The darkness enveloped me, and I felt myself drifting through an endless void. Thoughts and memories flew through my mind—the Titans, my friends, and the fight in the arena. *Where am I? What is happening to me?*
Suddenly, a bright light pierced the darkness, and I found myself in a new environment. I lay on a cold, rocky floor, and as I sat up, I felt the pain in my muscles, reminding me that I hadn't come out of the last fight unscathed. *Where am I now?*
I looked around and saw that I was in a large, abandoned room. The walls were made of gray stone, and there were traces of battles and destruction everywhere. *This looks like a ruin.*
"You're back here," I heard a familiar voice say. I turned around to see Rylan standing in the doorway, a worried expression on his face. "We lost you, but you've returned."
"What happened?" I asked as I struggled to get up. My body felt heavy, and I sensed that I was even weaker than before.
"You lost in your fight against your opponent," Rylan explained. "But there is always a way back. You have the potential to grow stronger, and I knew you wouldn't give up."
*I lost?* The memory of the fight overwhelmed me, and I felt shame rising within me. *I can't give up. I must do better!*
"Where are we now?" I asked. "What is this place?"
"This is the Ruins of the Forgotten," Rylan replied. "It's a place where fighters from different worlds can gather their last strengths to prepare for the next battle. Here, you can improve your skills before you go back to the arena."
"I want to become stronger," I said determinedly. "I can't allow myself to lose again. I want to return and protect my friends."
Rylan nodded. "That's the spirit you need. In this ruin, there are challenges that will test you. You must face your fears and learn to harness your strengths."
"What kind of challenges?" I asked as I looked around.
"There are trials and fights against other fighters who are also in this ruin. You will need to improve your weapon handling, strategies, and your own strength," Rylan explained. "Each fight brings you closer to the goal you seek."
I felt determination rising within me. *I can do this. I will become stronger!* "How do I begin?"
"Let's first find your weapon and refresh your techniques," Rylan said. "We need to make sure you're ready before you face the challenges."
We roamed the ruins, searching for a weapon that suited me. It was impressive how many different weapons and gear we found left behind by the fighters who had been here before us. Finally, I found a light but sturdy sword that fit well in my hand. *This feels right.*
"That's a good choice," Rylan said as he checked a few blades. "Now let's work on your techniques. We don't have much time."
We started with the basics. I practiced slashes, thrusts, and defensive moves while Rylan guided me. My body was still weak from the battles, but I felt myself growing stronger with every movement. *I can do this.*
"Focus on your movements," Rylan urged. "You need to learn to flow in combat and not just react. You must have control."
I nodded and concentrated on what he said. With each breath, I felt the uncertainty within me dissipate and be replaced by determination. *I will not lose myself again.*
After several hours of training, I felt exhausted but also strong. "That's enough for today," Rylan finally said. "You've made progress, but you must keep pushing yourself."
"I won't give up," I promised. "I will become stronger, no matter the cost."
The next challenge was to survive a trial taking place within the ruins. Rylan explained that I would face other fighters also trying to prove their skills. "Everyone here has their own struggles and challenges," he said. "You must show that you can rise to the challenge."
I felt adrenaline pulsing through my veins as I prepared for the trial. *I can do this. I must do it.*
As I stepped into the arena, I was surrounded by fighters who were also ready to showcase their abilities. Each of them had their own story, and I could feel the tension in the air. *This is my moment.*
The battles began, and I watched the other fighters as they challenged one another. Each fight was intense, and I felt the tension within me grow. *I can't allow myself to lose again. I must be strong!*
When it was finally my turn, I stepped into the arena and looked at my opponent. He was tall and muscular, with a dangerous look in his eyes. *This is going to be tough.*
"Ready?" the referee called, and I nodded as my heart raced.
"Go!" the referee shouted, and the fight began. My opponent charged at me, and I dodged to the side to avoid his first attack. *This is it. Focus!*
I applied the techniques I had learned from Rylan and tried to read my opponent's movements. But he was fast and strong, and I struggled to keep up.
"Come on, Kael!" I shouted internally. *You can do this!*
With a powerful step forward, I thrust my sword in his direction, but he skillfully dodged and countered with a strong blow that knocked me back. I fell to the ground and felt the pain in my body. *I can't give up!*
I scrambled to my feet and took a deep breath. *I can't lose. I won't give up.*
The fight continued, and I felt exhaustion in my muscles, but I knew I had to stay strong. As my opponent attacked again, I dodged and seized the opportunity to land a blow against him.
The spectators cheered, and I felt the energy returning within me. *This is my moment!*
With renewed courage, I charged at my opponent, going all in. "I will win!" I shouted as I fought with all my strength. Each hit I landed brought me closer to victory, and I felt the darkness that had previously enveloped me slowly fade away.
As the fight came to an end, I found myself as the victor. The audience clapped and cheered, and I felt pride swell within me. *I did it!*
"Well done, Kael!" Rylan called as I left the arena. "You improved and showed the potential that lies within you."
"I will keep fighting," I said determinedly. "I will become stronger, no matter what it takes."
And as I prepared for the next challenge, I knew I would not give up. I would fight to protect my friends and to return. *I will not give up!*