Chapter 28: A New Journey Begins

The cheers of the crowd still echoed in Karma's ears as he stood among the other four winners, all of whom had earned their place in the **Grand Tournament**. The energy in the arena was palpable, the excitement of the audience reaching a fever pitch. The announcement had just been made: **the five winners from each block** would soon leave for the **Central Capital**, where the final stage of the tournament would take place.

Karma stood there, listening carefully as the announcer's voice boomed across the arena.

"**Congratulations to all five of you! You are now among the top 25 adventurers in this land!**" the announcer declared, his voice full of enthusiasm. The audience erupted into cheers once again, their applause thunderous.

Karma looked around at the other winners. **Andrew**, a hulking warrior with a scarred face and a reputation for overwhelming strength, stood to his right. **Selene**, a master archer with deadly precision, was next to him. **Varl**, a dark mage with an air of mystery, stood on the far left, his hood shadowing his face. And finally, **Edgar**, a battle-hardened knight with a towering physique, stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

All of them were older than Karma, seasoned veterans who had spent years honing their skills. They had the look of experienced warriors, their eyes gleaming with the knowledge of countless battles. Karma, by contrast, was younger, leaner, and still somewhat of a mystery to the others. His rise through the tournament had caught everyone's attention, but to them, he was still just a boy who had managed to get lucky.

As the crowd's cheers began to die down, Andrew stepped forward, extending his hand to Karma with a friendly grin. "**Well, looks like we're all heading to the capital together, kid. Congratulations. You've earned your spot here, and I respect that.**"

Karma smiled politely, shaking Andrew's hand. One by one, the other winners followed suit, offering their congratulations and handshakes. Karma could sense their curiosity, and though they seemed friendly enough, he knew they likely still underestimated him.

"**We should celebrate!**" Selene said, her voice cheerful. "**There's a great restaurant just down the street. What do you say we all head there and relax for a bit before the next stage?**"

The others murmured in agreement, and Edgar gave a curt nod. "**We've earned it. A night of relaxation before we set off to the Central Capital sounds like a good idea.**"

Karma hesitated for a moment, then nodded as well, though his mind was already elsewhere. The idea of celebrating didn't appeal to him—not now. He had come so far, but his journey was far from over. The **Grand Tournament** in the capital would be even more challenging, and Karma knew he needed to be prepared. He had no time to waste, not with the stakes this high.

But for now, he would go along with the others. It wouldn't hurt to join them for a little while.

---

**The Celebration**

The restaurant Selene had suggested was a lively place, bustling with activity. The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and music filled the air as the five winners took their seats at a large table near the back. The atmosphere was festive, with the waitstaff hurrying between tables, carrying platters of food and mugs of ale.

Andrew and Edgar immediately ordered drinks, their spirits high after the grueling battles they had fought to reach this point. Varl, ever the mysterious one, simply sat in silence, his hood still shadowing his face, while Selene excitedly talked about the tournament and what they could expect in the capital.

"**I heard the Central Capital is massive,**" Selene said, leaning in toward Karma. "**They say the tournament there draws adventurers from every corner of the continent. The best of the best. It's going to be incredible.**"

Karma nodded, though his mind was drifting. The Central Capital was where the real challenge awaited, but his thoughts were already on something else—something far more important than partying.

As the night went on, the others continued to drink and laugh, their excitement growing with each passing hour. Andrew was the first to get drunk, his booming laughter filling the restaurant as he told stories of his past adventures. Edgar and Selene joined in, sharing their own tales of glory and battle.

But Karma didn't feel the same excitement. He barely touched the food in front of him, his mind preoccupied with the thought of what lay ahead. The tournament finals were important, but if he wanted to truly stand a chance against the other top adventurers in the Central Capital, he needed to **get stronger**.

More specifically, he needed stronger monsters.

