¡°You¡¯re still here.¡±


    Yonas blinked, his breath still uneven.


    ¡°You woke up,¡± Nasir continued, ¡°and whatever that thing was¡ªit didn¡¯t take you. Didn¡¯t kill you. That means something.¡±


    Yonas didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t know how to.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if those words were meant to reassure him or warn him.


    Because deep down, as the fire crackled beside him and the shadows stretched just a little too far¡ª


    He still felt like something had followed him back.

 Chapter 16 The Path Forward

    Chapter 16 The Path Forward


    Yonas sat by the dying fire, arms wrapped around his knees, fingers digging into his arms. The warmth of the flames barely touched him.


    His mind felt like a storm¡ªthoughts crashing, clashing, circling back on themselves with no answers, no sense. His breathing was steady, but only because he forced it to be.


    He didn¡¯t trust his own body anymore.


    The fire crackled, its light flickering across his face, but he barely noticed. His eyes were locked on the flames, unfocused, vacant. He wanted to rest. He needed to rest. But every time he so much as blinked¡ª


    There he was.


    It lasted only a fraction of a second, but it felt like an eternity.


    The grip around his throat. The dead, hollow eyes staring back at him. The weight in his limbs as he was dragged into nothingness. The sensation of choking, of fighting against a force that wasn¡¯t there, yet was more real than anything he had ever faced.


    It wasn¡¯t a dream.


    It couldn¡¯t have been.


    The feeling hadn¡¯t left him. His skin still crawled with the memory of it, his mind still recoiling from the overwhelming pressure of that moment. He had felt death before¡ªwhen the monster had nearly torn him apart, when his body had collapsed from exhaustion¡ªbut this was different.


    Because this hadn¡¯t been an outside force.


    It had been him.


    A voice pulled him from his spiraling thoughts.


    "Did you use air elemental energy in your dream?"


    Yonas flinched, his entire body tensing as he turned to Nasir.


    Nasir was watching him, eyes sharp, posture relaxed but unreadable. Yonas forced his breathing to slow, forced his fingers to unclench from the fabric of his trousers.


    He answered immediately. "Yeah."


    Nasir studied him for a second longer. "How did it feel?"


    Yonas¡¯ throat felt tight, but he forced himself to speak. "Stronger. A lot stronger. But it wasn¡¯t controlled. It felt like it was using me, instead of the other way around."


    The silence stretched between them.


    Then, Nasir exhaled slowly. His expression was guarded, but Yonas could see it¡ªthe flicker of fear.


    "I woke up because of it," Nasir said, his voice quieter now. "There was a sudden surge of air elemental energy. I saw it surrounding you¡ªthen, it vanished in an instant."


    He hesitated, then continued.


    "That¡¯s when I saw you strangling yourself."


    Yonas'' stomach twisted violently.


    He didn¡¯t respond. He couldn¡¯t. His breath was steady, but his mind was spiraling again, his body locking up.


    If the elemental energy had manifested¡ªif it had been real¡ªthen what had really happened?


    What was the Anti-Yonas?


    Why had it felt so real?


    And most terrifying of all¡ª


    Why had it felt like it was him?


    Yonas clenched his fists. His mind refused to settle.


    If the elemental energy had manifested in the real world¡­ then was it truly just a dream? Or had he somehow crossed a boundary¡ªone that wasn¡¯t meant to be crossed?


    He stared at the fire, but the flames provided no clarity, no comfort. They flickered, twisting unpredictably, shifting in ways that felt unnatural. Or maybe that was just his mind playing tricks on him.


    It didn¡¯t matter.


    The questions still swirled, relentless.


    His own hands had been around his throat.


    But had they?


    It felt like his body had been acting on its own, as if something else had been pulling the strings, and yet¡ªhe had felt the pressure, the suffocating force, the way his strength had drained like sand slipping through his fingers.


    Had it been him? Or something else?


    Had the Anti-Yonas been real?


    If it had, then what did that make him?


    A part of him wanted to dismiss it as nothing more than a nightmare. To convince himself that it was just a trick of the mind, that exhaustion had twisted his thoughts into something unrecognizable.


    But he couldn¡¯t.


    Because Nasir had seen the air elemental energy.


    And Yonas had felt it.


    The silence between them stretched, thick and heavy, but then¡ª


    ¡°As long as you keep using elemental energy each time, we might figure it out,¡± Nasir said, his voice laced with something light, almost teasing.


    Yonas blinked.


    A joke.


    It was unexpected, almost too casual.


    For a second, Yonas just stared at him. The sheer normalcy of the remark clashed so violently with everything running through his head that it caught him completely off guard.


