Chapter 10: The Kingdom’s Secret

As days passed, Jou continued to train under Shadow's guidance. Every day, they would meet in the dense, dark forest, away from the eyes of others. Shadow's methods were harsh, relentless, and unorthodox, but they were effective. Slowly, Jou learned to adapt. His body became stronger, his mind sharper, and his reflexes quicker. What started as raw determination to seek revenge turned into a disciplined pursuit of power and skill.

Over the course of a year, Jou had transformed. He was no longer the scared boy who stumbled upon Shadow. Now, he was a warrior—fearless, agile, and strong. He had mastered the art of combat and the subtle tactics Shadow had taught him. But his training was not yet complete; there was one final test left. This test would determine if Jou was ready to face the real world, to pursue the revenge he had desired so deeply.

The Secret of the Kingdom

While Jou was enduring his rigorous training, a different story was unfolding in the East Kingdom. There, the king was facing a new crisis. One night, as the king was resting in his royal chambers, a servant hurried in, whispering urgently into his ear. The king's expression darkened, and he quickly made his way to a hidden chamber, a secret room known only to a select few.

Inside, the king found his advisor and an old witch. She did not look as ancient as her years suggested, but her long, dark nails and the raven perched on her shoulder gave her an eerie presence. She wore a hat that cast a shadow over her eyes, adding to her mysterious aura.

The king's face twisted into a smile as he approached them. "Tell me, advisor," he said, "why have you summoned me here at this hour? If you have nothing of value, this might be your last night alive."

The advisor bowed nervously. "No, Your Majesty. I assure you, this time I have found something that will please you greatly."

The witch, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Yes, Your Majesty. During my travels, I found an ancient manuscript hidden in a forgotten village in the West, deep within the Indus Valley. It speaks of a powerful spell, one that can halt the aging process and enhance your… vitality." She grinned, revealing sharp, yellowed teeth.

The king's interest was piqued. "Continue," he said, leaning forward. "But be warned, if you fail me, your life will end tonight."

The witch held up her hands, her eyes gleaming. "This spell is ancient, Your Majesty, and if used correctly, it will not only keep you young but also increase your physical strength and make you more… potent." She paused, letting the implications sink in. "I only ask for a small favor in return. If this spell works, grant me a patch of land in the forest where I can live undisturbed, and some gold coins for my needs."

The king's lips curled into a sinister smile. "If this spell is as powerful as you say, then you will have your land and your gold. But be warned, witch. If you try to deceive me, I will make sure you and that crow of yours are turned to ashes."

The witch bowed and began to chant, drawing a long, gnarled wand from her robe. The room grew cold, and a strange wind started to swirl around them. The advisor watched nervously as the witch's body began to change. Her hunched back straightened, her face lost its wrinkles, and her voice became clear and smooth. The king's eyes widened in surprise and delight.

"It worked," the king whispered, almost in disbelief.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the witch said, her voice now sounding young and vibrant. "It worked."

The king was eager to try the spell on himself, and as the witch began to chant once more, he felt the years lift off his body, his strength returning, his senses sharpening. For a moment, he felt invincible. But when the king asked the witch to use the spell on his advisor, she hesitated, having only enough magic left for three uses. The king ordered her to save the last for himself, sealing his own betrayal with a wicked laugh.

"What of my payment?" the witch asked, her tone cautious.

The king's laugh echoed through the chamber. "You fool," he said. "This throne, this wealth—it was not inherited. I earned it, with blood and deceit. And you thought I would just give it away?"

With a snap of his fingers, guards stormed into the room, seizing the witch. "Burn her," the king commanded. "Let her magic die with her."

"The very spell that brought you so much pleasure will become your curse. No matter how much you indulge in it, your hunger will never be satisfied, and it will keep growing endlessly."

With these words, the witch burned alive. Her crow, having escaped, flew to a nearby tree and perched there, watching everything unfold with its beady, sharp eyes.

King: "Well, that's even better. Instead of a curse, she left behind a blessing. More indulgence, more pleasure, haha!"