The forest was silent except for the sickening sound of silk tearing.Kael's limbs were bound tight by thick strands of spider web, every breath shallow as the venom seeped into his body.
His chest burned. His vision blurred.If I don't get out now… I'll die before I even begin my journey…
The monstrous spider loomed over him, its multiple eyes glowing faintly in the shadows. It pulled Kael closer toward a nest wrapped in layers of corpses and bones.
Kael struggled, but the more he fought, the tighter the web constricted. The poison in the threads seeped deeper into his veins, numbing his body, suffocating his spirit.
The spider hissed, raising its sharp claw to cut into his flesh.
And then—
Slash!
A blur cut through the air.The spider shrieked as its body split open, ichor spilling onto the forest floor. The creature twitched once… and lay still.
The webs binding Kael snapped loose under a swift, precise strike. A shadowy figure stood over him, calm and composed.
Kael tried to speak but the venom overwhelmed him. Darkness claimed his vision as he fell unconscious.
When he opened his eyes again, the world was… bright.The sky above was clear, painted in hues of gold and white. For a moment, Kael wondered if he had already died.
He sat up slowly, clutching his chest. Disappointment flickered in his heart."So… this is heaven?" he muttered bitterly.
A chuckle answered him."You're awake at last. Took you long enough."
Kael froze and turned.
There, standing on the open grassland, was a man. His presence was calm but carried a weight Kael couldn't explain.
Kael blinked, dazed. "Are you… an angel? Did you come to take me to heaven?"
The man burst into laughter, shaking his head."Angel? Hah! That's a first. No, kid. I'm the one who saved you from that spider."
Kael's memory snapped back — the suffocating webs, the fangs dripping poison, the last moment before the void consumed him."You… defeated it?" he asked weakly.
The man shrugged, as if it was nothing."It was only a rank C… maybe D. Too easy. I just had to strike from behind while it was distracted with its meal — you."
Kael's fists clenched. His eyes, though tired, burned with determination.
"Then… without hesitation," Kael said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion, "will you train me?"
The man's gaze lingered on him, silent for a long moment.A faint smile curved on his lips.
The winds stirred. The forest whispered.
And so, Kael's true journey began.