Chapter 8: **The Awakening**

Joe's eyes fluttered open to the soft rustling of leaves. He felt an aching throb in his head, and his vision was blurry. As he tried to sit up, he realized he was deep in the forest, the smell of damp earth and wood filling his senses. His body felt weak, and his hands instinctively moved to his face, feeling the bandages wrapped around his forehead.

He scanned his surroundings, confused. The last thing he remembered was the battle—the clash between the Master and Shadow. The memory of the sword, the swift movements, and then... darkness.

Slowly standing up, Joe noticed a small stream nearby. He made his way to it, kneeling down to wash his face. The cold water helped clear his thoughts. His mind raced as he tried to piece together what had happened.

The Samurai… he remembered the way the Master had brutally sliced through the boy who had tried to stand up to him. The horror of it all flashed in his mind, causing him to shudder. But then, something else—a flicker of memory—Shadow had saved him.

Joe clenched his fists, his heart pounding with anger. The image of his village, burning, and his family, lost to the flames, filled his mind. He slammed his fist into a nearby tree, the bark splintering under the force. "I'm so weak…" he muttered to himself. The pain of his past was still fresh, and the desire for revenge burned hotter than ever.

But he also knew he couldn't face the enemies alone. Not like this. If he was to avenge his family, to stand against the forces that had destroyed everything he loved, he had to become stronger. Much stronger.

Determined, Joe decided he would stay in the forest, train, and survive. He began by crafting a small shelter out of the surrounding branches and leaves, securing a place to stay. As night fell, he lit a fire by rubbing two sticks together, creating a small flame to warm himself. He caught fish from the stream, surviving off the land.

Day after day, Joe pushed himself to the limit. He trained from dawn to dusk, running, doing push-ups, lifting logs, and strengthening his body. Each passing day made him tougher, more resilient. He fashioned weapons for himself—two small axes—from the stones and branches he found in the forest, practicing relentlessly.

But as he trained, he couldn't shake the feeling that Shadow was watching. Though he never saw her, there was a presence—something in the woods—always observing, just out of reach. Shadow had saved his life, but why? And why did she stay hidden?

Weeks passed. Joe was no longer the weak boy who had fallen during the fight. He had grown stronger, faster, and more determined. But his mind still questioned one thing: when would Shadow reveal herself again? And when she did, what would she want from him?

As he sat by the fire one night, staring into the flames, he heard a sound—a faint rustle in the trees. He stood, grabbing his axes, ready for anything. His eyes scanned the darkness, but nothing emerged.

Then, just as he was about to turn back, a voice echoed through the clearing.

"Tomorrow, you face a new challenge."

Joe's heart raced. The voice was cold, familiar. Shadow was here, and she wasn't done with him yet.