The Journey Beyond The Absolute
No One Is Coming
I take a deep breath, allowing a sense of calm to wash over me as I look into the forest ahead and say, I see...
With a casual shrug, Kael Ryn replies, "Correct. Now, shall we continue on our journey?"
I instinctively halt his progress, raising my hand in protest. "Wait!"
Kael Ryn stops immediately, turning his head slightly in my direction, eyeing me with a mix of curiosity and impatience. "Is there something you wish to say? Speak your mind."
With renewed determination resonating in my voice, I press on, "Do you think you could train me?"
Kael Ryns expression shifts to one of casual contemplation. "Listen, the road ahead wont be an easy one. There are dangers lurking everywhere this path could lead to your death. Knowing all of that, are you still certain you want to be my student?"
I look him straight in the eyes, feeling an uncontrollable fire ignite within me. "Absolutely! I dont care if I could die! Im willing to face anything as long as it makes me stronger. Im ready for this!"
A small smile plays at the corners of Kael Ryns lips. Youre quite the determined kid, Ill give you that."
I cant help but interject casually, "Hey, just so you know, Im turning 18 this month, got it?" Theres a hint of pride in my tone as I try to assert my maturity.
Kael Ryn chuckles softly, clearly amused by my bravado. "Very well, then. But remember, youll still address me as Sensei during our training. Do you understand?"
With a calm nod, I affirm, "Yes, sir."
"Very well, then. Come with me," he says, gesturing for me to follow as he walks deeper into the shadowy embrace of the forest.
I trail behind him, anticipation coursing through my veins as we navigate the towering trees. Eventually, Kael Ryn comes to a halt. "Alright, were here," he declares, his voice steady.
I scan the surroundings, my interest piqued. "What do you have in mind for training me, Sensei?"
He gestures casually toward a looming cave entrance, shadowed and mysterious. "Well begin with honing your senses. Go into that cave and practice until you can fight, even in complete darkness. Youll start to feel it soon."
Feeling a rush of adrenaline, I respond without any hesitation, "Yes, Sensei!" I step forward and walk into the cave, my heart pounding in my chest.
Outside, Kael Ryn stands with his arms crossed, gazing silently at the starstudded sky, lost in thought. What could possibly be going through his mind? Is he reflecting on past battles or strategizing my training? Its a mystery that eludes me.
As I delve deeper into the inky blackness of the cave, I shut my eyes tightly, grappling with the daunting question of how to fight in the dark. Suddenly, a pair of glowing red eyes pierces through the shadows, sending chills racing down my spine. The darkness grips me, and I feel a sharp pain as the monsters claws rake against my skin.
"What is that?!" I gasp, the terror gripping my heart, as realization washes over me Im not alone in this place. Panic floods my senses, and I drop to my knees, paralyzed by fear as the creatures vicious claws continue to tear at my flesh, blood spilling from the new wounds.
"AH! MY LEG!" I scream as fresh pain radiates through me. Warmth runs down my leg. My vision swims. I dont know what hurts more the wound or the waiting. From the overwhelming torrent of blood and tears, I dont know what hurts more the wound or the waiting. I look around, desperation clawing at my throat. "SOMEONE… ANYONE! Where are you? The harsh reality sets in, heavy and suffocating. No one is coming to help me... they never do when I need it. This is the kind of world it is.
In that split second, the monster sinks its teeth into my finger. "AH!" I cry out, the shock of pain intensifying as I instinctively clutch the stump of my missing finger, watching blood pool on the cave floor.
The creature lunges again, this time aiming for my arm, but I barely manage to evade it, my heart racing and my instincts screaming at me to stand my ground. I force myself to calm down its clear that acting out of sheer terror wont save me. If anything, I need to endure and to fight back.
But how? The darkness closes in, and my senses heighten. Wait a minute...
A flashback echoes in my mind, Kael Ryns voice crystal clear "Well start with your senses first." Go in that cave, and practice until you can fight even in the dark. Youll feel it soon."
With that thought, I shut my eyes again, focusing on the sensation of my breath, the beating of my heart, and the movement of air around me.
The monster lunges for me once more, its razorsharp claws aimed at my head, but this time Im ready. I raise my hands above my head, halting its vicious attack. "I understand now, Sensei!" I shout internally, the realization dawning on me.
Empowered by this newfound awareness, I sense the creature poised to strike again. I can feel its weight, its intent. I can hear the patter of its claws against the ground as it shifts.
Without hesitation, I jump from wall to wall, propelled by instinct and determination, finally launching myself toward the creature. With one powerful thrust, I plunge my hand into its chest, feeling the hot pulse of life as it roars in agonizing pain. Blood splatters through the air, painting my hair a vivid red.
"I did it! I finally did it, Sensei!" I shout with exhilaration, the thrill of victory coursing through me as I shake off the blood from my hair and prepare to exit the cave. But I stumble, blood flowing from my wounds, leaving a stark trail behind me.
Kael Ryn uncrosses his arms, surveying me with a mixture of surprise and approval. "To think you could pass my test in such a short amount of time. You really are something else," he remarks, a glimmer of pride lighting up his expression.
At that moment, joy surges through me, but exhaustion soon follows, threatening to pull me under. "Im glad to hear that," I whisper, feeling my body weaken as I collapse to the ground. Blood pools around me, and the world begins to fade to black. "I guess... Ill just rest here for now…" And with that thought, I surrender to unconsciousness, visions of my triumph mingling with the impending darkness.
To be continued...