Kai walked toward the large fortress gate where two guards were standing watch.
"Where are you going, kid? It's dangerous out there…"
Kai spoke with a voice that showed no fear.
"It's fine. My brother is the Chosen One. I won't be in danger for sure."
The two guards at the fortress whispered to each other…
"Oh… then we apologize. You are someone with special powers, please go ahead. I must apologize… because outside is dangerous, we usually don't let ordinary people out unless they are accompanied by the Chosen One. Then, out of goodwill, please take this short knife with you, in case you need it."
Kai received the knife and carried it with him, replying to the guards,
"Thank you. My brother, I'll just be a moment… I'll be back soon," he said, before running outside the fortress.
Kai ran for quite a distance and came across strange trees, strange flowers, and then he encountered a strange beast—shaped like a huge black bear with sharp claws—charging toward him, ready to attack as if seeing Kai as food.
Kai spoke with a terrified face, trembling, his arms and legs powerless, unable to move.
"Why… why can't I move? Run… If it's like this, I'll die for sure."
The huge black bear lunged forward and struck Kai's body, sending him flying far away. Kai was bleeding, with a wound on his torso marked by the bear's claws.
Kai stood up with a hopeless expression, drenched in blood, his clothes torn apart by the black bear's claws. His voice trembled.
"Am I… going to die here?"
Kai picked up the knife, feeling something strange.
"Huh… why are these images popping up in my head again?"
The huge black bear charged once more, ready to finish Kai off.
Kai raised the short knife as his body moved on its own.
He swung his right arm holding the knife above his head, leaped, and stabbed the knife into the black bear's neck. Shhhrrrk…
Then he rolled away and ran.
The black bear was enraged, chasing after Kai, ready to slash him with its claws.
Kai heard a voice in his head: "Finish it." He saw hazy flashes, just like before he began his journey. Kai thought to himself, I can do this. I feel like I have more strength.
Kai struck the bear. Thud!
The huge black bear was sent flying, landing motionless on the ground.
"Hah… what was that just now? Did I do that? Do I have that much strength? And why has the wound just healed? What's going on?" Kai wore a confused expression, unable to understand what had happened.
Anthea, who had been watching, descended and spoke to Kai.
"That is what you were seeking. Remember this feeling. But what you did was merely boosting your physical strength, similar to Mas. In other words, tricking your own mind into believing you have immense power. It is not yet a power or ability beyond description."
"Then… what will my power be like?"
"When the time comes, you will know for yourself. Just like me—I gained my power from observing the people who passed by, which made me realize I had the ability to intervene in the minds of others. And I received the Heavenly Eye because of the good deeds I once performed."
Anthea thought to herself, Why did his power awaken so quickly? And that rapid healing of his wounds… what is going on? Isn't it too strange?
Anthea then spoke gently and politely,
"It's time to return. It seems you've begun to learn and use the power you desired."
Kai replied with a bright smile, as if he had achieved what he wanted.
"Yes, teacher. I'm heading back now."
Kai and Anthea returned to the fortress.
"Meow, meow, where did you go, Kai? I saw… I saw you walking out alone, but when I tried to follow, the guards stopped me, meow. And your shirt—what happened to it, meoow?"
"It's nothing… don't worry, Ruby," Kai said with a happy smile.
"With this… if I have power, I can protect everyone, even if just a little."
Kai asked, "Ruby, where is Mas? I want to see him."
"If it's Mas, he's behind the fortress… I heard he's upgrading the ship, meow."
Kai said, "Thank you so much, Ruby," and ran toward the back of the fortress.