"**Karma, you're awfully quiet,**" Selene said, noticing his withdrawn demeanor. "**Come on, relax! You've earned a break after everything.**"

Karma forced a smile. "**Yeah, I guess.**"

But the truth was, Karma didn't feel like celebrating. While the others were busy enjoying themselves, Karma felt the weight of the journey ahead pressing down on him. There wasn't time for parties, not when there were rare and powerful monsters out there waiting to be tamed—monsters that could give him the edge he needed in the final stage of the tournament.

After another hour, when the others were thoroughly drunk and distracted, Karma quietly stood up, slipping away from the table. No one noticed as he left the restaurant, the noise of the celebration fading behind him.

---

**The Journey to the Forest of Illusions**

The cool night air hit Karma's face as he stepped out of the restaurant, his mind already racing with thoughts of his next move. He had heard rumors about a place known as the **Forest of Illusions**, a vast, mysterious forest located just outside the city. The forest was infamous for its rare and dangerous beasts, creatures that were said to possess immense power—but taming them was a near-impossible task. Few adventurers dared venture into the forest, and even fewer returned.

But Karma wasn't deterred. If he could tame one of these beasts, it would significantly increase his strength. The other winners—Andrew, Selene, Edgar, and Varl—were all experienced and powerful, and Karma knew he would need every advantage he could get if he was going to stand a chance against them.

Before leaving the city, Karma made a quick stop at the local supply shop, purchasing everything he would need for the journey ahead. Potions, food rations, traps, and a few specialized tools for taming monsters. He knew the forest would be dangerous, but he was determined.

As he packed his supplies, he thought about **Maria**, the receptionist back at his hometown guild. She had always believed in him, supported him, and cheered him on from the sidelines. He couldn't leave without letting her know where he was going.

Karma found a small piece of parchment and scribbled a quick note, explaining his decision to leave for the **Forest of Illusions**. He told her not to worry and promised that he would return before the Grand Tournament finals began. He sealed the note and left it with the innkeeper, instructing them to deliver it to Maria if she arrived while he was gone.

With his preparations complete and his note written, Karma made his way out of the city, his mind focused on the journey ahead.

---

**Into the Unknown**

The moon hung high in the sky as Karma made his way toward the **Forest of Illusions**. The path was long, winding through the hills and valleys outside the city. As he walked, the sounds of the bustling city faded into the distance, replaced by the quiet rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl.

The **Forest of Illusions** loomed in the distance, its towering trees casting long shadows in the moonlight. The entrance to the forest was shrouded in mist, giving it an otherworldly appearance. There were stories about the forest—tales of adventurers losing their way, of creatures that could manipulate the minds of those who entered, and of beasts so powerful that even the strongest warriors couldn't defeat them.

But Karma wasn't afraid. He had faced danger before, and he knew this was the only way to grow stronger. If he could tame one of the rare monsters within the forest, it would give him the edge he needed in the tournament.

As he approached the forest's edge, Karma took a deep breath, his hand resting on his sword hilt. He glanced down at **Kuro**, who walked silently at his side, his grey fur blending into the shadows.

"**Ready for this, Kuro?**" Karma asked, his voice quiet.

Kuro glanced up at him, his eyes gleaming with determination. The fox's tail flicked, and he gave a soft growl of agreement.

Karma smiled. "**Good. Let's see what this forest has in store for us.**"

With that, Karma stepped into the **Forest of Illusions**, the mist swirling around him as he disappeared into the shadows. The journey ahead would be dangerous, but he knew it was the only way to ensure his victory in the **Grand Tournament Finals**.

He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore—he was fighting for everyone who believed in him.

And he wouldn't stop until he had claimed the title of **champion**.

---

**Author's Notes:**

This chapter serves as a transition from Karma's victory in the Grand Tournament Selection to the next leg of his journey. The celebration with the other winners highlights Karma's growing reputation, but his decision to leave for the **Forest of Illusions** showcases his

determination to keep pushing forward and becoming stronger. The stage is now set for his next challenge, where he'll face dangerous monsters and grow his powers even further. The excitement builds as Karma prepares for the Grand Tournament Finals!