Chapter 53: Introspection

Joshua surveyed his surroundings, ensuring no other threats lurked nearby. Satisfied, he deactivated his enhanced vision to conserve energy. His body ached from the prolonged use of his abilities, but he pushed the discomfort aside. There was work to be done.

He turned his attention to the slain boar. Judging by its size, it had to be at least 200 kilograms, possibly more. With a deep breath, he bent down, gripping the carcass firmly before hoisting it onto his shoulders. The weight was significant, but his enhanced physique endured it. Without hesitation, he began the slow jog back to Irene.

Forty-five minutes later, Joshua arrived at the village gates, slightly panting. The warriors standing guard acknowledged him with nods of approval as he passed. Children peeked out from behind buildings, whispering among themselves at the sight of the massive beast slung over his shoulders. Their wide eyes followed him as he trudged toward the chief's house.

Amador was already waiting for him. The grizzled warrior crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Looks like you bagged a big one."

Joshua chuckled, setting the carcass down carefully. "Yeah. I wasn't sure if the other two were edible, so I went with this one. Apologies, Chief, but I don't know the names of the others."

Amador nodded, his expression approving. "Fresh meat is always welcome, even though we still have plenty left from the beast horde." He motioned toward the back of the house. "Take it around to the cooks. They'll prepare it for tonight."

Joshua gave a respectful nod before hoisting the carcass once more and heading to the preparation area.

The moment he disappeared from sight, Bran materialized beside Amador, his presence as silent as a passing shadow.

"So?" Amador asked without turning his head.

Bran's sharp eyes gleamed under the fading sunlight. "He's getting quite skilled with his attacks, Chief. His precision has improved significantly. However, his carelessness nearly cost him his life."

Amador's brows furrowed slightly. "Carelessness?"

Bran gave a curt nod. "After his first two kills, he lingered too long, admiring his handiwork. That moment of distraction allowed the stalker to launch a surprise attack. His reaction time saved him, but it was a close call. Without his shield, he would've been ripped to shreds."

Amador exhaled through his nose, rubbing his chin in thought. "Good. He needs these lessons. The awakening strengthened his constitution and body, but experience is what will forge him into a true warrior."

Bran reached into his pouch and pulled out two cores, each the size of a golf ball, their surfaces gleaming with an inner luminescence. "The first is from the Nyx," he said, handing the first core to Amador. "And the second, from the Umbra Stalker."

Amador took both carefully, weighing them in his palms. The raw energy pulsed faintly within, a testament to the power these creatures once wielded. His thin smile returned.

"Quite the lucky haul."

Bran nodded. "Luck, and skill."

Amador's fingers closed over the cores. "Continue to observe him in the coming days. His progress is promising. Rest well my friend."

"Yes, Chief." With a flicker of movement, Bran vanished once more into the encroaching dusk, leaving Amador alone with his thoughts and the wisps of energy of the cores resting in his hands.

—

Joshua stood by the well behind the chief's house, rolling his shoulders to ease the stiffness from the hunt. The faint glow of the evening sun bathed the village in a golden hue, but his focus remained on the water before him. He unfastened his tunic, tossing it aside, revealing his toned body. The remnants of his battles were etched into his flesh—faint scratches, bruises, and the lingering ache of exhaustion.

He scooped a handful of water from the bucket, the cool liquid shocking his overheated skin. Letting out a slow breath, he poured it over his head, feeling the grime of blood and dirt loosen and slide away. The sensation was refreshing, washing away the remnants of the beasts he had slain. As the water trickled down his body, he watched the dark swirls of filth disappear into the ground, as if erasing the past battle.

His mind, however, was far from calm.

He thought of his master—Maydee. She was not only a powerful Gifted but also a skilled warrior. He had seen her wield a bow with unmatched precision, the wind bending to her will, turning simple arrows into deadly projectiles. And then there was the short sword at her waist, often overlooked, yet never absent. That meant she was proficient in close combat as well.

Could he do the same?

Joshua clenched his fists. His natural talent lay in manipulating energy—firing needle shots, launching devastators, creating barriers. But raw power had its limits. If the enemy got too close, what then? Energy was not infinite. Each shot drained his core. Each battle pushed him closer to exhaustion.

He needed another way to fight.

His failure in the warrior's trial still haunted him. Back then, he was weak—his body unable to endure the grueling training required to wield weapons effectively. But things had changed. The awakening had transformed him, his body strengthened beyond that of an ordinary man. If the young warriors of Irene could train in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat, why couldn't he?

He took another handful of water and splashed it against his face. He had to adapt. A warrior had to be versatile, prepared for any situation. Distance combat was his specialty, but close combat was unavoidable. The ambush from earlier was proof of that.

Joshua exhaled slowly, his decision firm. He would train. Not just in energy manipulation, but in the ways of a true warrior. He would learn the sword. He would master every form of combat necessary to survive and protect those he cared for. No more hesitation. No more relying solely on his Gift nor his mysterious Blank attribute.

As the last of the dirt washed away from his skin, Joshua reached for his tunic and pulled it back over his head. His muscles still ached, but there was no time for rest.

Tomorrow, he would begin his training anew. This time, not just as a Gifted.

But as a warrior.