Chapter 13 – The First Step Toward Power
Gharib reached the lake behind the settlement. He stepped into the water to cleanse himself and change his clothes. The place was so shrouded in darkness that no ordinary eyes could pierce it—
if not for his night-vision, he would've been blind and helpless.
After washing and dressing in fresh garments, a sudden instinct froze him—
someone was near.
He grasped his sword and scanned the forest.
It was only the mercenary captain.
The man approached, surprised to see Gharib alone.
"What are you doing here, alone in the dark?" he asked.
"Come. Sit with me for a moment."
Gharib joined him on a fallen log.
The captain smiled and said:
"Let's get to know each other. I don't even know your name.
I'm Kaine, leader of a mercenary unit that hunts abominations for gold. And you?"
Gharib hesitated. A whisper echoed in his mind—the voice of the sword:
"Careful. Don't tell him you're not from this world. Just say your name is Gharib."
He answered calmly:
"I don't have a name… just call me Gharib."
Kaine leaned back, eyes fixed on the treetops.
"Alright, Gharib… What brings you here?"
Gharib replied:
"I'm not sure. I was only trying to pass through. But now… I want to join you.
I want to learn how to survive."
Kaine sighed.
"I'll let you in—on one condition. Show up tomorrow at the training grounds.
Let's see what you're made of."
Before he could finish, Gharib cut in, voice brimming with a fire he hadn't felt in a long time:
"I agree. Train me. Every day."
Kaine stood, suddenly serious:
"We start now. I don't know why, but something in me wants to help you…
even if I don't know who the hell you are.
Just remember: focus is the key to survival."
Something flickered in Gharib's chest—a strange, unfamiliar happiness.
Kaine smirked.
"Draw your sword. Come at me with everything you've got."
Gharib unsheathed his black blade. Its edge shimmered faintly, like cold starlight swallowed in shadow.
He shouted:
"I'm coming, Captain!"
Kaine blocked him with ease and swept him to the ground in one motion.
"How the hell are you still alive with skills like that?" he muttered in surprise.
They sparred until Kaine eventually raised a hand:
"That's enough for today. Rest is part of survival too. Now go."
Gharib picked up his sword and returned to his room—
where for the first time in this cursed world,
he sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.