chapter 4

: The Dark Night's Trial

Eli's journey toward Eghwu Mountain was grueling. His mother's condition worsened with each passing hour, her body growing colder as the disease spread. He hadn't eaten in three days, and exhaustion clung to him like a heavy chain.

Through forests, rivers, and open plains, he carried his mother, his body growing weaker with every step. But he refused to stop.

That night, however, his body gave in.

Eli found a small clearing and gathered large leaves to make a makeshift bed for his mother. He laid her down gently, brushing strands of hair from her face. Her breathing was faint, her body still.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I will find my sister," he whispered. "And I will save you."

With his stomach aching from hunger, he knew he had to find food. He hesitated—leaving his mother alone felt wrong—but he had no choice.

Taking his axe, he ventured into the darkness in search of something—anything—to eat.

The Encounter with the Rich Family

Eli wandered through the trees, scanning the ground for fruit or edible plants. He barely had the energy to move, but he forced himself forward.

Then, in the distance, headlights appeared.

A well-lit modern car approached, something rare in the remote parts of the land. Eli's heart lifted with hope. Maybe they could help!

He rushed onto the road, waving his hands frantically.

Inside the car was a wealthy-looking family—a man, a woman, and their teenage son.

The boy wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"I hate these dirty village kids," he muttered.

His mother turned to her husband.

"Don't stop," she said. "He's not our class."

Without hesitation, the car sped past Eli.

Eli stood there, confused and hurt. They had ignored him like he was nothing. He clenched his fists but knew he had no time to waste on anger.

Eventually, he found a bunch of fruits, gathering as many as he could carry. Darkness had begun to fall, and rain started pouring.

Hurrying back, Eli reached his hideout, soaked to the bone. He quickly fed his mother small portions before eating the rest himself.

Then, finally, he collapsed into sleep.

The Nightmare Begins

Eli woke up to pain.

His arms and legs were tied tightly to a tree. His body ached, and as his vision cleared, he saw something that made his blood turn to ice.

His mother was naked, lying on the ground.

A Threat was standing over her.

This wasn't just any creature—it was a highly ranked Threat, a Graded one. Unlike lesser beasts, this one could speak.

The Threat turned toward Eli, grinning.

"Ah, you're awake," it said. "Good. This is going to be fun."

Eli's heart pounded in fear and rage.

"Leave her alone!" he screamed.

The creature tilted its head, smirking.

"Do I look like I care?"

Then, without warning, it punched Eli. Fifteen times.

Each blow sent waves of agony through his body. His vision blurred, his lips cracked, and blood dripped from his mouth.

The Threat then turned back to his mother, stroking her face.

"She's sleeping soundly. Looks like my mate's spell was strong."

Then, grinning, the creature said, "I'll get my equipment. Don't go anywhere."

And it walked away into the darkness.

A Voice in the Shadows

Eli gasped for air, his body broken. He tried activating his Light, but his power was too weak.

Then, suddenly, a voice echoed in the darkness.

"Is that the best you can do?"

Eli froze.

"Who's there?" he yelled.

An old man stepped forward from the shadows, smiling.

"Nobody's coming to save you," the old man said. "It's just you and the beast."

Eli's heart sank.

"I can't escape," he said. "My power is weak—"

The old man laughed.

"Then die here. Or fight. Your choice."

Then, like a ninja, the old man vanished.

Eli's First Awakening

Eli's breathing was ragged. The Threat was returning.

Desperation surged through him.

He activated his Light and struggled against the ropes.

A spark.

Then another.

Then—fire.

The ropes burned away.

Eli stared at his hands.

His power… worked?

He barely had time to process before the Threat noticed.

"You little—"

Eli charged, gripping his axe. But before he could strike, the creature punched him with full force.

The impact sent Eli flying.

As he hit the ground, everything went black.