Elijah woke up in a panic, jumping to his feet as if sensing danger nearby. His eyes darted around, searching for any threats. He felt like someone was watching him closely.
"Damn, what kind of creature was that?" he wondered.
"Don't be so alarmed," came a voice. Elijah jumped back, his instincts on high alert from living in a forest full of beasts.
"Hahahaha, I mean no harm," the voice reassured, but Elijah stayed wary. The voice continued, "Don't you feel the connection between us?"
Suddenly, Elijah felt a bond with the presence nearby. It felt like the protective gaze of a grandfather and the unconditional love of a father.
"I don't know if this is fate or not, but I'm shocked to see that his bloodline still lives on," the voice said.
"What do you mean?" Elijah asked, relaxing slightly.
"Come to me, Child," the voice beckoned.
Elijah's POV
As I walked deeper into the forest, I was surrounded by an incredible display of nature. Tall trees with lush, green leaves reached towards the sky like guardians of the woodland.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor, covered in soft moss and delicate ferns. The air was filled with the sounds of birds singing, leaves rustling, and a nearby stream flowing gently.
Fragrant flowers bloomed in the undergrowth, their sweet scent carried by the breeze. Butterflies fluttered among the flowers, their colorful wings shining in the sunlight.
As I continued my journey, I felt a sense of awe, as if I were stepping into a sacred place where nature's power was undeniable. The forest seemed alive, each leaf and blade of grass whispering ancient wisdom about the interconnectedness of all living things.
At last, I reached the heart of the forest, where a majestic altar stood, glowing softly. Carved from ancient wood, it radiated power and mystery, covered in intricate symbols from a forgotten age.
Approaching the altar, I felt a mix of reverence and excitement. Here, in this sacred place, I felt deeply connected to the forest, as if its essence flowed through me.
With each step, I felt drawn closer to the altar by an invisible thread of destiny. Standing before it, I felt a profound peace, as if I had finally come home to a place I had always belonged.
Elijah's POV Ends
Confused, he asked, "What is this?"
A brilliant light revealed the figure of an old man. "To think..." the old man muttered with a warm smile.
"Who are you?" Elijah asked.
"That doesn't matter. Child, do you even know about your bloodline?" the old man asked.
"What bloodline?" Elijah replied.
"It's not my place to explain. But welcome to the hall of the Dominic family," the old man said.
"Hall of the Dominic family?" Elijah's head spun. "Hey old man, you've been confusing me from start to finish. What's this connection we share? What hall is this? We're just in a forest," Elijah vented. "I haven't even eaten anything," he added.
With a hearty laugh, the old man exclaimed, "HAHAHAHA, Child, this is where all the Dominic family who ever lived reside."
Suddenly, figures emerged from the forest, warriors in various armor, both male and female. Though ghostly, they radiated immense power. They appeared briefly to kneel before the old man, known as the Founder.
In their millions, they knelt before their patriarch, saying in unison, "Founder."
It was a moment of profound respect, acknowledging their shared history and destiny.
Elijah was awestruck. "This is amazing and so cool!"
"I know, right?" the old man chuckled. "Okay, let me talk to the child alone." The figures vanished.
"SOOOO COOOOLLL!" Elijah exclaimed.
With a smirk, the old man said, "Now you know how amazing this old man is."
"Yes, I do. Can you teach me to do something like that?" Elijah asked eagerly.
The old man chuckled. "Sorry, child, but you can't. The Dominic family has been a warrior race for millennia, like the Amazons but more powerful. The ritual is to awaken or strengthen our bloodline. Unfortunately for you, your bloodline is greater than ours, so changing your race like we did with a few young masters is out of the question."
"The fortunate part is that I can awaken your bloodline, but I need permission to access your origin and soul," the old man explained.
Elijah's head spun again. "Don't tell me you didn't understand anything," the old man sighed.
Elijah's confused expression spoke volumes. "Just come forward," the old man urged, annoyed.
"I understood but I'm just confused," Elijah replied, walking toward the old man.
"Allow me to have access to your origin and soul," the old man requested.
"I don't think I'm powerful enough to resist you," Elijah said hesitantly.
"Yes, but forcing it will lead to your death, so I need you to trust me," the old man reassured, touching Elijah's chest.
Elijah smiled and surrendered to the energy flowing from the old man. As it entered him, he noticed something. "Don't use your Yang and Yin Chi like that from now on, or your body won't last," the old man cautioned.
"I know, but I don't have another way of using it," Elijah explained.
Understanding, the old man said, "Then send me the technique you've been using."
Elijah nodded and shared the technique. Because of their connected souls, it was effortless. "The Lotus technique, huh... That's why," the old man mused.
After some time, Elijah closed his eyes. "I will heal the injuries from this technique and give you an improved version," the old man announced.
Elijah opened his eyes in shock at the enhanced version. Before he could speak, the old man said, "You are on your own, so survive the awakening process, child."
Suddenly, Elijah was engulfed in searing agony, as if every fiber of his being was being torn apart and reassembled. It was a torment beyond words, a relentless assault on his senses.
With each wave of pain, it felt as though his soul was being wrenched from his body, molded into something new. His screams echoed through the forest, a primal cry of anguish.
Every nerve screamed in protest, every muscle contorted in agony as the transformation gripped him. It was a journey through unbearable suffering.
Yet, through the haze of pain, Elijah clung to a sliver of consciousness, refusing to surrender. With each moment, he fought to hold onto his life.
But as the pain peaked, he knew he stood on the edge of oblivion, teetering on the brink. In that moment of unbearable suffering, he wondered if he would ever emerge whole again, or if he would be forever lost to the merciless embrace of pain