Chapter 5: The Hidden Trial
Clinton stood at the edge of the training ground, staring down at his wooden sword. He had just achieved something incredible—something he hadn't thought possible just a few days ago. A single slash, and the grass had parted like a wound in the earth itself. His Qi was flowing more smoothly now, his body adjusting to the demands of this new life.
But as he stared at the sword, something deep inside him burned with more than just the thrill of a new skill. He wanted more. I need more.
The wind blew softly, whispering past him as if the world itself were beckoning him. His mind flicked to the words Narvek had spoken.
> "Would you like to learn more? There is an unknown power in this world, beyond the surface. You must decide if you are willing to pay the price."
Clinton clenched his jaw. "I'm ready. Show me what else you've got."
> "Very well. There is a hidden feature in your neural system that has not yet been unlocked. A more... dangerous path awaits. But if you wish to walk it, you must prove your worth."
Clinton felt a pulse in his chest—a beat of energy that seemed to radiate from his very core. It was unlike anything he had felt before. His eyes flicked around. Where do I go?
> "Follow the path of the Inner Forest," Narvek's voice guided him, the words more serious than before. "It is not part of the training grounds. It is forbidden, for good reason. But it will help you advance."
Clinton's heart quickened. Forbidden? Why would they let me go there?
As if reading his thoughts, Narvek spoke again.
> "You are not here as a mere disciple. Your potential has already been recognized, Clinton. But you must forge your own path, and that requires testing your strength in the face of danger."
Taking a deep breath, Clinton looked at the path leading into the dense woods beyond the outer sect grounds. It was lined with tall, dark trees, their twisted branches clawing at the sky like ancient hands. The air felt heavier, charged with an energy that made him uneasy.
But there was no turning back now.
Clinton walked toward the edge of the Forbidden Inner Forest, the weight of his sword seeming to grow heavier with each step. As he stepped under the canopy of trees, the dim light filtered through the leaves, casting strange, shifting shadows around him. A chill ran down his spine, and his senses seemed to heighten.
> "Stay alert, Clinton," Narvek cautioned. "There are creatures within this forest far stronger than you."
Clinton wasn't sure whether to be frightened or exhilarated. His body felt light now, like the air itself was supporting him. With his senses sharpened, he could hear the faint rustle of leaves in the distance, the creak of old trees moving in the wind.
> "Take a moment to center yourself. The Qi in this place is dense and unpredictable. You will need to use all of your wits and strength if you wish to survive."
Clinton nodded, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. He could feel the Qi within him—more powerful, more alive than ever before. It thrummed in his veins, eager for action. With Narvek's guidance, he focused it, letting it surge through his body, centering his mind.
Suddenly, the brush ahead rustled.
Clinton's eyes snapped open, and his hand instinctively gripped his sword. A low growl echoed through the trees.
He barely had time to react.
A massive shape leapt from the shadows, crashing toward him with the speed of a thunderbolt. It was a beast—large, with fur like iron and eyes glowing a sickly green. Its claws slashed through the air, aimed directly at Clinton's face.
> "Combat mode: Activating," Narvek's calm voice rang out in his mind.
Instinctively, Clinton twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the beast's swipe. The force of the attack left a deep gash in the tree next to him. He barely had time to recover before the creature lunged again, its fangs bared.
> "Adjust stance: lower center of gravity. Increase agility by 35%. Counter-attack, now!"
Clinton's legs moved before he could think, his body ducking low as he spun. The wooden sword became an extension of his will, cutting through the air with a practiced motion that felt more natural than he could ever have imagined.
The sword met the beast's claw with a sickening crack, sending a shock of pain up Clinton's arm. But the creature staggered back, screeching in pain. Its eyes narrowed as it circled, clearly more cautious now.
Clinton's heart pounded in his chest, but the rush of adrenaline was intoxicating. This was real combat. No training, no slow drills—just raw, primal survival.
> "Fight smarter. Strike at its vulnerable points. Its left shoulder joint is weak," Narvek advised.
Clinton's mind raced. He could see it now—the beast's movements were telegraphed, its muscles straining as it prepared for another strike. He knew what he had to do.
When the creature lunged again, Clinton stepped aside, using its own momentum against it. With a swift motion, he slashed upward, aiming for the soft underbelly.
The sword connected with the beast's flesh. The creature let out a howl of pain, stumbling back, but Clinton wasn't done. He pressed the advantage, stepping forward, and with a fierce thrust, drove the wooden sword into the beast's chest.
It let out a final, echoing growl before collapsing onto the forest floor.
Clinton stood over it, panting heavily, his body trembling with the aftereffects of battle. His heart was still racing, but the rush of victory—and the fact that he had just killed a beast far stronger than him—was almost overwhelming.
> "You've done well, Clinton," Narvek's voice echoed in his mind, more impressed than usual. "You've passed the first test."
Clinton dropped to one knee, exhaustion creeping into his bones. His muscles burned, his Qi felt drained, but he couldn't help but grin.
The forest was silent again. The only sound was his ragged breathing.
But as he glanced around, a feeling of unease settled in. He wasn't alone.
The trees around him seemed to shift, their shadows lengthening, as though watching him. And then, through the darkness, more growls echoed.
Clinton's heart skipped a beat. More?
> "Narvek, what's happening? Are there more beasts?" he asked, panic rising in his chest.
> "There are," Narvek replied calmly. "But they are not your problem right now."
Clinton frowned, but before he could respond, a loud roar split the air.
And that's when he saw it—two glowing eyes piercing the darkness, watching him.
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End of Chapter 5