Selion advanced through the dark forest where the Shadow Master resided, using his "Quick Steps." Only two possibilities ran through his mind: either he would absorb the shadow mana through meditation, or he would encounter the forest's monsters and take the mana they carried.
The moment he stepped into the forest, the Shadow Master sensed Selion's arrival and smiled faintly from his throne. "It seems you've finally figured it out…" he thought.
Selion carefully scanned his surroundings, feeling the same presence as last time. But this time, he believed they wouldn't harm him. He moved deeper into the forest, and when he found nothing, he sat under a massive tree.
Following his teacher's guidance, he focused his mana into his eyes and looked around, finally seeing the shadow mana for the first time. He held Tariki in front of him and tried to absorb the mana. Minutes passed. Forty-five minutes went by, and nothing changed.
Deciding to go deeper, a massive creature suddenly appeared. Its body was enormous, its face pitch black… far more terrifying than the horned wild boar. Selion thought he would die the moment it noticed him. Yet, there was no choice but to take the risk to grow stronger.
He focused his mana and moved atop a tree using "Quick Steps." The creature had now noticed him, but Selion had no intention of retreating. His mind was calm, determined, and fearless. His body and heart were ready to protect his loved ones and family.
Leaping from tree to tree toward the creature, Selion felt its gaze tracking his every move effortlessly. Just as he wanted to flee, his courage and resolve held him back. He lunged at the creature. It swung its massive paw at him. Selion collided with a tree.
Rising to his feet again, he used "Quick Steps" to dash straight toward the creature. As it raised its hands to strike, Selion dodged and landed beneath it. He drove Tariki into the creature's foot, but couldn't pull it out. When the creature attacked again, Selion was forced to retreat. His heart raced as his mind focused on how to summon Tariki back.
He took a deep breath and called Tariki. The sword returned to his hand. There, in the shadows of the dark forest, Selion stood tall. He had not only gained strength but had also tested his courage and determination.
The Shadow Master still watched silently from within the shadows, witnessing Selion surpass his own limits…