Chereads / Destiny’s Gambit / Chapter 21 - chapter 21: Floor 1(4)

Chapter 21 - chapter 21: Floor 1(4)

As Ahmet trudged through the dense forest, the weight of his title, "Child of the Dark Flame," pressed heavily upon his mind. Each step he took was fraught with introspection, his thoughts swirling with questions of destiny and purpose. Yet, before he could grasp the full extent of his existential ponderings, a chilling sight halted him in his tracks.

A horde of goblins and snakes, numbering nearly a hundred, descended upon him with malevolent intent. Despite his best efforts, Ahmet found himself overwhelmed by their sheer numbers. With each enemy he felled, two more seemed to take its place, and soon he was fighting for his life amidst a sea of claws and fangs.

Trampled and battered, Ahmet rose to his feet, his heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. With a desperate surge of energy, he broke free from the encroaching horde and fled towards the safety of higher ground.

But his respite was short-lived, for as he reached the edge of a cliff, he was met with a grim realization. There was nowhere left to run, no escape from the relentless tide of monsters that pursued him.

In a moment of defiance born of desperation, Ahmet raised a middle Finger and a smile towards his assailants, his words dripping with defiance and rage.

„fuck all of you" Said he as loud as possible

. But even as he cursed them with a vulgar gesture, he knew that his defiance would not be enough to save him from the impending onslaught.

So he jumped.

As Ahmet awoke in the dimly lit confines of the cave, his mind reeled with confusion and uncertainty. The walls were adorned with ancient inscriptions, their meanings lost to him as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. Before he could gather his thoughts, a figure emerged from the shadows, sending a shiver down Ahmet's spine.

"Shouldn't you greet me first?" the ominous man's voice echoed through the cavern, catching Ahmet off guard. Instinctively, Ahmet reached for his knife, his muscles tensed and ready for confrontation. But as he studied the man before him, his defenses wavered.

The man possessed an otherworldly beauty, with flowing white hair and piercing eyes that seemed to penetrate to the depths of Ahmet's soul. Despite his fear, Ahmet couldn't help but be captivated by the man's presence.

"I didn't ask for your help," Ahmet retorted, his voice laced with defiance.

Ahmet: "Who are you? And where exactly are we?"

Mysterious Man: "Ah, such impatience. But perhaps it's to be expected from one as young as yourself. As for who I am, well, that's not for you to know just yet. And as for where we are… let's just say we're in a place where time and space intertwine."

Ahmet: "That doesn't exactly clear things up for me. And why should I trust you?"

Mysterious Man: "Trust is a rare commodity in this world, my boy. But let's just say that I have a vested interest in your success. After all, you carry a title that hasn't been seen in centuries."

Ahmet: "You mean the 'Child of the Dark Flame' title? What does it even mean?"

Mysterious Man: "Ah, so you do have some inkling of the power you possess. But to truly understand its significance, you must first prove yourself worthy of it."

Ahmet: "And how do I do that?"

Mysterious Man: "By facing the challenges that lie before you, of course. You see, power is not given—it must be earned. And I have no doubt that you possess the strength and determination to overcome whatever obstacles may come your way."

Ahmet: "So, what now? Do I just wait here for something to happen?"

Mysterious Man: "No, my boy. Your journey has only just begun. There are trials to face, battles to win, and power to be claimed. But fear not, for I will be watching, ready to offer guidance when you need it most. Now go forth, and may the flames of destiny light your path."

As Ahmet stood before the mysterious man, a myriad of emotions swirling within him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude mixed with curiosity. "Thank you," he began, his voice tinged with awe. "For everything."

The man's gaze softened, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You're welcome, Ahmet," he replied, his tone gentle yet tinged with sadness. "I trust you will make the most of the path ahead."

Ahmet nodded, a sense of determination coursing through him. "I will," he affirmed, his voice steady despite the uncertainty that lay before him. "I'll do whatever it takes to become stronger, to fulfill my destiny."

"I think this would come in handy." said the man.

As the conversation drew to a close, Ahmet's attention was drawn to a sudden system notification that appeared before him:

System Notification: Skill Acquired

Skill Name: Emperor's Touch

Skill Grade: A+

Ahmet's eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the notification, his curiosity piqued by the newfound skill. "Emperor's Touch…" he murmured, pondering its significance.

The man's expression grew pensive, his gaze distant as he gazed into the horizon. "Remember," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "strength alone is not enough. It is the choices we make and the bonds we forge that define us."

Ahmet furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued by the man's cryptic words. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with intrigue.

But before the man could respond, a surge of energy enveloped Ahmet, teleporting him away in a flash of light. As the echoes of their conversation faded into the ether, the man was left alone with his thoughts, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips.

The mysterious man stood alone in the cavern, his words laden with the weight of nostalgia and camaraderie. "Kamish… Why did you choose him?" he murmured, his voice tinged with a sense of longing and confusion. "I couldn't understand your motives then, and I still can't now."

A wistful sigh escaped him as he reminisced about their time together. "We were such good comrades," he reflected, his tone filled with fond memories of battles fought side by side. "I miss those days," he admitted, his voice betraying a hint of sorrow at their passing.

As he gazed into the darkness, the cavern seemed to echo with the echoes of their shared adventures, a silent tribute to the bond they had forged. He stood there, lost in reverie, his heart heavy with the weight of nostalgia for a time gone by.

"Till we met again boy.." did he say with a smile on his face.