Chapter 21 - Not the first to die

Arion moved swiftly, following the map's directions until he arrived at the location of Zeraphar's treasures: a vast, foreboding cave with sections cloaked in impenetrable darkness.

His heart raced as he contemplated the challenges that lay ahead, but his determination drove him forward.

"During times of danger, my survival will rely on my reflexes."

He took two steps further into the cave.

However, with a sudden jolt, he was thrown back, sprawling on the ground with a gasp.

Bewildered by the unexpected setback, Arion proceeded cautiously, extending a hand tentatively.

It was then that he realized a magical barrier obstructed his path, its presence revealed by a shimmering lilac light when he touched it.

Frustration welled up as Arion attempted to break the barrier, but his efforts proved futile.

Arion threw countless punches at the barrier but all to no avail.

He lamented his lack of powers, believing he could shatter this "mere" obstacle if he had his abilities.

Nevertheless, he continued his relentless assault, smashing his fists against the magical barrier, even though each attempt caused him pain.

"I will thank you for improving my punching skills after i leave with the reincarnation treasure!" he declared, his determination unyielding. "This is the only chance for me to escape vengeance! I want to build my future with my parents too!"

With renewed vigor, he hurled himself at the barrier, only to be hurled into the air by an invisible force, his stomach colliding with a sharp rock.

"Aargh!"

Arion grimaced, blood staining his lips, and pain radiating through his body.

Despite the agony, he rose, resolute. He sought out a pile of broken rocks and hurled them at the barrier, but they, too, rebounded, inflicting further pain.

A slight smile curled on his lips momentarily, looking at the barrier in rage.

I must get through the barrier at all cost," he mumbled.

"I only want to slit the throat of the jerk that murdered my parents which i am sure is among the four sect leaders."

[In Thorian's library]

Elion stood before Thorian, who had summoned him.

Thorian's request left Elion bewildered.

"His hair, for what purpose? Why is it so important?" Elion inquired, seeking clarity.

Thorian offered a sly smirk as he moved closer, whispering, "To catch a lion, one must act like a lion, my son. Confronting a sect leader like Lysander requires unconventional tactics."

Elion understood the implication and fell silent.

"Play to my tune, son," Thorian continued, "and you shall become the Heka sect leader, with Chen Liora as your betrothed."

Elion bowed slightly, responding, "Yes, your honor," before leaving the library. As he departed, he crossed paths with Merrick, and they exchanged uneasy glances before parting ways.

Merrick later entered his father's library, delivering news of the mountain king's successful extermination. Thorian reveled in his impending plan's success.

"Now that the mountain king won't intervene, I'll secure the Heka sect leader, and nothing will stand in my way to the throne," Thorian declared, his face radiating delight. Merrick, however, was less enthusiastic.

As Merrick prepared to leave, Thorian issued a warning.

"You must distance yourself from those youngsters, especially Chen Liora."

Merrick's heart sank at the thought of staying away from Liora. He attempted to convince his father otherwise, fearing for her safety when his father executed his plans.

Thorian's response was unwavering. "You care for her too much. Your childhood friendship must end at this stage."

"Why, father? Why do you do this? You have always forced me to do things I don't want and I don't have choice in how I will live my own life! Can't you leave her alone for goodness'sake?" Merrick's questioned, fiercely.

He could accept being controlled like a puppet by his father, but this time around, he was determined to go against him.

Thorian didn't reply, instead instructing the guards to confine Merrick to his room, leaving him to lament his predicament, just as Liora had been confined earlier.

"You mustn't touch her father! Nothing must happen to Liora!" Merrick gave a holler as the guards led him out of the library.

Thorian sighed, "He is just like his mother. Tsk-tsk."

As Arion attempted to physically breach the barrier, spears began to shoot out at him.

He dodged with all his might, but the spears' trajectory unexpectedly shifted like boomerangs.

In his focus on the forward attack, Arion was stabbed in the back and tumbled to the ground.

He lost consciousness.

***

His eyes opened. Unexpectedly, he saw glassy ceilings and realised his surroundings was dark as well.

"How did i get here? Maybe i successfully broke the barrier and automatically got teleported in..."he paused, perhaps warned by some instinct of prudence. "It doesn't seem like that though."

The first thing Arion did on rising from the ground was scanning the surroundings.

But he was surprised to see the reflection of himself before him, even though there wasn't a mirror at his front.

He didn't expect a small sized place too.

"What's this creepy place?" He pondered.

Suddenly, light cast on a man dressed in black robe having a hairstyle similar to that of a monk.

"Who...is that?" Arion mumbled as he strained to see through the blurry rays of light.

The mysterious man's voice resonated, deep and ominous. "I am the guardian of Zeraphar, and this place is a spirit realm where those who enter Zeraphar's domain meet their doom. You aren't the first and won't be the last."