Chapter 20: Meditation

As Vaughn pulled up in front of Joshua's apartment, the car came to a smooth stop. Joshua unbuckled his seatbelt and grabbed his bag, already reaching for the door handle.

"Alright, nerd," Vaughn said, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. "Try not to destroy any more million-dollar equipment next time."

Joshua smirked. "No promises."

Vaughn rolled his eyes. "You know, if you are turning into some kind of superhuman, you should at least think about doing something cool with it."

Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"I dunno, hero work? At least do some crazy parkour or something." Vaughn grinned. "Or, and hear me out—become a masked vigilante."

Joshua snorted. "Oh yeah, because that always ends well."

"Hey, it works in the movies."

"Vaughn, the last time you tried to jump a fence, you got stuck and had to call me for help."

Vaughn scowled. "I was drunk, okay? That doesn't count."

Joshua chuckled and opened the door. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, I'll send you that link later."

"Better not forget, nerd," Vaughn called as Joshua stepped out.

Joshua waved over his shoulder as Vaughn drove off, the sound of the car's engine fading into the distance.

With a sigh, Joshua entered his apartment, tossed his bag onto the couch, and headed straight for the bathroom. After everything that had happened, a hot shower was the only thing on his mind.

The warm water cascaded over his body, washing away the exhaustion clinging to his muscles. He scrubbed at his arms, still half-expecting to see the faint glow of the energy lines Vaughn had mentioned, but his skin looked the same as always.

For now.

After drying off, he collapsed onto his bed, pulling the blanket over himself.

"Oh shit. I forgot to send the link." Joshua hurriedly tapped on his phone, sent Vaughn a quick message: Enjoy peasant. Hope you don't get eaten once you spawn.

"Fuck you!" Vaughn replied.

Joshua put down his phone and adjusted his body on the bed.

"Alright," he murmured, staring at the ceiling.

Connect.

When Joshua opened his eyes, he was no longer in his apartment.

He was lying on the same soft bed in Maydee's room.

The scent of herbs and incense lingered in the air. Dim light filtered through the wooden windows, casting a golden glow over the room.

In the corner, Maydee sat cross-legged, her eyes closed in deep meditation.

As if sensing his awakening, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Finally, you're awake."

Joshua sat up, stretching his stiff limbs. "How long was I out, Master?"

"Almost a week."

His eyes widened. "A week?"

Maydee nodded. "It's a good thing. It means your body has fully integrated with your core. Now, let me check something."

She leaned forward, placing her palm gently against Joshua's forehead.

A warm sensation spread from his head, coursing down his body like liquid fire, seeping into his bones, muscles, and even his very breath. It wasn't painful—rather, it felt… comforting.

After a few moments, Maydee withdrew her hand and smiled.

"Perfect. Your core is now connected."

Joshua exhaled. "So, what's next?"

"First, we eat. Then, we meditate."

At the mention of food, Joshua's stomach growled loudly. He hadn't realized how hungry he was.

Maydee chuckled. "Come, let's get you something to eat."

As Joshua stood and dressed, he heard a faint whisper.

"Bran, go report to my father. Tell him he is ready."

A shadow flickered near the doorway.

Joshua's heart nearly jumped out of his chest as Bran—the massive warrior who had first dragged him to the village—materialized from seemingly nowhere.

Without a word, Bran gave a short nod before vanishing.

Joshua stared at the empty space where he had stood. "...How does a man that big move so quietly?"

Maydee smirked. "Because he is an assassin."

Joshua gulped.

"In this village, only my father is stronger than him," Maydee continued. "And there are only a handful of people in this world who could defeat him."

Joshua gulped again.

"Let's go."

"Yes, Master."

The communal dining hall was a large, open-air space filled with wooden tables and long benches. A fire pit crackled in the center, the scent of roasted meat heavy in the air.

Joshua barely had time to sit before a steaming plate of food was placed in front of him.

Thick slabs of roasted beast meat, dark, crusted bread, and something that looked like mashed potatoes but smelled spicy. A clay cup of something dark and steaming sat beside it.

Not bothering with manners, Joshua devoured the food.

Every bite sent warmth and energy surging through his body. Whatever this meat was, it wasn't normal. It was rich, almost electric, as if it contained some kind of power.

Maydee watched with mild amusement as he ate like a starving animal.

"You're not the first to react this way," she said. "Your body has changed. It craves more than just normal food now."

Joshua wiped his mouth. "This… is the best meal I've ever had."

Maydee simply smiled.

Once finished, they left the hall and made their way to an open training ground behind the village. Towering trees surrounded the area, their branches forming a natural canopy. In the center stood a massive, ancient tree, its bark blackened with age.

Maydee gestured to its base.

"Sit."

Joshua obeyed without hesitation.

She sat cross-legged in front of him.

"Now," she said, "I want you to close your eyes and do exactly as I say."

Joshua nodded. "Yes, Master."

"Breathe in—slowly. Fill your lungs completely. Hold."

He inhaled deeply, feeling his chest expand.

"Now exhale—slower than you breathed in."

Joshua let the air slip from his lungs, stretching the process longer than before.

"Again."

He repeated the cycle.

Over and over.

With each breath, something shifted.

His mind drifted. His body felt lighter. The world around him blurred.

Then—

A gentle shake.

Joshua's eyes snapped open, and he gasped.

The sky had changed.

The sun was setting, its golden hues painting the horizon. What had felt like mere minutes had been hours.

"What… happened?" he asked.

Maydee smiled, satisfied. "You're a natural."

Joshua blinked in surprise. "Wait… I meditated for that long?"

Maydee stood, brushing off her robes. "Come, let's go inside. Tomorrow, we begin the real training."

Joshua stood as well, nodding. "Yes, Master."

From a distance, Bran stood atop a wooden post, arms crossed. His eyes, sharp as a predator's, watched Joshua intently.

Behind him, another figure emerged from the shadows—Amador.

Bran didn't turn. "Interesting."

Amador nodded. "Indeed."

There was a long pause.

"I just hope," Amador murmured, "that his mind is strong enough."

Bran exhaled. "Yes. It would be a pity to kill him."

They both stared at Joshua's retreating form.

Their test had only just begun.