    And yet¡­


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    The tension in his shoulders loosened¡ªjust slightly¡ªbut enough for him to exhale, the suffocating weight pressing on his chest easing just a little.


    It was absurd, wasn¡¯t it?


    Everything about this.


    There was no way to explain it. No way to understand it. So why drown in questions that had no answers?


    Still, the unease gnawed at him.


    Was that truly a dream? Or had he stumbled into something far worse?


    Nasir¡¯s smirk faded, his expression shifting. His eyes sharpened.


    The teasing was gone.


    "Listen," he said, his voice low and firm. "If you ever see that thing again¡ªrun. Don¡¯t fight. Don¡¯t try to test your strength. Just run."


    Yonas swallowed, the air between them shifting once again.


    This wasn¡¯t a simple warning.


    The weight in Nasir¡¯s voice was different¡ªlike someone who had seen something they shouldn¡¯t have.


    Something that couldn¡¯t be fought.


    Something that shouldn¡¯t even exist.


    Yonas nodded instinctively, the gravity of Nasir¡¯s words sinking deep into his chest like a stone.


    He didn¡¯t even consider refusing.


    Because deep down¡ª


    He already knew.


    Fighting something like that wasn¡¯t a test of strength.


    It was a death sentence.


    Yonas didn¡¯t sleep properly that night.


    Even after Nasir¡¯s warning, after the fire had burned down to embers, his mind refused to rest. Every time his eyelids drooped, even for a second, he saw it. The figure. Himself, yet not. Its fingers tightening around his throat. The lifeless, hollow gaze staring back at him.


    It was a blink¡ªjust a blink¡ªyet in that moment, time stretched unbearably long, warping into something unnatural.


    If I fall asleep, will I wake up?


    The thought refused to leave him. He had almost died before, but this was different. This wasn¡¯t an enemy, a monster, an outside threat.


    It was him.


    And that terrified him in a way he couldn¡¯t describe.


    He didn¡¯t know when he finally drifted off, exhaustion dragging him into unconsciousness. But when he woke the next morning, his body was heavy, his limbs sluggish, his mind still trapped in the remnants of that nightmare.


    He didn¡¯t mention it.


    Instead, he buried it. Drowned it in his training.


    The days passed in a haze, blending into each other. Yonas barely noticed. He focused only on the next movement, the next fight, the next moment. His body moved on instinct, pushing past fatigue, pushing past thought.


    Every day, he fought goblins, each battle bringing him closer to perfection¡ªbut not quite there. He was still missing something. Still taking too long. Still not executing the perfect kill.


    And that wasn¡¯t good enough.


    The Anti-Yonas had shaken something in him, but not in the way he had expected. He wasn¡¯t paralysed by fear anymore. He didn¡¯t flinch at the memory. He didn¡¯t feel weak.


    He felt hungry.


    Not for food. Not for rest.


    For growth.


    The longer he took to become stronger, the lower his chances of survival the next time something like that happened.


    And Yonas knew¡ªdeeply, instinctively¡ªthat there would be a next time.


    Nasir didn¡¯t push him too hard. Not after what had happened. His training remained rigorous, but there was no added pressure, no impatience. He allowed Yonas to move at his own pace, reinforcing the idea that progress would come through mastery, not recklessness.


    Yonas didn¡¯t resist.


    He absorbed.


    His mind became sharper. His stance more stable. His attacks cleaner. The hesitation he once had¡ªthe momentary gaps in his form¡ªvanished.


    By the time the week had passed, he wasn¡¯t afraid anymore.


    Not of the dream.


    Not of what lay ahead.


    But the shadow of that presence¡ªthe weight of it¡ªremained.


    And Yonas vowed that next time, he wouldn¡¯t be the one who was powerless.


    The fire crackled softly as the night settled over the camp. Yonas sat cross-legged, sharpening his sword with slow, measured strokes, his mind still caught in the endless loop of training, improvement, survival.


    Nasir, sitting opposite him, watched in silence for a moment before finally speaking.


    ¡°There¡¯s something you should know.¡±


    Yonas glanced up, his sharpening slowing.


    Nasir leaned back slightly, resting his arms on his knees. ¡°The council has ordered the construction of a new school in Thalrune. A place for students with elemental aptitude.¡±


    Yonas'' grip tightened on the whetstone. He hadn¡¯t expected that.


    ¡°A school?¡± he echoed, his mind struggling to shift gears from training to something¡­ different.


    Nasir nodded. ¡°Not just any school. One built for people like you. It¡¯s already nearing completion. They¡¯ve set the trials for 13/01/909. Classes start on 1/5/909.¡±


    For a moment, Yonas didn¡¯t say anything. The words settled in his mind, the weight of their meaning pressing against the sharp, focused drive he had built over the last week.


