Kai had taken only a few steps down the path when Goro's voice called out, firm and urgent. "Kai, wait!"
Kai stopped and turned around, noticing an uncharacteristic seriousness in the old man's face. Goro's eyes were hard, his mouth set in a grim line. Kai felt a chill run down his spine that had nothing to do with the cold mountain air.
"What is it, Goro?" Kai asked, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.
Goro took a deep breath and stepped closer. "There's something I didn't tell you… something I've been holding back."
Kai furrowed his brow. "What are you talking about?"
Goro's gaze was intense, almost piercing. "The academy… your old school. It's gone."
Kai blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. "Gone? What do you mean, gone?"
Goro's voice was steady but somber. "I mean it was destroyed. Blown to pieces. The entire academy... nothing but rubble now."
Kai felt the air leave his lungs, his heart skipping a beat. "Destroyed? How? When?"
Goro sighed. "It happened not long ago, a few weeks back. I heard whispers of it from a traveler who passed through these mountains. They spoke of a massive explosion that tore through the grounds, leveling everything in its wake. No one seems to know who did it or why… but the place is gone, Kai."
Kai's hands clenched into fists, a storm of emotions raging inside him. "Who… Who could've done something like that? Was anyone—were there any survivors?"
Goro's face softened with sympathy. "From what I've heard, most of the students and staff were off-site, on some kind of mission. But… some weren't so lucky. The place was reduced to ashes before anyone could even send a distress signal."
Kai's mind raced, flashing back to memories of his time at the academy—the long days of training, the friendships he'd formed, the bonds that had been forged in battle. His chest tightened. "Why didn't you tell me sooner, Goro?" he demanded, his voice edged with pain.
Goro held his gaze, unflinching. "Because you weren't ready, Kai. You were still learning, still finding your way. I didn't want you running off half-cocked, not with your powers still in flux. But now… now I see that you're strong enough to know the truth."
Kai took a step back, trying to process everything. "So, what do I do now?" he muttered, almost to himself.
Goro's expression grew more intense. "There's more. The traveler mentioned something… about a sanctuary in the west. A place where others like you have gathered. They've taken in refugees from the academy—those who managed to escape the destruction."
Kai looked up, his eyes searching Goro's face. "A sanctuary? Where? How far?"
Goro nodded, turning toward the mountains. "It's called Havenwood, located deep in the western forests. It's a hidden place, protected by ancient wards and spells. A safe haven for those who have nowhere else to go… for now. But you must be careful, Kai. Word is spreading that whoever destroyed the academy might be after the survivors as well."
Kai's jaw tightened. "Then I have to go. If there are any of my friends left, any of the people I care about… I have to find them, make sure they're safe."
Goro nodded. "Aye, I thought you'd say that. But remember, Kai, you're stronger now, but you're not invincible. Whoever did this is powerful, and they're likely watching for anyone who survived the blast. They might expect you to come searching for answers."
Kai nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "Let them expect me. I won't hide from them. Not after this."
Goro placed a hand on Kai's shoulder, a rare gesture of comfort. "Just… be careful, boy. You've come so far. Don't throw it all away by rushing into danger without a plan."
Kai gave a faint smile, appreciating the old man's concern. "I won't. I've learned a lot from you, Goro. I won't be reckless… but I won't stand back and do nothing, either."
Goro smiled faintly. "That's the spirit. If you're going to go, then take the path through the Frost Caverns. It's longer, but it's safer. You'll avoid any prying eyes that might be watching the main routes."
Kai nodded. "The Frost Caverns. Got it."
Goro paused, then added, "And one more thing. There's a friend of mine who lives just outside the western forests, near the entrance to Havenwood. His name is Harun. He's… well, he's a bit eccentric, but he knows the area well. Seek him out. He might be able to help you find this sanctuary… or at least keep you safe until you do."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Eccentric? How so?"
Goro chuckled. "You'll see. Just… keep an open mind. And remember, not everyone who appears strange is your enemy. Sometimes, the strangest ones are the ones who can help you the most."
Kai nodded, committing the name to memory. "Harun. Got it. I'll find him."
Goro stepped back, giving Kai a nod of approval. "Good. You've got a long journey ahead of you, boy. But I have no doubt you'll make it. And when you do… give them hell."
Kai grinned, feeling the fire reignite in his veins. "I will, old man. I promise."
With one last look at Goro, Kai turned and started down the path once more, the wind whipping around him, carrying with it the scent of snow and adventure. He could feel the weight of his mission settling on his shoulders, but it was a weight he was ready to bear. The academy might have been destroyed, but he still had a chance to protect what was left, to find those who had survived, and to make sure they stayed safe.
As he made his way toward the Frost Caverns, Kai's mind was filled with thoughts of his friends, his teachers, and the life he had left behind. He had trained for four years to control his power, to become stronger… and now, it seemed, that strength would be put to the ultimate test.
Kai whispered to himself, a vow carried on the cold mountain wind, "I'm coming… and I won't stop until I find the truth."