> RAITHA'S PoV -
It has been over a week since my master became a student of this person who calls himself a Three-Star Master Teacher. My master's still unaware of the old man's power, but I think he shouldn't know it yet. Bro's gonna have a heart attack once he finds out Golakar's true identity.
Anyway, during this time he learned quite a few things, became a little better at mana control after being scolded for using the wrong finger formation. Believe it or not, he was using the Vayu Art and not the Jal Art, lol.
No wonder the water he created came and went like it wasn't water but air. And yes, he became a Tier One, Sub-Stage Three fighter. I always knew my master was hella talented — a normal fighter needs like a month's worth of training to reach this level. And a year of education as well. But oh well, come to think of it, it is because of the system and system buffs that he's faster than the rest of the fighters.
I would like to say that but... seems like the system has no buffs. Just found out yesterday night. It's just my master's body structure and dedication to becoming stronger that let him become even stronger and fast. I don't understand it though. I mean, many more adventurers must have had the same mindset, right?
I wonder what's different in this human being. Maybe because he's from another realm. Might be. My past masters were the same too — they understood things fast just like him and became strong fast too!
I think today is the last day before my master leaves to continue his journey to the next city. I think he definitely should. I've been eating the same kind of food every day and it has started to taste bad compared to the first bite.
Come to think of it, I've been sensing something since we left Tarayala — as if someone is following us here into the woods. But that human isn't a threat, so I won't inform my master. It would just waste both his and my time.
Oh. Have I been on my PoV this whole time? Sorry! Here you go...
> Writer's PoV -
After the intense seven days of training, Shyam was now ready to continue his journey to Vyomsetu! But before that, he wanted to stop by a checkpoint — Titiksha.
Golakar said it was a forgotten ruin where, if one can pass, they will gain a grimorie — a book containing over one hundred spells made for Hydra users.
Getting it was a challenge, but if he could get that book, he would have many techniques up his sleeve to use later after becoming even stronger.
For now, he could only fill a bottle with his Hydra magic. But Golakar said once he reached golakar's level, he could create an entire ocean with only his magic Power!.
Shyam did ask him why Golakar himself didn't go explore the ruin, but teachers never answer peacefully:
"I AM AN OLD MAN!" he had shouted.
He now had a set goal for his next destination before Vyomsetu.
> THE RUINS OF TITIKSHA
"Well, take care, and hope we meet again," Golakar said as he wove his hands mid-air. Shyam did the same and finally stepped off Golakar's set territory. Same Shyam, same mindset, same lame face — but now Shyam had powers even he didn't know were obtainable.
Whatever problem may occur during the ruin exploration should not be much of a burden to him anymore.
Golakar went back inside the broken treehouse and sat on the same chair while sipping tea.
Suddenly, a man in black clothes emerged from the shadows — like Shyam's shadow capture summoning.
"Did you get it?" it whispered.
Golakar sipped his tea, placed it on the table like a main character, and gave a long exhale.
"Maybe," he whispered back.
"So, are you going back?" the shadow whispered as it returned to the darkness.
"Maybe," Golakar murmured and closed his eyes.
> Somewhere on the way to Titiksha —
"So, are we going to Bhadrabari or Titiksha?" Raitha asked as she floated beside Shyam. Finally, she used her powers! I am so glad!!
Shyam looked at her, then at the road ahead.
"Are you serious?" he replied, opening his map window.
"Of course it's Titiksha," he said as he zoomed into a location that showed an alert signal and a broken house.
Titiksha — once a village known for its beautiful scenery — now only ruins.
One day, a hole opened at the center of the village and massive earthquakes shook the earth.
The structures weren't strong enough to withstand the tremors. The houses broke into halves, bricks fell off, and a big hole was left behind.
Now no one dared to even walk toward that place.
Not even animals came close to those ruins.
According to Golakar, many people had tried retrieving that grimorie — but no one was ever able to get it. Many died, and many escaped so injured they could hardly walk again.
People even called that place — The Death Zone.
But Golakar had said Shyam just needed to be careful and he should be able to get the book.
Yeah... just like every other adventurer who went inside that ruin.
Just a few hours later, Shyam reached the ruined village.
The broken houses were covered in vines, and a strange mana could be felt even from a kilometer away.
After reaching Tier 1 Sub-Stage 3, Shyam could feel mana now.
As glad as he was, he was also a little afraid too.
Now he could sense both bad and good energy — and that might affect his combat abilities.
He now needed to grow stronger — even more than he already was — in order to never fear anything again.
He walked slowly into the village.
First step —
The moment he stepped in, a sharp sound flew past him.
He looked around but saw nothing.
"I think it's just my self-doubt.
Remember, Shyam. Don't doubt yourself!" he told himself as he walked deeper into the village.
The grass hadn't grown much, and the path created by villagers years ago still remained — as if people still lived here.
"I wonder if anyone still lives here," Raitha said as she scanned the area, but her greater sense couldn't detect anything.
Which meant either the monsters hiding here were way stronger, or there just weren't any.
Shyam noticed a small flickering light covering one of the broken houses — as if it was being protected by something.
Curious Shyam walked toward it, though he still hadn't let his guard down.
He took out his steel sword — which had nearly broken — from his storage ring and held it tightly.
"When did this break?" he whispered and stopped.
A faint music echoed from inside the house — as if someone was playing a sitar inside.
"Should I touch it?" Shyam whispered, raising his hand just a few inches away from the wall.
"Your choice," Raitha said as she sat on top of the house — like that magical barrier didn't bother her at all.
Shyam's eyes widened slightly in shock.
What kind of fairy was she? At least show a little concern.
"I am not weak!" he shouted.
And instead of gently touching it — which would have been way cooler — Shyam punched it.
TUNG.
A sound echoed.
And BOOM.
The world just — disappeared.
Everything turned black and Shyam felt as though he was falling into the void.
Fast. Very fast.
He tried to move but couldn't.
And suddenly...
His eyes closed.
---
Ch-29