Outside Landor's hut, a young boy was sitting shirtless with a large shimmering banyan tree behind him. The hanging roots were adorned with blooming violet flowers. His body shimmered with a slight greenish glow, as if someone was lighting a bright green light inside of him. Soon the glow disappeared.
Daren opened his eyes and beamed with joy, "Uncle Landor, I've done it. I have finally tempered my muscles into Jade Muscles."
Landor ruffled his hair and smiled proudly. In the year that had passed, Daren had changed completely. Gone was the scrawny, malnourished boy.
Gone was the one who was once called cursed by the entire village. In his place stood a healthy boy, with lean and taut muscles. In his place, stood the respected healer of the village.
"You have completed Copper Skin, and Jade Muscles. And you have reached Level 10. How do you feel?" Landor asked. Daren replied, "I feel stronger, obviously. My essence also feels purer."
Landor said, "Your Body Anima has become stronger. Thats why your essence becomes purer when it passes through the tempered parts of your body."
Daren asked, "If even Jade Muscles are this beneficial, what about the final stage, Crystal Body?"
Landor replied mysteriously, "Three platforms align, pure body. This saying about the Crystal Body has been passed down through every tribe in the Reed Plains. I'm not exactly sure what it means. But hopefully, you'll be able to clear my doubts one day.
But right now, you have reached the limit of your strength. To advance, you must absorb your first Origin Bead. Your first Origin Bead will define your path more than any other. Be careful."
Just then, they heard a voice, "So, it's true."
They looked back and saw Roan. His figure had also changed in the year. He was much more bulky now, just like his grandfather. Most likely, influenced by their Anima. Landor asked, "Roan, what brings you here?"
Roan replied, "The Chief sent me to check on Daren's progress. He did say that Daren had already reached Level 10 and had almost achieved Jade Muscles. Didn't really believe him until now. Well, since I've done my duty, it's time for you to do the same. You both must go before the Chief and the Council."
Landor frowned but sighed and said, "Alright. Are you coming as well?"
Roan shook his head and said, "Why should I? You know the way. Besides, I've got better things to do."
Landor almost laughed after seeing the little boy in front of him pretending to be mature. He asked, his laughter almost escaping, "Like what?"
Roan, unaware of Landor's dilemma, replied, "Training. I'll see you during the hunt."
Landor nodded. Roan walked away. Daren asked, "So Roan really has begun joining the hunts?"
Landor replied, "Yeah. You will be doing the same soon. The Chief's grandson can't exactly fall behind, can he? Anyways, let's go."
They walked to the Chief's hut. The villagers still stared. But their gazes no longer held contempt. They were filled with respect. But Daren still felt the weight of their gaze. Their intentions may have changed, but the impact had not. Soon, the hut was in sight.
And so was the man standing at the entrance. It was the Chief. He scanned Daren and smiled. He said, "I knew today was a good day. It seems that Daren has not disappointed the trust the village has shown him. Nor has he wasted the resources. Level 10 and Jade Muscles at only 7, Va'al is proud of you."
Daren thanked the Chief and was happy about the praise. But Landor was the opposite. He realised what the Chief was trying to do. This wasn't praise. It was a reminder. A reminder that Daren was where he was because of the village, and by extension, the Chief. A reminder of what was owed.
The Chief said, "The Council is waiting inside. Let's go."
They walked into the hall. The Chief took his seat while Daren looked around. It was still the same. The same spoils of the hunt on the walls. The same elders were sitting on either side of the Chief, although some were missing. He spotted the elder who had taught him the method to heal without using his flowers.
He slightly bowed in his direction. The elder also nodded in response. He was also the Head Elder, scowling at the sight of him as always. Daren didn't understand what problem the older man had with him.
But it didn't bother him. After all, the feeling was mutual. He also bowed in the Head Elder's direction. But unlike before, this one lacked all respect. It was almost as if Daren was mocking him. The Chief, noticing this, chuckled, gathering all the attention.
He quickly cleared his throat and said, "As most of you might have noticed, Daren has reached the peak of his growth. As Landor requested, he has already built the sturdiest foundation he can at his stage. To advance, he must absorb an Origin Bead. I think that it should be done as soon as possible. Agreed?"
Multiple 'Aye' sounded through the hall. The Chief nodded and said, "Which brings us to the next question. Who will accompany Daren to Celestria?"
Murmurs spread as the Council members began suggesting warriors. But they all became silent when Landor spoke, "I will accompany the boy. Nobody else."
The elders looked at him, but then, severe disagreement followed.
"You are too strong."
"The trial will be tainted."
Landor interrupted them, "The Realm itself permits me to accompany the boy. Either we both go, or none of us do."
The Chief's eyes narrowed as he said, "The village cannot afford to delay. Landor will accompany Daren to Celestria. They will leave as soon as possible. Everyone except Landor may be excused. I need to talk to him alone."
Everyone nodded and left the hall. Only the Chief and Landor remained. The Chief said, "So this is why you have been stalling your breakthrough? Because of the boy?"
Landor didn't reply, but his silence was enough. The Chief said, "Don't fool yourself. You're afraid. Afraid that if you advance, you'll have to choose between the one that you have sworn loyalty to, and the boy you've chained yourself to."
The words struck deeper than Landor wanted to admit. He had buried that fear beneath years of discipline, but the Chief had named it. If he became an Anima General, his responsibilities would increase, and one day, he might have to make a choice. The boy or the village. But Landor's eyes steeled.
He said, "You misunderstand my loyalty and you misunderstand my fear. I swore loyalty to this village. Not to you. Not to your bloodline. Don't forget, your grandfather wasn't Chief.
Neither the ones before him. The seat belongs to the able. It is earned, not claimed by blood. If Roan wishes the seat for himself, he must prove himself worthy.
Not that Daren's destined to be shackled in this small pond. He's meant for higher skies. Now, I must take my leave. I have a rather important journey to prepare for. Have a good day."
Landor left, not noticing the dangerous light in the Chief's eyes.