Chapter 161: Secret Realm

Ruchir blinked his eyes open, feeling unusually rested. The warmth of the morning sun bathed his face, and he stretched his arms lazily, savoring the comfort of his bed.

Wait a second… this isn't my bed.

Ruchir sat up with a start, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings. He was in a small, cozy cottage, the kind that belonged in a fairy tale rather than his reality. His heart raced as he swung his legs out of bed, only to freeze in place when he realized he was still in his pajamas.

"Where am I?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his messy hair. "Did I sleepwalk here?"

He hesitated for a moment before cautiously tiptoeing to the door. The wooden floor creaked under his feet, adding to the surreal feeling of the situation.

As he opened the door, a fresh breeze greeted him, carrying with it the scent of pine and morning dew. The view outside was breathtaking—towering peaks and vast forests stretching as far as the eye could see. This was no ordinary place.

"This… this is Raven Peak?" Ruchir gasped, recognizing the majestic mountain range where his master, the Raven Master, resided.

"Good morning, sleepyhead!" A voice boomed from behind him, nearly causing Ruchir to jump out of his skin.

Ruchir spun around to see his master standing there, a playful grin on his face. The Raven Master was dressed in his usual dark robes, his presence as commanding as ever, yet the amusement in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Master!" Ruchir exclaimed, quickly bowing, though the action was slightly hindered by his pajamas. "Uh, good morning… May I ask—why am I here? And, uh… why am I still in my pajamas?" His face flushed with embarrassment as he tried to tug his shirt down, as if that would somehow make him more presentable.

The Raven Master chuckled, the sound like the rustling of leaves in the wind. "Oh, about that. There was an important event I learned about yesterday. I didn't want you to miss it, so I thought it best to bring you here immediately."

Ruchir's eyes widened. "You… brought me here? Like… carried me?"

The Raven Master waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, not like that. I simply used a little transportation spell. Much more dignified. Though, I admit I might have forgotten to change your attire in the process."

Ruchir's mind raced as he imagined various scenarios. Had his master really just… kidnapped him in the middle of the night? Images of himself being stuffed into a sack and whisked away by the Raven Master floated through his head, each more absurd than the last.

Maybe his master had even flown him here like a raven carrying prey. What if his neighbors saw him being carried off like a damsel in distress?

The Raven Master, as if reading Ruchir's mind, raised an eyebrow. "It's not whatever nonsense you're imagining. And for the record, I took you away with your parents' permission."

Ruchir blinked. "Wait… you asked my parents?"

The Raven Master nodded, his expression turning serious, but the mirth in his eyes betrayed him. "Of course. Your mother was quite enthusiastic about it, actually. "

"She even politely greeted me and insisted that I make myself at home. She said, and I quote, 'You can take Ruchir as he is. He's always late anyway!'"

Ruchir's jaw dropped. "She said what?"

The Raven Master continued, clearly enjoying this. "Oh, and she sent a few things with me as well. Said you'd need them." He reached into his robes and, to Ruchir's utter horror, pulled out a toothbrush, a bar of soap, and—of all things—a stuffed animal.

"Ah, yes, she said this would make you feel more comfortable." He held up the stuffed animal, its button eyes staring blankly ahead.

Ruchir felt his soul leave his body. "I… I… That's not mine! I mean, it was when I was a kid, but… Master, this is… this is character assassination!"

The Raven Master burst into laughter, doubling over as if the very notion was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. "Character assassination? Oh, Ruchir, you're too much!"

Ruchir groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I'll never be able to show my face in public again…"

The Raven Master, still chuckling, patted Ruchir on the back. "Oh, don't be so dramatic. It's not as bad as you think. Besides, I doubt anyone saw us." He paused, then added, "Well, except for the gatekeeper. He might have seen, but don't worry, he's sworn to secrecy."

Ruchir peeked out from between his fingers. "The gatekeeper?"

The Raven Master nodded. "Yes, he did give me a strange look, but I'm sure it's fine."

Ruchir sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the morning's events settle over him like a particularly heavy blanket. "So… what's this important event you mentioned? Please tell me it's worth all this embarrassment."

The Raven Master's face lit up. "Ah, yes! Let me explain…" He paused dramatically, looking out over the mountains as if gathering his thoughts.

Ruchir waited, his curiosity piqued despite everything. But just as his master opened his mouth to speak, a loud caw echoed through the air, cutting him off. A large raven swooped down, landing on the Raven Master's shoulder.

"Ah, it seems we're needed elsewhere," the Raven Master said, almost apologetically. "Another time, perhaps."

Ruchir's jaw dropped. "Wait, you can't just leave it at that! What's the event? Why did you bring me here?"

The Raven Master gave him a mischievous grin. "Patience, Ruchir. All will be revealed in due time. Now, let's get you out of those pajamas, shall we?"

Ruchir sighed again, this time with a mix of exasperation and resignation. "Master, you really are something else…"

The Raven Master laughed once more, the sound echoing through the mountains as he turned and started walking away, the raven still perched on his shoulder. "And that's why you're here, Ruchir. Because life with me is never boring!"

Ruchir couldn't help but smile despite himself. "That's for sure," he muttered, following his master with one last longing glance at the toothbrush still clutched in his hand.

Ruchir stood there, still clutching his toothbrush, as the Raven Master turned back toward him, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Ah, where were we? Oh yes, the event. This is something you won't want to miss, Ruchir."

