The Path To Change

Why?

Why do I have to keep running?

Why do I always have to escape from these situations?

Am I that weak?

If I was this weak, why the hell did I think I could protect my family?

Tears blurred Zen's vision as he ran. His breath was ragged, his legs burned, but he didn't stop. He couldn't stop.

Where was he going? He didn't know. But he had made up his mind—this was the last time.

The last time he would run. The last time he would be powerless. The last time he would watch someone else fight in his place.

After what felt like an eternity, Zen finally came to a halt. His chest rose and fell in sharp, painful breaths. He turned back.

The town was distant now. Silent. The fight between the Captain and the Knight was happening somewhere behind him, beyond the trees, beyond the dusk.

What was happening to them?

Would Captain survive?

Would the town be safe?

Questions swarmed his mind like flies, buzzing, annoying, never-ending.

But Zen knew one thing for certain—he couldn't run forever.

The Knights had seen him. The moment he left his imprint on the Core, he had signed his own death sentence. They could find him. They could hunt him down whenever they wanted.

So there was only one thing left to do.

Get stronger.

Zen remembered he hadn't slept that night.

I need to rest.

Zen's body screamed for it, but he knew that wasn't an option.

Everything he had—his bag, money, spare clothes, even the last piece of bread from his mother—was gone, left behind at the inn. There was no going back. He didn't even want to imagine what had happened to the town, to the Captain…

Were they even alive?

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. His feet moved on their own, one step after another until he found himself standing at the base of a long staircase.

The highlands.

Zen's eyes trailed up the towering steps, leading to a place he had never set foot in before.

Going up there wasn't simple. You needed a reason. A job, a permit, something that would allow you past the gates.

That's when it clicked.

Oh. The ore carriers!

The people who carried ores for the Knights—they were always moving in and out of the highlands.

But… they never left their imprint on the Core?

Zen's eyes narrowed.

This was a question he needed to be answered.

Zen lingered at a distance, watching the movement at the base of the stairs.

A wooden structure stood near the entrance, where people collected stamped papers before heading toward waiting carriages filled with ore.

So that's the entry point.

Zen knew he had only one way up—and that was by sneaking onto one of those carts.

His gaze fell on Muki, who stared back with her eerie white eyes.

"Muki, it's your time to shine."

A plan formed in his head. A stupid one. But it was all he had.

If he acted like a Highlander and claimed Muki belonged to some noble family, they might let him through.

It was a gamble. A risky one.

But Zen wasn't a fighter. He wasn't going to brawl his way past the guards. This was his best shot.

Taking a deep breath, he approached the wooden structure.

His clothes were filthy, his hair disheveled—he looked nothing like a Highlander. The only thing carrying him was his confidence.

He stepped up to the counter, forcing a casual tone.

"Hello, mister. I need a contract to go to the Highlands."

The man behind the desk—a stocky, bored-looking official—squinted at him.

"For what?"

Zen lifted Muki and placed her on the counter.

"To return this lost pet."

Muki, thankfully, played along—her majestic white eyes and sleek fur making her look every bit the exotic noble pet.

The man's eyes narrowed.

"And where are you from?"

Zen hesitated for a split second.

"Nowhere, sir. I'm an adventurer trying to make some money."

The man's stare turned suspicious.

"Who's your contractor?"

Zen's mind short-circuited.

Contractor?

Shit.

I didn't even know a single Highlander.

Zen forced a smile, trying not to look like a liar as he stalled for time.

"Well…" he said, rubbing the back of his head.

"The Astral Knight from the Highlands."

The man at the desk raised a brow.

"Which one?"

Shit.

Zen kept his expression neutral.

"I'm afraid I don't know his name." He sighed, adding a touch of frustration. "I asked, but he said he doesn't give out names."

The man's expression softened slightly.

That was good. No lowland peasant would know Astrals were secretive about their names. Zen was playing his part well.

Now, time to sell it.

"He wears a white robe with golden linings. A white mask too."

The man's interest piqued.

Zen continued, lowering his voice as if sharing something secret.

"I trained with him a little when he brought me down to the lowlands. That's when his cat got lost." He gestured toward Muki, who, thankfully, was acting like a noble's spoiled pet—licking her tiny paws, completely unbothered.

"Her name is Muki."

The man glanced at the cat, then back at Zen.

Zen delivered the final blow.

"Also… he mentioned something about 'Dreams of Reality.'"

The man's eyes widened.

Got you.

"O-Okay, okay." The man shifted in his seat, suddenly a little uneasy. He pulled out a parchment and stamped it with his seal. "Take this contract."

Then he added, "That will be fifty crows."

Zen felt his heart drop into his stomach.

Fif—Fifty crows?!

With that kind of money, I could eat for an entire month.

His mind raced.

Zen straightened his posture and let out an irritated sigh. "Mr. Knight will pay." He waved his hand dismissively. "He's busy handling something more important—collecting a Core."

The man frowned.

"Sorry. No payment, no contract."

Zen's fingers twitched. He could feel the moment slipping away.

So he changed tactics.

"Sir…" He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Do I really need to wait here until the Knight arrives?"

He slammed his palm onto the desk, making the man flinch.

"I won't be the one blamed for what happens to you."

The man gulped.

Zen pressed on.

"Maybe someone can replace you for failing your job. You know how much power an Astral Knight holds."

The man hesitated.

And Zen knew he had him.

The man sighed and handed a contract to Zen, "Here take it, good luck" the man said putting on a fake smile. Finally, with great acting Zen was able to get his ticket to Highlands. 

Wow, I never knew I was so good at acting, moreover lying. Survival brings the best out of you I guess. 

Zen grabbed a bread from the basket near the entrance, Free bread, this is great.

Zen started his walked towards the highlands, the stairs seemed never-ending but he was determined. He needed answers and he wanted to be strong, Astrals ingnited his curiosity and he wanted to learn about them as much as he could.

This time Zen felt free, the freedom of an adventure. He felt he was now ready to step into a new world!