"First Steps of Growth" (2)

As Yohan and Elara trudged through the dense forest, the silence between them was heavy. The aftermath of the fight still lingered, the adrenaline ebbing away and leaving behind the dull ache of exhaustion. Yohan's ribs throbbed from where the beast had struck him, but he pushed the pain aside, focusing on putting distance between them and the site of the encounter. 

Elara limped slightly, leaning on her staff for support. Her eyes darted nervously at every rustle of leaves; her earlier confidence replaced by visible unease. 

"You're sure those bandits were after you?" Yohan asked, breaking the silence. 

She nodded; her voice shaky. "I don't know why, but they attacked me on the road. They were better equipped than any bandits I've seen before, and that beast… I've never seen anything like it." 

Yohan frowned. The mention of organized bandits controlling a demonic beast didn't sit well with him. It suggested a level of power and resources that exceeded what he would expect from common thugs. 

As the two pressed on, the trees began to thin, and the faint sound of running water reached their ears. Yohan spotted a small clearing ahead, bordered by a gently flowing stream. It was an ideal place to rest, at least for a moment. 

"Let's stop here," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. 

Elara sank to the ground near the stream, cupping her hands to drink the cool water. Yohan stood watch, his dagger drawn, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. 

After a few moments, Elara broke the silence. "You're strong," she said, her voice softer now. "That move you used… the way you disappeared and reappeared. Was that… cultivation?" 

Yohan hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Something like that," he replied curtly. 

Elara studied him for a moment, her gaze curious but not prying. "You saved my life back there. Thank you." 

He shrugged, keeping his eyes on the forest. "I couldn't just leave you to die." 

For a while, they sat in silence, the tension easing slightly as the tranquil sound of the stream filled the air. 

Elara finally spoke again. "If we're going to travel together, you should know… I can fight too." 

Yohan raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like much of a fighter." 

She smirked faintly, lifting her staff. "Appearances can be deceiving." 

With a flick of her wrist, the staff glowed faintly, a soft pulse of energy radiating from its tip. Yohan's eyes widened as he felt a subtle pressure, a controlled wave of power that hinted at hidden skill. 

"You're a mage," he said, his tone a mix of surprise and wariness. 

"I was trained at a small sect," Elara admitted. "But I'm not very strong. That's why I was traveling—to find a way to grow." 

Yohan nodded, considering her words. Having an ally with magical abilities could be useful, but it also meant complications. Trust was a rare commodity in his world, and he wasn't sure if he could afford to extend it. 

As the two prepared to move again, a sudden chill settled over the clearing. The hairs on the back of Yohan's neck stood on end, and Elara froze, her eyes wide with alarm. 

The clearing was eerily silent, save for the sound of the bandits' laughter. Seven of them stood in a loose semicircle, their weapons glinting in the moonlight. The leader, a burly man with a scar running from his temple to his jaw, smirked as he pointed a jagged blade at Yohan.

"Kid, you've got guts wandering out here alone," the scarred leader said, his voice dripping with mockery. "But guts won't save you."

Yohan didn't respond. His crimson eyes, cold and unyielding, locked onto the bandits. He adjusted his grip on the dagger, the smooth leather of the hilt grounding him. The system's calm voice echoed in his mind.

"Host, remain focused. Use your surroundings and Shadow Step strategically."

The leader raised his hand, signaling his men to spread out and encircle Yohan. The bandits moved with predatory confidence, their laughter echoing as they brandished their weapons—crudely made swords, clubs, and knives. Yohan took a deep breath, centering himself. He couldn't afford hesitation.

One of the bandits lunged first, a wiry man with a rusted dagger aiming for Yohan's ribs. Yohan sidestepped at the last second, the blade missing him by a hair. With a fluid motion, he spun behind the man and slashed across his back. The bandit howled, collapsing to the ground as blood seeped through his tattered shirt.

The others hesitated for a fraction of a second, but the leader barked, "Don't just stand there! Take him down!"

Two more rushed at Yohan from opposite sides, their weapons swinging in arcs meant to cut off any escape. Yohan's mind raced.

"Shadow Step activated," the system intoned.

Yohan's form blurred as he disappeared from their sights, reappearing behind them. The bandits stumbled, their swings colliding with each other. Yohan capitalized on their confusion, driving his dagger into the side of one and kicking the other's knee, sending him sprawling.

"You bastard!" another bandit yelled, charging with a wooden club raised high. Yohan ducked under the swing, his heightened senses catching the faint whistle of the club cutting through the air. He lashed out with his dagger, slicing the bandit's thigh. The man screamed, collapsing as Yohan stepped back, keeping his eyes on the remaining threats.

The scarred leader growled, drawing a curved blade that gleamed ominously. "You're quick, I'll give you that. But you're just a kid with a toy. Let me show you what a real fight looks like."

The leader surged forward with surprising speed, his blade flashing toward Yohan's neck. Yohan deflected the strike with his dagger, the impact sending a jolt through his arm. The leader pressed his advantage, unleashing a flurry of strikes that forced Yohan to backpedal.

But Yohan wasn't retreating blindly. He led the leader toward a cluster of trees, where the uneven ground would hinder his movements. As they reached the trees, Yohan darted to the side, using shadow step to vanish from the leader's sight. The leader snarled, spinning around to locate his target.

From the shadows, Yohan struck. His dagger sliced across the leader's side, drawing blood. The man roared in pain, swinging wildly, but Yohan had already retreated into the cover of the trees.