Despite his recent embarrassment, Ruchir's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of event, Master? Please don't tell me it's another 'learn to fly like a raven' training session." He shuddered, recalling his last attempt at that particular exercise, which had ended with him stuck in a tree for half a day.

The Raven Master chuckled. "No, no. This is much more significant. The Unity Light Secret Realm is going to open in two days at the border of the Hinter Prairies, in the north of the Grand Rai nation."

Ruchir's heart skipped a beat. "A secret realm?" The words alone sent a jolt of adrenaline through him. He had read about secret realms in the academy—places shrouded in mystery, accessible only to the worthy, filled with unimaginable treasures and dangers. They were the stuff of legends.

The Raven Master nodded, clearly enjoying Ruchir's reaction. "Indeed. A type of blessed heaven, as they say. These realms are not just any ordinary locations—they're hidden from the world, concealed by powerful formations and ancient spells. Only those with the right qualifications or abilities can enter."

As the Raven Master spoke, Ruchir's mind raced, recalling everything he had learned about secret realms. Hidden locations… treasures… ancient ruins… He could barely contain his excitement, though he tried to maintain his composure. "Master, these secret realms—aren't they incredibly dangerous?"

The Raven Master's grin widened. "Oh, very much so. The Unity Light Secret Realm is no exception. It's filled with formidable creatures, deadly traps, and trials designed to test the strength, wit, and perseverance of any who dare enter. But the rewards, Ruchir, the rewards are beyond anything you can imagine."

Ruchir swallowed hard. "So… why me?"

"Why not you?" the Raven Master countered, crossing his arms. "You're my disciple, aren't you? I didn't take you on just to keep you polishing your calligraphy and swinging your sword in some courtyard. This is a real opportunity, Ruchir, to advance your cultivation, to prove yourself. Besides, I'm not sending you in unprepared."

Ruchir nodded, though his mind was still spinning. The thought of entering a secret realm, something he had only ever dreamed about, was both thrilling and terrifying.

The academy books had painted vivid pictures of these realms: ancient ruins from lost civilizations, guarded by monstrous beings; treasures that could elevate one's cultivation to new heights; and, of course, the ever-present danger of losing one's life.

As Ruchir's imagination ran wild with images of what lay ahead, he suddenly remembered something else from his studies. "Master, I've read that these secret realms often have trials—traps, puzzles, battles. How will I know what to do?"

The Raven Master shrugged, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You figure it out as you go, of course. That's part of the challenge. But don't worry, I'll be there to make sure you don't get yourself killed… at least not too quickly." He winked, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.

Ruchir gave a nervous laugh. "Great, just what I needed to hear."

"And don't worry about packing," the Raven Master added, as if suddenly remembering. "Your mother already took care of that. She was quite insistent that you have everything you need. She even sent along a few extra pairs of socks, just in case."

Ruchir groaned inwardly. Of course, his mother had packed for him—probably enough to last him a month, if not longer. "Master, I'm going to look like a walking laundry basket if you bring all that."

The Raven Master laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "Oh, come now, Ruchir. A little extra preparation never hurt anyone. Besides, you might be the only one in that realm with clean clothes. Think of it as your secret weapon."

Ruchir shook his head, though he couldn't help but smile. "Somehow, I don't think clean clothes are going to save me from whatever's lurking in there."

"Maybe not," the Raven Master agreed, his tone more serious now. "But your wit, your skill, and your determination just might. This realm is not for the faint of heart, Ruchir. It will push you to your limits and beyond. But I believe you have what it takes. That's why I'm bringing you along."

Ruchir's smile faded as he took in the gravity of his master's words. This wasn't just some casual outing—this was a real test, a challenge that could make or break him as a cultivator.

And yet, despite the fear gnawing at the edges of his mind, there was also a sense of exhilaration, of a chance to prove himself in ways he never had before.

"So… what's the plan?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"We leave tomorrow at dawn," the Raven Master replied, his gaze shifting to the distant mountains. "The journey to the Hinter Prairies is long, and we'll need every moment to prepare once we arrive. The realm will open for a limited time, and we must be ready."

Ruchir nodded, the weight of what lay ahead settling over him. "I understand, Master. I won't let you down."

The Raven Master turned back to him, his expression softening slightly. "I know you won't, Ruchir. You've come a long way since the day we first met. "

"This is just the next step on your journey. And remember, no matter what happens in that realm, you are my disciple. That alone makes you stronger than most."

Ruchir felt a swell of pride at his master's words. "Thank you, Master. I'll do my best."

The Raven Master clapped him on the shoulder, the force of it nearly knocking Ruchir off his feet. "Good! Now, get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us."

As Ruchir turned to head back into the cottage, he couldn't help but glance at the toothbrush still in his hand.

He shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Of all the things to bring…" he muttered to himself, but the thought of his mother's care, even in such an embarrassing situation, warmed his heart.

"Ruchir!" the Raven Master called after him.

"Yes, Master?" Ruchir turned back, wondering if there was more to discuss.

"Don't forget to brush your teeth," the Raven Master said with a straight face, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.

Ruchir laughed, the sound carrying across the mountain air. "Yes, Master," he replied, waving the toothbrush in mock salute before heading inside. 

As he settled back into the cottage, his mind raced with thoughts of the Unity Light Secret Realm, the challenges that awaited, and the treasures that could be his if he succeeded.

But beneath it all was a sense of readiness, of determination. He would face whatever the realm threw at him—with clean socks, of course.

And maybe, just maybe, he'd find out what it truly meant to be the Raven Master's disciple.