They talked late into the evening, Rowan and Fahab, deciding to head back when they were stopped by the high priest who said, "There's one more thing, the greatest of them all." Rowan, eager to leave, sat down again to listen to the high priest's story.
In the tale told by the high priest, a creature lived on the border between the worlds of Zephyria and Aetheria, abstract realms of thoughts, feelings, dreams, qualities, emotions, and more.
The high priest described a massive creature that pierced the endless sky, much like the Arabic mythological creature, the Falak serpent, mentioned in the Arabian Nights.
According to Arab mythology, the Falak serpent resided beneath Bahamut, a colossal bull-headed fish that held up the entire universe, including six hells, the earth, and the heavens.
Bahamut itself stood upon a cow named Kujata, which rested on a gemstone called Safir, perched upon an angel known as Zabaniya. Above Bahamut and the Falak serpent were six hells, the earth, and seven heavens.
In the high priest's story, the Falak serpent was a colossal being with limitless power, constantly growing as it devoured the world.
The high priest continued, "I was nearly consumed by that creature and its dwelling, but I managed to return with a ritual I know." The Falak serpent filled the first to seventh heavens with its immense size.
Rowan asked the high priest, "Can one travel to this world? Can I go there?" The high priest replied, "With the Zamriel ritual, you can journey to other worlds, but it will require extensive training." Rowan, eager to explore this other world, asked the high priest to become his mentor, which the high priest agreed to, accepting Rowan as his disciple.
The high priest asked Rowan to come to the temple the next morning for his first training session. Rowan enthusiastically agreed after being accepted as a disciple.
On their way home, Fahab helped Rowan purchase clothes, trousers, robes, and other necessities. Upon arriving home, Fahab asked Rowan to watch over the house for a while as he went to a place in the village called Zal to buy wood, charcoal, and other items.
Fahab left in the evening, saying to Rowan, "I may return late at night. Take good care of the house." Rowan felt alone in Fahab's house when suddenly, he heard a knock at the door. He opened it to find Jameel, who had come to visit. Jameel inquired about Fahab, and Rowan explained that he had gone to Zal to buy supplies.
Late at night, Jameel asked for permission to leave, but he ended up chatting with Fahab, who had just returned from Zal. Rowan requested permission to go to bed.
The next day, Fahab woke Rowan to prepare for their trip to the temple for training. Rowan eagerly got up and got ready for the journey. They set off in the morning as promised by the high priest.
Upon arriving at the temple, they were greeted by the high priest. The high priest instructed Rowan to enter the temple and begin pounding on the wooden logs inside. Rowan started pounding on the wood, and his hands began to hurt. Everyone laughed at Rowan's expense.
However, the high priest intervened and demonstrated by lightly striking the wood, causing it to crack. Rowan was amazed at this display of power. So, on that day, Rowan was taught the art of powerful strikes and spent the entire day practicing. Rowan pounded the wood hundreds of times until he could no longer feel the pain, and in his final strike, the wood cracked.
The high priest clapped his hands, signifying that Rowan had mastered the secret of the powerful strike. Exhausted, Rowan was instructed to return home by the high priest. He returned home feeling joyful and proud of his achievement.
Upon arriving home, Fahab had prepared a meal for Rowan, who looked very tired. Fahab asked, "Was today's training alright?" Rowan responded with a nod.
They enjoyed a meal together, and Rowan relished his well-deserved rest.