CHAPTER Six – THE PATH OF THE MONK

 A Hidden Sanctuary

The group followed the old man, their footsteps light on the moss-covered ground. The further they climbed, the denser the fog, wrapping around the trees like ghostly fingers. The mountain air was thin but fresh, a stark contrast to the smoke and death they had left behind in the city.

Tunde adjusted the strap of his backpack, his mind racing.

A place where we can learn to fight the Titans? Could this old man help us?

Max, his dog, stayed close, sniffing cautiously.

Finally, the old man stopped before a massive rock face, overgrown with vines.

Old Man: "It is here."

He pressed his palm against a worn symbol on the rock—a circular insignia, faintly glowing blue.

A low rumble shook the ground, and the rock slid open, revealing a hidden entrance.

The survivors exchanged glances.

Darius: "Okay… That was badass."

Tunde: "Let's hope what's inside is even better."

The survivors stepped into a vast underground hall, lined with wooden pillars, burning torches, and ancient symbols carved into the walls. Statues of monks, frozen in battle stances, stood like silent guardians.

Scattered across the training grounds were men and women in simple robes, practicing hand-to-hand combat, sword techniques, and staff fighting. They moved with precision, focus, and deadly efficiency.

At the center stood a grand figure, draped in dark robes, watching the new arrivals. His face was lined with age but filled with strength.

Old Man: "Master Jin… I bring warriors who seek refuge… and purpose."

The Master stepped forward, studying them with piercing eyes.

Master Jin: "Refuge we can offer. But purpose... must be earned."

Master Jin gestured for them to follow him deeper into the monastery. As they walked, he spoke.

Master Jin: "The Titans fight with power. We fight with skill. Strength means nothing without discipline. If you wish to survive, you must become more than survivors—you must become warriors."

Sarah, still skeptical, frowned.

Sarah: "Look, we're not monks. We need weapons, not philosophy."

Master Jin stopped, then gestured at a massive steel dummy—a Titan-like figure built for training.

Master Jin: "Weapons without skill are useless. Strike it."

Darius smirked, cracking his knuckles.

Darius: "Gladly."

Master Jin: "Then your training begins… now."

As the survivors began their first lesson, unseen above the mountain, a destroyed Titan drone twitched in the dirt. Its shattered optics flickered red, a faint signal pulsing into the air.

Deep in the ruined city, VOIDREAPER received the transmission.

Voidreaper: "They have fled to the mountains. Initiate the cleansing."

From the shadows of Omega's headquarters, a squadron of Titan enforcers activated. Their red optics glowed, and their heavy metallic forms began marching toward the Monk School.

The hunt was on.