The heavy door creaked open, dust spilling into the air as Sina pushed with all his strength. His palms burned, his shoulders ached, but finally, the underground chamber revealed itself.
Inside were racks of weapons—spears, shields, and blades of every size. But in the very center, resting alone on a stone pedestal, was a sword.
It wasn't polished or shining like a treasure. Its blade carried scars of countless battles, its hilt worn smooth. Yet the moment Sina's hand wrapped around it, a strange calm settled in his chest. It felt as if the sword had been waiting just for him.
"A sword…" Sina muttered, his grip tightening. "This will do."
The ground trembled. A low growl rumbled through the chamber. From the shadows ahead, something stirred—heavy footsteps echoing louder and louder.
Sina's breath hitched. A massive beast emerged, its body hulking with muscle, fur bristling like steel needles, and eyes glowing a deep crimson. It bared its fangs, saliva dripping to the ground.
"So this place isn't just for storing weapons…" Sina muttered under his breath, taking a step back. "It's a training ground."
The beast lunged. Sina barely raised the sword in time, the clash of claws and steel sending vibrations through his arms. His knees nearly buckled, but he forced himself to hold firm. His heart pounded like a war drum.
He swung the blade, the edge cutting across the beast's flank. It howled in rage, but instead of retreating, it charged again, faster and harder. Sina rolled to the side, dust filling his lungs, then slashed upward as the beast passed. Sparks and blood scattered.
I can't lose here… not after everything. His parents' voices echoed faintly in his mind. Prepare yourself… you still have time.
Sina steadied his breathing. When the beast came again, he didn't retreat. He planted his feet, waiting for the right moment. At the last second, he dodged to the side and thrust the sword deep into its chest.
The beast roared, thrashing violently, but Sina twisted the blade, driving it further. Finally, with a shudder, the creature collapsed, the echo of its fall shaking the chamber.
Silence. Only Sina's ragged breaths remained.
His sword dripped with blood. His body trembled, but his eyes burned with something new—resolve.
From the beast's remains, he found a steel shoulder guard, half-buried under its thick fur. Sina strapped it onto his arm, gripping the sword tighter.
"This place… it's more than I thought," he whispered. "Weapons, armor, monsters… everything I need to grow stronger."
He looked toward the dark passageways leading deeper into the underground base. His heart still raced, but his steps carried no hesitation.
"This is only the beginning."