The Village Chief's Meeting
Night lay over the village in all darkness and only a soft, dimly burning glow from lanterns was able to create long shadows on narrow streets. Inside a great private hall stood a headman of the village with lowered head and hands brought together before chest in a gesture of extreme respect. Air felt charged and somehow was as if the walls were holding their breath.
On his right side sat a figure of respect on a slight dais, in heavy, deep red robes. One hand supported an old wooden staff, its twisted surface etched with faint symbols that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. The face of the figure was shrouded in shadows, held back by a hood so deep that no expression was visible.
Indeed, the headman of the village was himself a man of some stature and gravitas, but he stooped yet further, his position one of pronounced deference.
"Patriarch," he said, his voice thick with reverence. "I come bearing something of some import regarding Eldenwood and the whole continent."
And she stood silent, the quiet becoming heavy till the soft voice of gentle kin spread like water flows in the room.
"I already know about the situation," the patriarch said. His voice was even, like the wind before the storm, but there was strength behind it. "And though it cannot be avoided, much will still have to be done."
The head of the village looked up a little and furrowed his brow. "So. what is to be done?"
The patriarch's voice softened as if speaking to a child, comforting the latter while illustrating the seriousness of the situation. "Everything depends on the young generation. The old must make way, and the future will be built by those who have not yet grown."
The chief blinked; he looked as though trying to understand what he had heard. "The young?" He was quite puzzled. "How could they possibly—
"Time waits for no one to understand," the elder said softly. "We must let them take on the responsibility of the future, even if they are not ready. The winds of change have already started to blow, and those who will face it have already begun their path."
The patriarch's words seemed of great importance as if said before many times. And in the silence of the room, they lingered there, heavy and final.
"There is a reason why Eldenwood Academy is the way it is," the patriarch said, his voice becoming Softer and more dreamlike. "Its legacy is about strength and helping people reach their potential, no matter their family or status. It has always been a place for those who want to dream big and challenge what seems impossible. And now, it is time for the next generation to step up."
The chief nodded slowly, his eyes showing understanding. "I understand, Patriarch. I will do my best to help the village stay strong during this uncertain time."
"Good," the patriarch said softly, almost like a whisper now. "But remember, the road ahead is full of danger. Not everyone will make it through the challenges that are coming. Have faith in them and the process."
With those final words, the elder stood up a little and raised his staff, and the shadows darkened around him as if they melted into the air. The chief of the village remained there for an instant; he seemed lost in thought, and then he slowly turned and left the hall, steps slow but deliberate.
Bai Cheng's Interest
Meanwhile, at the edge of the village where the forest meets the dirt paths, sat under a huge tree Bai Cheng, Gerald, and Mei Feng. The sun was just starting to set; the sky was orange as the three friends silently ate dinner together. Bai Cheng, his face speckled with dirt from his long day of training, looked up at Gerald, displaying his inquisitiveness in big, round eyes.
"Gerald, Mei Feng," Bai Cheng asked after taking a bite, "Why do you think Eldenwood Academy is named after the village? I always thought the academy was so powerful. But why would it be connected to some small place like this?"
Mei Feng smiled warmly and smoothed a loose strand of hair back into place, treating Bai Cheng with loving affection. "Ah, that's a good question, Bai Cheng," she said softly.
"Eldenwood Academy has been in existence for hundreds of years. It is far older than our village. But the name of the village. that came much later." Bai Cheng nodded, interested.
"So. it didn't always have the name Eldenwood?
"No, said Mei Feng. "this village was founded way long before the academy was built, and even it was founded as well by those promotedmote or who helped construct the academy. You would call it a kind of welcome center, an entrance to get inside the academy.
Well, this always serves as a place for most trainees where they can polish up and eventually get noticed or get accepted into this prestigious institution called the Academy itself.".
That's why we're called Eldenwood Village—it's a tribute to the academy and what it represents."
Bai Cheng sat quietly for a moment, thinking about what he just learned. His eyes sparkled with new interest. "So, the academy has been here all these years. And and we've always been linked to it?"
