24# The Farewell

Author's Note

With this chapter, we officially bring the first arc to a close: The Training Arc.

Over the course of these chapters, we've followed Clint's brutal and transformative journey — from a starving, lost boy in the slums to a young man forged through pain, blood, and the will to survive. We've witnessed his first steps with Mantra, the awakening of his bloodlust, and most importantly, the powerful bond forged between master and disciple.

Darius was more than a mentor. He was the blade against which Clint was sharpened. A ruthless instructor, yet fair — and in his own way, deeply human. It's because of this training that Clint now carries not just power, but purpose.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who's followed this arc so far. Thank you for reading, for supporting, and for walking this dark and intense path alongside Clint.

The story is just beginning. In the next arc, Clint returns to the world — but he is no longer the same. And the world is not ready for what he is about to become.

------------------------------------

The last days of training weren't as intense as before. At least, not in the same way. I no longer had stones tied to my ankles, nor did I need to climb and descend mountains until my feet bled. But even so, it wasn't easy.

We spent our days hunting monsters through the forest. Serpents with iron-like scales, boars with tusks sharp enough to pierce armor, and even a massive bear that stood upright like a demon.

Every battle was a lesson.

Darius watched me from a distance, never interfering—unless I was about to die. Those few times, he saved my life with movements I could barely see. Afterward, he would just give me that cold stare. No words. It was as if I had to figure it out on my own—even when I failed.

And I learned.

I learned how to activate my bloodlust at specific moments. It was still weak, but enough to intimidate smaller monsters or even untrained humans. Darius said that, over time, it would become a weapon as deadly as my sword.

— "Don't let it control you," he said one night as we roasted beast meat over the fire. "You command it. Bloodlust is like a starving wolf—if you keep it on the right leash, it protects you. But if you let it loose… it devours you."

We trained swordsmanship every single day, without fail.

Unlike at the beginning, Darius now allowed me to spar with him. But no matter how hard I tried, I never won. Every strike I made was read. Every feint dismantled effortlessly. He didn't need to use strength. Just technique, calm, and precision.

— "You learn fast," he said after one of our duels.

— "Too fast. In my whole life, I've never seen someone like you."

— "But I still can't beat you," I answered, panting, on my knees after his last blow.

He smiled. A faint smile—proud, but controlled.

— "I don't expect you to. Not yet."

Time flew by. Maybe because each day was filled with so much pain, learning, and growth. Or maybe because deep down, I knew it would end soon.

On the morning of our thirteenth day hunting, Darius woke up before me, as usual—but something in his expression was different. Less demanding. Quieter.

We ate in silence.

We walked for a while among the trees.

Then he stopped. And so did I.

— "This is where we part ways," he said, turning to face me.

I froze, trying to process those words.

— "You're leaving?"

— "Yes," he said, as if it were obvious. "From here on, you go alone. Consider it your first real test. No one to hold your hand."

— "I…" I struggled for words.

Darius stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. For the first time, his touch wasn't heavy or intimidating. It was firm. And human.

— "You were the best student I ever had," he said. "And I've trained plenty of arrogant bastards—spoiled noble brats and stubborn soldiers."

He let out a short chuckle.

— "But none of them had your hunger."

I clenched my fists.

— "I wasn't the best. I never beat you."

— "But you will one day," he said without hesitation. "I saw it in your eyes from the very start. And when that day comes… come find me."

He turned to leave but paused after two steps.

— "Ah, and send my regards to Leonard. That stuck-up old man always needs reminding he's not in control of everything."

— "master…" I called, hesitant. "Thank you… for everything."

He didn't reply. Just raised a hand as he walked away—his back to me.

And then he was gone, vanishing between the branches and shadows of the forest like a legend that may never have existed at all.

I stood there for a long time. Alone. The silence around me was deafening. The wind whispered through the leaves, and for the first time since we arrived, the weight of the world settled fully onto my shoulders without Darius's shadow beside me.

I took a deep breath.

Now it was up to me.

Time to go home.