In the deep part of Murky's troubled soul, a strong and painful sadness surrounded him like a suffocating cover, as he saw the second most devastating event unfold right before his eyes.
"Take it back, they are my kill!"
His heart broke into many pieces, echoing the fragile shards of a broken mirror reflecting his shattered dreams and defeated hopes.
"Nooooo!!"
The results of his hard work, it's as if the outcome of countless nights without sleep and tireless efforts, seemed to fade away into nothingness.
Little did he know that this heartbreaking blow was just the beginning of a series of difficult challenges that were approaching and threatening to overwhelm him completely.
Suddenly, like a ghost appearing from a misty fog, a swirling wisp of smoke took shape from the sleek, armor-clad figure of the Elder Progenitor, its glowing white suit emitting an otherworldly aura.
Kuuuussshhhh...
It's like the smoke transformed into ethereal words, with a strange and captivating sound as they floated through the air.
"Finally, I can talk to you."
The Elder Progenitor said, its voice a haunting melody that resonated deep within Murky's being.
The elder Progenitor suit finally adapted to the language of Murky.
Murky, who knows how the suit works, was still filled with a mixture of defiance and anguish, refused to give in to the overwhelming fear that tried to take hold of his trembling soul.
With a face twisted by a whirlwind of emotions, he bravely opened his mouth, his voice a quiet whisper carrying the weight of countless shattered dreams.
"You, you son of your mother bitch! I will murder once I have a chance, I will make sure to follow you and beat you up, even in hell," he murmured, his words filled with a passionate anger that hid his vulnerability.
A storm of emotions raged inside Murky's weary heart, each powerful beat a fierce refusal to surrender to the approaching darkness.
The fear that should have made him tremble and stunned was somehow not in his heart, it's because he knew that he still had the spark of resilience and the glimmer of hope within him.
He held onto the knowledge that he had another chance, another life where he won't die easily— his first nightmare.
Fear had no place in the heart of a warrior who had experienced the depths of sadness and emerged stronger, for it was through challenging times that the human spirit revealed its unbeatable power.
Yet, to Murky's surprise, the Elder Progenitor didn't respond with anger or disdain.
Instead, it burst into laughter, filling the empty space with mocking sounds.
"Hahaha! You are an interesting little lad, quite amusing," chuckled the Elder Progenitor, and the echoes of its laughter hung in the air like whispers.
"But can you, with your strange, abnormal, and distorted body? Can you go beyond the limits of your disfigured mortal form and do whatever you are saying? Can you? Are you capable?"
Hearing this, Murky couldn't find a comeback.
The weight of the Elder Progenitor's words silenced him.
The truth in those haunting syllables struck a chord within him, resonating with his own doubts and insecurities.
His physical limitations in this world held him back, a reminder of his mortality.
His targets, the Nematoceran hounds, were brought back to life, reminding him of his plan or path he had chosen—a path that would forever deny him the desired role of a Spartan leader.
Yes, since they are alive, all his plans won't work anymore.
Yet, a mischievous smile emerged from Murky's unyielding spirit, lighting up his face like a symbol of defiance in the encroaching darkness.
"You speak the truth. In this weak body I inhabit, I am indeed powerless, are limited to do something," declared Murky, his voice filled with newfound confidence that defied his mortal limitations.
His determined eyes focused on the large human-like creature in front of him.
"See, despite my deformed body, which is much weaker than other humans, I easily defeated your Nematoceran hounds. What do you think if I'm complete?" he taunted, his voice bold and fearless, sending chills down the spines of those who witnessed his daring statement.
For a brief moment, the Elder Progenitor became quiet and thoughtful. It looked at the unconscious Nematoceran hounds and Murky, who stood defiantly. Its mysterious eyes, filled with curiosity and interest, searched for answers in Murky's unwavering gaze.
Eventually, a smile reappeared on the Elder Progenitor's face, just as enigmatic as the being itself, mirroring Murky's twisted grin.
"Haha! You've piqued my curiosity," the Elder Progenitor said with a voice that conveyed both amusement and intrigue.
"Why don't you tell me how you managed to accomplish this? These Nematoceran hounds possess extraordinary abilities, surpassing regular Nematoceran hounds of our race, capable of deflecting damage five times over. And yet, with your seemingly weak form, you nearly killed all three of them at once. I must admit, I'm intrigued. Would you care to enlighten this elder about your methods?"
With a mischievous glimmer in his intense eyes, Murky slowly shook his head, a cunning smile on his lips, as if relishing the chance to keep his secret concealed.
Why would he reveal his guarded truth to the Elder Progenitor?
No, it was a puzzle he preferred to solve on his own, leaving the onlookers perplexed and intrigued.
Even as he displayed his lethal skills, swiftly ending the lives of those unfortunate Nematoceran hounds, a thought crossed his mind.
Yes, he knew those Nematoceran hounds possessed something special, a peculiar necklace or perhaps a concealed device that allows the elder Progenitor to see him, that's why Murky didn't come down and showed himself to swiftly kill the Nematoceran hounds.
It was his secret in this world, his warrior form, silently killing those Nematoceran without revealing his true identity was the best course of action to not show it to the elder.
"Haha! You've surprised me, kid," chuckled the elder, his voice filled with amusement, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"But wouldn't it be interesting if I offered you a chance to fight me?"
His words hung in the air, teasing Murky's curiosity. However, the elder's demeanor suddenly changed, injecting a serious tone into their conversation.
"Ah, no. I must admit, I have doubts about your chances of surviving against the powerful elites that we will soon release on your planet."
As the elderly figure gazed upwards toward the heavens, he gently pressed his pale finger against his slightly greenish lips, a gesture indicating deep contemplation.
Emerging from his daydream, he returned his attention to Murky, his large hand descending upon him with a graceful and almost majestic manner, capturing him firmly within its grasp.
Murky, suspended within the immense palm of the elderly figure, found himself caught between trepidation and anticipation, his heart pounding incessantly within the confines of his chest.
Journeying along their designated path, a path burdened with a mysterious purpose, Murky seized the fleeting opportunity, his voice resounding with a captivating blend of curiosity and daring.
"Please, do tell, disgusting old man, what compelling course of action do you intend to undertake?
"Are you truly willing to grant me the chance to engage in combat with your feeble grandsons?
"Dare I inquire whether these newborn progeny possess the mettle to endure the relentless onslaught unleashed by those three formidable Nematoceran hounds perched atop your mighty shoulder?"
The words dripped from his tongue, infused with an unmistakable disdain, a calculated attempt to undermine and belittle the very essence of those before him.
For he steadfastly refused to be reduced to a pitiful figure, a mere pawn at the mercy of others.
A nod, filled with an air of wise understanding, escaped the elderly figure, a smile gracing his lips as if acknowledging the bold challenge presented by Murky.
"Don't underestimate my people, but you're right, I will give you a rare opportunity to face them directly or not. If you emerge victorious, we, the clan, will welcome you with open arms, inviting you to join our esteemed group," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering certainty.
Stories of the clan accepting individuals from different backgrounds had spread far and wide, softly whispering about the possibility of acceptance for those considered deserving.
Yet, the path to true belonging remained difficult, reserved only for a select few who had the strength to withstand scrutiny's crucible.
Filled with unshakable confidence, the elderly figure, his expression radiating a sense of assured authority, eagerly awaited Murky's response, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, hoping to witness the young warrior's submission, his longing for acceptance.
However, his expectations were
shattered as Murky, his eyes filled with determined resolve, disappointed him by shaking his head and saying,
"No."