Chapter Nine: Toward the Island of Shadows and Beasts
Weeks of harsh training in the heart of the forest had passed.
Each day was a new test of iron and blood. Gyro's body bore the marks of the tiny blades, while Adam's fists grew heavier and stronger, merging refined iron into his bones and claws after every successful attempt.
Nights dragged slowly. The dying fire before them devoured the last dry branch, while Adam watched the child in the silence of a sage, noting down observations about new herbs discovered in this world. He tested them carefully, distinguishing them from the herbs of his old world, and taught Gyro how to tell the poisonous from the healing.
On the final night, Adam tested Gyro's ability to use the small iron blades.
He ordered him to hit a small target in the dark. After many attempts, the child succeeded. He stood, not crying or trembling, but with a new spark of defiance in his eyes.
At first light, the morning was as sharp as a blade, covering the forest in thick fog that dripped from the leaves like cold tears.
Adam and Gyro emerged from the heavy shadows, panting, their bodies heavy with exhaustion as if they carried the weight of the world on their shoulders.
The traces of training were clear in every movement, every wound and bruise, in every cautious glance.
Gyro dragged his feet through the sticky mud, hands wrapped in torn cloth; his fingers bleeding from deep cuts, but this time he hid his trembling.
Adam walked ahead, features as still as stone, black eyes fixed on the small village at the edge of the shore, as if measuring the entire world in a single moment.
Adam said in a calm tone, his voice deep like an axe striking an old tree:
"Today, we find what takes us to the next stage."
Gyro asked, his voice still holding remnants of pain and fear:
"What are we looking for?"
Adam replied without turning:
"A sailor who knows the sea. A ship alone means nothing if no one kn
ows how to guide it."
The path