Their journey continued, and soon they found themselves at the base of a massive mountain known as Zhīshān Mountain. It was a formidable sight, its peak reaching high into the sky and its rugged terrain presenting a challenge to even the most experienced climbers.
They stood at the base of the towering Zhīshān Mountain, the sheer size and scale of the beast before them making them appear incredibly small in comparison. The mountain was a breathtaking sight, its peak disappearing into the clouds and its rugged terrain challenging even the most seasoned climbers. But Kanji was not deterred, and he looked over at Zyqnax with an expression that was a mix of determination and caution.
She spoke up, her curious gaze taking in the barren landscape surrounding the mountain. "Why are we here, Master?" she asked, her voice filled with a hint of confusion. "There's not much here besides monsters." Her young mind tried to make sense of the surroundings, the lack of human settlements or crops puzzled her.
He spoke with a tone of seriousness, his eyes scanning the rugged surroundings. "This is where we'll be settling for a while," he said, his voice firm. "We'll be living here, and training here." His gaze shifted to meet hers, a look of determination in his eyes. "This mountain is a test of our strength. We'll be surrounded by powerful beasts and monsters. It's a harsh landscape, but it's also the perfect place to hone our skills."
She let out a gasp, her eyes widening as she looked out at the rugged landscape before them. "Master," she said, her voice filled with awe and alarm, "there must be around a thousand high ranked monsters in these mountains. How are we supposed to survive here?" The thought of being outnumbered and surrounded by such fearsome creatures sent a shiver down her spine.
He spoke with a firm tone, his gaze fixed on her. "I've faced much worse dangers than this before," he said, his voice filled with confidence and experience. "If you truly want to stay by my side, you'll need to grow even stronger. You've been trained, but you haven't really leveled up or fought against real opponents." His voice hardened as he continued, "This mountain will be your test. It will push you to your limits and beyond. You'll need to be ready to face anything that comes our way."
After two days of intense battling against fierce monsters deep within the mountain, Zyqnax emerged victorious against numerous adversaries, displaying an impressive ability to replicate their skills through her copy skill. Although the skills were limited to her level and rank, Zyqnax pushed ahead, undeterred and focused on her destination, where Kanji patiently waited at the base of the mountain, his eyes following her every step.
Kanji spoke with a look of approval and pride, his eyes meeting hers. "I can sense that you've become stronger," he said, his voice carrying a hint of acknowledgement. He grabbed his legendary katana, "Kurai Kesshō Buki," taking a battle stance as he pointed the blade towards a sealed legendary dragon, Reinhardt, its fearsome presence palpable in the air.
Her gaze fixated on the legendary dragon, Zyqnax held her breath, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "Is that..." she began, her voice quiet and filled with the weight of the question, "... Is that dragon going to be my opponent now?" Her small frame tensed, eyes locked on the formidable creature before them.
Kanji met her gaze with a firm and resolute tone, his reply direct and unequivocal. "No," he stated, his voice filled with a sense of authority. He kept his stance steady, the legendary katana in his hand held with unwavering determination. "You're not quite ready yet."
He spoke firmly yet kindly, his attention shifting to her. "Here," he said, handing her a bowl of warm, steaming vegetable soup. "Eat this and rest here. I'll be back soon." His eyes held a look of reassurance, even as he prepared to leave to face the legendary dragon.
She took the bowl of soup graciously, its warmth contrasting with the chill of the mountain air. As she settled down, her eyes followed his movements, her gaze fixed on him. She watched silently as he began to walk away, his form disappearing into the distance, leaving her alone with only the silence of the mountain and the distant roar of the legendary dragon.
As Kanji continued through the path, the quiet of the mountain was interrupted by a presence appearing out of nowhere. An imposing woman came into view, her aura radiating authority and power. It was enough to send chills down the spine of any normal person. She stood before him, the guardian of this land, her presence alone demanding attention.
The guardian spoke, her voice carrying a weight of authority and power. "Greetings, wanderer," she began, her gaze steady and unwavering. "I am the guardian of this land my name is Madeshia. What brings you to this mountain?"
Kanji spoke with conviction and determination, looking the guardian in the eye. "I have come to execute Reinhardt," he stated firmly, his voice clear and resolute.
Madeshia's expression remained stoic and stern as she heard his words, her eyes studying him intently. "You intend to face and defeat Reinhardt, do you?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity and appraisal.
Kanji met her gaze with an affirmative nod. "Yes," he replied simply. "I am here to destroy him." His tone was unwavering, displaying a determination and confidence to meet the challenge ahead.
Madeshia's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression stoic and contemplative. "A bold feat, I must say," she mused, her voice filled with an air of respect. "Few have dared to challenge Reinhardt, let alone plan to execute him."
Kanji spoke with a stern certainty, his strides slow and measured. "Once I have killed Reinhardt," he stated, "I shall claim this mountain as my own." His determination was evident in his words, his gaze fixed ahead.
Madeshia's expression hardened slightly at his words, a hint of challenge present in her eyes. "So, you intend to conquer this mountain after defeating Reinhardt?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and skepticism.
With a tone of command, Kanji spoke to Madeshia, his gaze locked on hers. "Open the seal," he ordered, his voice firm and resolute. "I will confront Reinhardt now."
Madeshia's expression remained unchanged, her gaze steady and observant. "You seek to break the seal and face Reinhardt immediately?" she inquired, a hint of skepticism still visible in her eyes. "Are you certain you are prepared for what lies beyond that seal?"
Kanji's expression was unwavering, his eyes holding a steely determination. "I am ready," he asserted firmly. "Release the seal. I will face Reinhardt and claim this mountain as my own."
Madeshia's gaze held for a moment, studying his countenance. She could see the determination and strength in him, and after a moment of contemplation, she spoke. "Very well," she relented, her voice carrying a hint of resignation "I shall open the seal."
With a wave of her hand, Madeshia gestured towards the seal that held back Reinhardt. The magic that had bound the legendary dragon suddenly unfurled, the energy dissipating and the barrier faded away. The air around them seemed to change, the atmosphere charged with the anticipation of the confrontation to come.
As Kanji entered the space, the surroundings changed, shifting into an infinite expanse of endless space. Standing before him was the colossal form of Reinhardt, the legendary dragon towering over him, its size seemingly swallowing the very space around them.
Next chapter "Space of Reinhardt"