Mei Feng nodded. "Yes. And one day, Bai Cheng, when you're old enough, you'll understand just how important the academy is. But right now, focus on your training. That's the most important thing for you."
Bai Cheng looked up at the sky, deep in thought. "I get it," he finally said. "I'll be prepared.".
Gerald had been sitting quietly and listening. At the look on Bai Cheng's face, he smiled a little. "You will have enough time to learn everything. But don't forget this, kid: only those who show talent are taken by the academy. They don't just accept everybody.".
Bai Cheng nodded with determination. "I'll show them."
Mei Feng looked at him for a moment and glanced at Gerald. He knew that Bai Cheng had so much more potential than he was aware of, but the road ahead was not easy. The world was big, and dangers were past their training grounds.
Back to Training
The talk slowed down as Bai Cheng got up, cleaning his hands on his old training clothes.
"Well, I'm heading back to the clearing," he said. "I need to finish my training for today, right?"
Gerald and Mei Feng shared a knowing look. "You are relentless," Gerald said with a grin.
"Alright, but don't overdo it. Remember what we've told you about balance."
"I'll be fine!" Bai Cheng replied with enthusiasm, a bright spark in his eyes. "I won't stop until I'm good enough."
With that, he moved off toward the clearing; his strides were fast and steady, his body gliding smoothly. Mei Feng watched him walk into the distance, smiling softly at his receding back.
He's determined," she said softly.
Gerald nodded. "Yes. He has a warrior's heart. But that isn't enough. He should have the skills as well. This training is going to be tough.".
Mei Feng looked at him. "You think he can make it?
"I do," Gerald said, his voice deep and unemotional. "It's about him, though.".
The Shadows of the Past
Finally, Bai Cheng entered the open field, as his strong will was already pushing down. He only stood there, alone in that space with nothing but rustling of leaves and cries of animals in the distance. Somehow today, he felt that even the wind shared secrets with him.
He shook his head off the distracting thoughts. "Focus," he said to himself, whispering.
"Focus.".
His body prepared as he started his usual routine of training for Shadow Step. The world around him faded away, got lost in focus, and he walked with silent motions, fluid movements with his steps almost not disturbing the leaves under him. His movements were better than ever.
"Good," Gerald said, breaking the silence with a quiet and approving sound. "You're getting better. But remember, Shadow Step is not only about speed—it's also about fitting in, becoming part of the surroundings."
Bai Cheng walked on swiftly. He felt the style flowing through him like water; he moved so quietly that even the birds in the trees did not seem to notice. Then, though, Gerald spoke once more:
"Now, add your Iron Body training. Don't just think about avoiding hits—get ready to take one."
Bai Cheng furrowed his brow as he concentrated. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tensed up. Power surged through his body as he used the Iron Body technique; his skin was now as hard as steel, ready for anything.
The area around him began to disappear as he focused on his training with an inner desire.
Every strike and every movement brought him closer to what he wanted. He would be ready. For anything the world might bring.
The Silent Pretreatment Before the Hurricane
As darkness had already set in, Bai Cheng came back to the campsite. He was sore but glad he had done what he intended. He sat beside Gerald and Mei Feng, eyes alight with excitement.
"I'm getting better, right?" Bai Cheng asked, his voice filled with anticipation
"You are," Gerald said, nodding. "But you've got a long way to go. Keep pushing yourself."
Bai Cheng smiled the fire of ambition in his heart burning brighter than ever. "I won't stop. I'll make it to Eldenwood Academy. I'll show them everything I'm capable of."
Mei Feng glanced over at him, her eyes spilling across with worry. "Just remember, Bai Cheng, the road ahead will be difficult. There are things in this world. things you can't even imagine yet."
Bai Cheng nodded, calm and steady. "I'll handle whatever happens. No matter what."
In time, with twinkling stars spreading soft lights on the ground below, a new chapter opened up in Bai Cheng's life. What would he come upon, nobody knew but it was sure enough that not something-not at least somebody-was gonna bring him down.