Stoinis's heart raced as he stood over Raylor's lifeless body, the chilling silence of the mountain surrounding him. Each breath felt heavier, each moment stretching into eternity. The weight of his companion's demise bore down on him, a crushing sorrow that mingled with anger and disbelief. Just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the rocky ground, a figure emerged from the gathering darkness.
The man wore a flowing black robe that seemed to absorb the fading light, his presence both imposing and enigmatic. Stoinis instinctively reached for his sword, the metal cold and reassuring in his grip. "You! What do you want?" he demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury.
"I come seeking an audience," the man replied, a smile curling on his lips that sent shivers down Stoinis's spine. "But it seems you've already lost someone dear to you."
Stoinis narrowed his eyes, suspicion burning within him. "You think this is a game? You're the one responsible for this, aren't you?"
Without hesitation, Stoinis charged forward, sword raised high, adrenaline surging through him. The man merely sidestepped, effortlessly dodging the strike and appearing behind Stoinis in an instant. In a fluid motion, he seized Stoinis's sword, his grip strong and unyielding.
"I am not the one who did this," the man said, his voice smooth and taunting. "I just happen to know who it is."
"Who is it? More importantly, who are you?" Stoinis shot back, struggling to regain control of his weapon.
"Me? I am Imrul Bhuyan, or better known as IlleQuiScribit." The man's tone was casual, as if they were discussing the weather rather than the grim reality surrounding them. "As for your other question, it's Arenar, the city lord. Seems every city lord holds a grudge against you."
Stoinis's mind raced. "How do you know that?" Shock washed over him; the events of Yinstin town were a secret known only to a few. "Nobody knew that Raylor and I were behind it."
"It's obvious, because I am the author," the man said, a sly grin spreading across his face.
"You are what?" Stoinis didn't comprehend the implication.
"Nothing. Ask your snake if he knows." Just then, Shadow, the cunning serpent, slithered into view, his dark miasma swirling around him, but it felt weak compared to the aura the man emanated.
"Been a long time, master," Shadow hissed, his eyes flickering with recognition.
Stoinis stood there, utterly confused, grasping at the fragmented pieces of their conversation. "What do you mean?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.
"Anyway," the man interrupted, regaining Stoinis's attention, "our main concern is the elimination of Arenar. Raylor met his fate due to that person; he killed Raylar probably to account for the humiliation he received in the tournament."
A surge of rage coursed through Stoinis. The world around him faded, replaced by the fire of vengeance burning deep within. "Then teach me. I will not let Raylor's death be in vain."
---
As dusk settled, Stoinis met the man in a secluded clearing outside the city. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation, the faint sounds of nocturnal creatures stirring in the shadows. Stoinis felt the weight of Raylor's memory pressing down on him, a silent promise echoing in his heart to avenge his fallen friend.
"First, you must learn to wield your Yin Qi effectively," the man instructed, his voice steady and commanding. "This power can enhance your martial arts, but it requires discipline and focus."
Stoinis nodded, determination etched across his features. "What do I need to do?"
"Feel the energy around you. Close your eyes and breathe deeply." The man gestured, and Stoinis complied, shutting his eyes against the encroaching darkness. "Channel the Qi within you. Let it flow through your body, connect with the earth beneath you."
Stoinis focused, attempting to draw the Yin Qi from the ground. He felt a slight tug within him, the energy swirling like a gentle breeze. As he concentrated, the darkness around him began to shift, the shadows dancing in response to his intent. "Good," the man said, watching closely. "Now, picture the energy as a liquid. It flows, it bends, and it can be directed. Use it to enhance your strikes, to empower your movements."
Stoinis opened his eyes and felt the change within him—a newfound strength that pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat. "I can feel it," he said, excitement bubbling beneath the surface.
"Now, let's practice," the man urged, stepping back. "Show me what you can do."
Stoinis shifted into a fighting stance, the sword feeling lighter in his hand as he summoned the Yin Qi. He lunged forward, unleashing a flurry of strikes infused with energy. Each swing felt more precise, each movement more fluid than before. The man observed closely, offering corrections and encouragement, guiding him to unlock his full potential.
"Good, but remember, your mind must be clear. Focus solely on your intent." The man watched as Stoinis honed his skills, each motion more graceful and powerful than the last. Hours passed, the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky, yet Stoinis was oblivious to the time slipping away. He was consumed by the training, the thrill of mastery igniting a fire within him.
As the session drew to a close, Stoinis felt a sense of readiness blooming within him. He knew that he was no longer the naive boy who had arrived in the city; he was a warrior, forged in the fires of grief and vengeance.
"Now, I wish for a spar," the man said, stepping back with a glint of challenge in his eyes. Stoinis nodded, eager to test his newfound abilities. As they squared off, Stoinis quickly realized the man matched him blow for blow, their movements a blur of precision and power.
After a few exchanges, Stoinis paused, breathless yet exhilarated. "Mister, I won't ask of your identity, but just how strong are you?"
The man grinned, a knowing spark in his eyes. "My strength, very well, bear witness." With that, he let his aura loose.
For a split second, the entire world was enveloped in a dark miasma that surged outward like a tempest. It was a force so potent that it sent shockwaves of concern rippling through the realm, stirring unease among martial masters far and wide. The evil nature of the energy was palpable, a reminder of the dark powers that lingered just beyond their comprehension. Stoinis felt his heart pound in his chest as fear gripped him, realizing the sheer strength of the man before him. If he offended this man, no one could save him.
With a calm yet ominous tone, the man continued, "If I exert more, it would be hard for this world to handle. Unfortunately, that's my limit."
Stoinis stood frozen, prepared for a challenge, but not for this display of overwhelming power. He swallowed hard, the implications weighing heavily on him.
"Stoinis, this much is nothing," the man said, his voice steady, "one day you will possess strength far surpassing it, for you have the potential. And remember, there are worlds beyond this one—far larger and far stronger. As for the world from where I hail, is at the peak."
With those final words echoing in his mind, Stoinis felt a renewed determination surge within him. He would rise to meet this challenge, fueled by the memory of Raylor and the strength that lay dormant within him.
As he turned to leave, the man's voice stopped him. "One last thing. Be wary of those who walk in shadows. They may not be what they seem."
The words echoed in Stoinis's mind as he stepped into the night, the thrill of vengeance fueling his every step. He had trained hard, and now it was time to confront his past, to reclaim what had been lost.
"For strong however might you be,
There remains stronger you have yet to see"