Chapter 5: A New Beginning

When the old man saw that Neyvar agreed to come to Velmora, a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

Neyvar said,

"Alright, I'll come with you… but first, who even are you? What's your name? I don't even know you."

The old man paused for a moment, then replied with a mysterious smile,

"Hmm… my name is Zelthor. But for now, that's all you need to know… heheh."

Neyvar looked at him in surprise but decided not to argue.

Zelthor glanced at the alley and said,

"How long do you plan to stand there? Come on, kid, let's go."

Neyvar: "Alright…"

And he began following him.

As they walked, Neyvar asked,

"Old man, where are we going now?"

Zelthor replied sharply,

"My name is Zelthor, not old man! Stop asking questions and just follow me."

They continued until they arrived at an old but stylish clothing shop.

Neyvar looked around, confused:

"Hey, what are we doing here? Weren't we going to Velnoda?"

Zelthor snapped,

"First of all, stupid kid, it's called Velmora, not Velnoda! And second, do you really want to walk in there wearing those filthy rags? You'll ruin my reputation!"

Neyvar frowned,

"What? What's wrong with my clothes, damn it? You think you're better than me or something?"

Zelthor, unfazed, said,

"Stop talking and put this on."

He bought Neyvar a storm-colored robe with a royal yet simple design—something worthy of someone stepping into a new world. After that, he took him to a nearby bathhouse and made sure he was thoroughly cleaned.

Hours later, Neyvar stepped out, clean, fresh, with neatly combed hair and new clothes.

Zelthor looked him up and down and chuckled:

"Ha… now you actually look like a human. Before, you looked more like a beast, I swear."

Neyvar shot him a glare,

"Go to hell, you old jerk."

They continued walking until they arrived at a small but beautiful house. The stone walls, wooden windows, and scent of fresh timber filled the air with peace.

Neyvar's eyes widened:

"Whoa… what is this place?"

Zelthor calmly answered,

"Your new home."

Neyvar:

"What? Wait… this is for me? Seriously?"

Zelthor smiled,

"Yes. Go on in. There's a maid inside—she'll show you around. Rest for now… because tomorrow, you're going to have a very busy day."

Neyvar:

"Alright…"

And he entered the house.

Inside, everything was neat and fresh. From the living room to the kitchen and bedroom, it all felt strangely new to Neyvar. At night, he lay on his bed… but couldn't sleep.

Something inside him whispered:

"Get up… train…"

Without hesitation, he got up, stepped into the courtyard, and began:

150 squats

100 push-ups

40 kilometers of running nonstop through the quiet streets

When he returned, he tried to sleep… but again, something in him wouldn't let him.

He sat quietly in a corner, closed his eyes, and began meditating—or at least, he thought he was. But what he was truly doing… was soul purification. Something far deeper.

After three hours of focused energy flowing through his body, he suddenly opened his eyes.

"What?… I feel… stronger."

End of Chapter Five.