    A school.


    An actual place for people like him.


    For as long as he could remember, it had just been his brother. The only person near his age he had any real bond with. He had never had friends, never had comrades, never had the experience of growing alongside others.


    And now, suddenly, there was a chance.


    His chest tightened¡ªnot in fear, but in something else.


    Something exciting.


    He set his sword down, staring into the fire. ¡°A school for elemental swordsmen?¡±


    Nasir smirked slightly. ¡°For anyone with elemental aptitude. Swordsmen, elementalists, anyone who meets the requirements.¡± He exhaled, glancing up at the sky. ¡°The council actually moved fast on this. Faster than I expected.¡±


    There was something in his tone¡ªa note of respect.


    Yonas tilted his head. ¡°You sound impressed.¡±


    Nasir nodded. ¡°I am. It¡¯s rare to see the council take action this quickly. Usually, things drag on with too much debating, too much hesitation. But this time¡­ it¡¯s like they knew they needed this.¡± He paused before adding, ¡°This could be a real opportunity for you.¡±


    Yonas didn¡¯t need to be told that.


    It was more than just an opportunity for growth.


    It was a chance to prove himself.


    A place to train, to become stronger, to push himself beyond what he could achieve alone. And more than that¡ª


    For the first time, he would be among others like him.


    He might finally have people to fight alongside.


    But¡­


    His excitement dimmed slightly as a thought surfaced. ¡°I don¡¯t know how strong I actually am,¡± he admitted, his voice quieter now. ¡°I¡¯ve only fought goblins. I don¡¯t know how I compare to others my age.¡±


    Nasir¡¯s expression remained unreadable for a moment before he said, ¡°That¡¯s exactly why this is a good thing. You¡¯ll find out.¡±


    Yonas absorbed that.


    He wasn¡¯t arrogant. He knew his strength wasn¡¯t at its peak. But was he falling behind? Was his growth slow?


    He didn¡¯t know.


    But what he did know¡ª


    His determination.


    His obsession.


    His refusal to fall behind.


    He wouldn¡¯t let himself be weak.


    No matter where he ranked, no matter what he faced¡ªhe would keep climbing.


    The fire crackled again, the glow flickering over his face as he finally exhaled.


    ¡°So, how do I enter?¡±


    Nasir smirked. ¡°You¡¯ll take the trial, like everyone else. But first¡­¡± He gestured toward Yonas¡¯ sword. ¡°You focus on getting stronger.¡±


    Yonas smirked back, picking up his blade.


    That was the plan all along.


    Far from the quiet campfire where Yonas and Nasir spoke, another scene unfolded.


    The kingdom of Draeven stretched out beneath the night sky, its vastness illuminated by the glow of lanterns and the mechanical hum of its heart. From above, the city appeared far more organised than the rough, sprawling settlements of Valoria. Roads cut through it in calculated patterns, winding around massive castles, towering structures of iron and stone.


    And at the centre¡ª


    A fortress unlike any other.


    Larger than even the grandest noble estates, its silhouette loomed over the city, its surface gleaming with the faint shimmer of mechanical constructs. Cogs adorned its outer walls, some moving, others still, as if they were a part of something far greater than the eye could see.


    Despite its grandeur, there was something unnerving about it. Something cold.


    A place built not just for rule, but for control.


    But the true shadow of Draeven did not sit within that grand fortress.


    It stood on the outskirts, where the city¡¯s poorest districts lay. A place of rusted buildings, narrow alleys, and chimneys that coughed black smoke into the sky. It wasn¡¯t as broken as the Hinterlands of Valoria¡ªDraeven¡¯s poorest still had access to the kingdom¡¯s advancements¡ªbut it was a different kind of poverty. One where progress came at a cost.


    Where only the useful survived.


    Inside one of the many dimly lit buildings, a man stood by a cracked window, his gaze fixed on the towering fortress in the distance.


    His silhouette was sharp against the faint light, his posture rigid with purpose.


    There was no hesitation in his movements. No wavering.


    His fingers tapped lightly against the wooden frame, a slow, rhythmic motion, the only sound in the otherwise silent room.


    His expression didn¡¯t shift. Not when the wind rattled the glass. Not when the distant hum of Draeven¡¯s machinery filled the air.


    And then, as if speaking to no one but himself, he murmured¡ª


    "All will be ready in two years."


    No emotion. No excitement.


    Just a statement.


    A fact.


    The words lingered in the air, swallowed by the heavy silence that followed.


    Outside, the smoke continued to rise. The cogs of Draeven continued to turn.


    And in that quiet, the world moved ever closer to whatever was coming.