The remaining bandits hesitated, fear creeping into their eyes. They glanced at their wounded comrades and then at the scarred leader, who was now bleeding heavily. Yohan stepped out from the shadows, his crimson eyes glowing with an almost predatory light.

"You have one chance," Yohan said coldly, his voice cutting through the night like a blade. "Run."

Two of the bandits exchanged a glance, then dropped their weapons and fled into the forest without a second thought. The leader cursed, gripping his side as he glared at Yohan.

"This isn't over," the leader spat, retreating slowly. "You'll regret this, boy."

Yohan didn't move as the leader and the remaining bandit limped away into the darkness. Only when their footsteps faded did he relax, the tension in his body draining away. Blood dripped from his dagger, and his breathing was uneven, but he was alive.

The system's voice broke the silence.

"Host has defeated four enemies and forced three to flee. Calculating rewards... 400 Path Tokens awarded."

Yohan wiped his dagger clean on the grass, his expression unreadable. This was only the beginning, and he knew the road ahead would only grow more dangerous. But for now, he had won.

As the clearing fell silent once more, Yohan turned to Elara, who was leaning heavily on her staff. 

"Are you okay?" he asked. 

She nodded weakly. "I'll live. Thanks to you." 

Yohan sighed, his exhaustion catching up with him. "Let's find somewhere safer to rest. This place isn't secure anymore." 

Together, they moved deeper into the forest, their bond forged through the shared danger of their ordeal. 

The forest felt quieter after the chaos of the battle. Yohan and Elara trudged forward, the weight of their injuries and fatigue slowing their pace. The trees around them grew denser, their twisted branches forming a canopy that filtered the light into soft, dappled patches on the ground. 

Yohan finally broke the silence. "So, what were you doing out here on your own?" 

Elara glanced at him; her expression guarded. "I told you; I was traveling. I was trying to reach the Verdant Sky Sect." 

Yohan stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing. "The Verdant Sky Sect?" 

She nodded, tilting her head slightly. "Why? Do you know it?" 

A flicker of memory surfaced in Yohan's mind—the former Yohan's memories of the sect. It wasn't one of the grand, legendary sects that dominated the cultivation world, but it had a solid reputation as a place for those seeking to grow stronger. Its disciples were known for their balance of combat and spiritual techniques, and it was open to those without illustrious backgrounds. 

"I've heard of it," Yohan admitted, keeping his tone neutral. 

Elara studied him for a moment before speaking. "I need to get stronger. The Verdant Sky Sect is one of the few that doesn't turn people like me away. I figured it was my best chance." 

Yohan nodded slowly. It seemed fate—or the system—had aligned their paths. He had already decided to check out the sect as a potential stepping stone. The idea of going alone didn't bother him, but having an ally, even one he wasn't sure he could fully trust, might make the journey less treacherous. 

"That's where I'm headed too," he said finally. 

Elara's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? You're joining the Verdant Sky Sect?" 

"Something like that," Yohan replied. "I have my reasons." 

For a moment, the two stood in silence, the realization settling between them. Then Elara spoke, her tone hesitant but hopeful. "Maybe we should travel together. At least until we get there. It's safer than going alone." 

Yohan considered her words. He didn't like the idea of relying on someone else, but the truth was, they had already fought side by side and survived. That was more than he could say for anyone else he'd encountered so far. 

"Fine," he said gruffly. "But don't slow me down." 

Elara smirked faintly. "I'll try to keep up." 

The two found a small clearing as night began to fall, the forest growing too dark to navigate safely. Yohan set to work gathering firewood while Elara prepared a small cooking pot from her belongings. The faint crackle of a fire soon broke the silence, its warm glow casting flickering shadows on the trees around them. 

Yohan sat cross-legged near the fire, sharpening his dagger with a focused intensity. Elara watched him from across the flames, her staff resting beside her. 

"You're pretty skilled with that dagger," she said, breaking the quiet. 

Yohan didn't look up. "I've had to be." 

She hesitated before asking, "Do you think we'll be able to join the sect?" 

He glanced at her, his red eyes catching the firelight. "Why wouldn't we?" 

Elara shrugged; her expression thoughtful. "I've heard they're selective. They test everyone who shows up, and only a handful make it through." 

Yohan smirked faintly. "Then I'll pass their test." 

Her eyes lingered on him, a mix of curiosity and doubt in her gaze. "You're confident." 

"I have to be," Yohan said simply, returning his attention to his dagger. 

The fire crackled softly as they lapsed into silence. After a while, Yohan spoke again. "The sect… it's not just about joining, is it? You're running from something." 

Elara stiffened, her gaze dropping to the flames. "I told you, those bandits—" 

"They weren't random bandits," Yohan interrupted. "They were too organized, too focused on you. Who are you, really?" 

Elara hesitated, her hands tightening around her knees. Finally, she sighed. "It doesn't matter. I just need to get stronger. The rest… you don't need to know." 

Yohan nodded, sensing she wouldn't say more. He didn't push. Everyone had their secrets, himself included. 

As the fire burned lower, he leaned back, gazing at the stars peeking through the canopy. "We'll rest tonight and head out at first light. The sect is still a few days away, and there's no telling what we'll run into before we get there." 

Elara nodded; her expression resolute. "Agreed." 

As they settled in for the night, Yohan couldn't shake the feeling that their journey was about to grow even more complicated. But complications or not, he would press on. The path to power was never easy, and he was determined to carve his own way forward, no matter what—or who—stood in his way.