Two weeks had passed, each day blending into the next with the relentless training each of them did. Kade after suffering difficult training broke through to the nonagon stage. Riven had also broke through to the octagon stage. Their energies shifted completely to an unmistakable weight to them compared to before.
In the meantime, Jin had take several quests for assassinations. During the next two weeks he had completed 9 assassination quests. Each quest he went on, he was reminded of the path he wants to go down. His eyes had gotten darker through the weeks, he felt as if something was gnawing at him from inside, eating away at the emotions he had at a slow pace.
But it wasn't only combat that filled his days. Jin had dedicated time to meditation, seeking a finer control over his ki, letting it flow and settle in ways he hadn't done before. During one of these sessions, he found himself once again in the vast, forested expanse of his consciousness, where Belford awaited him.
Belford's gaze was steady, though his voice carried a note of caution. "We have something to go over…"
Jin looked over at him before getting up from the ground. "What is it?" He asked curious but something changed about his voice, it seemed to have less emotion than before.
"That dark stone you absorbed… its side effects were extremely severe," he warned. "I've managed to keep them suppressed, but they won't stay that way forever." A chuckle released from Belford, "Hell, I bet you're feeling some of it already."
"There's something else," Belford continued. "That stone didn't just leave a mark on you. After settling the side effects—at least the best I could. I believe you've gained a technique from it. A powerful one, but dangerous." He paused, his expression grave. "Use it wisely, Jin. There's power there, yes, but it's power that will eventually consume you if used unwisely."
Jin took a breath, letting Belford's words settle over him. "…I think I am feeling it a bit. I've taken on a bit of different quests for killing and each time it feels like I have something gnawing, or like eating away… or something like that inside me. I feel a bit different as well."
Belford's eyes narrowed, "That feeling—the gnawing, the clawing at you… that I can assume is from the stone. If I have to say anything, It's a side effect of the stone I couldn't contain fully. It's a side effect of changing emotions to rage, a hunger for power, and destruction. I can't say for sure but that's the best I can say."
Jin stood still for a moment before replying, "So, what you're saying is that every time I kill someone, the stone eats away at my other emotions besides rage, and anything else related to that?"
Belford nodded slowly, "I believe that's right. Have felt anything else?"
"…I wasn't going to mention it but, I have also felt" Jin paused for a moment hesitating and debating whether or not to tell him before letting out a sigh. "I've felt some sort of enjoyment out of it now…"
"Jin, once it's embedded in your core, which it is slowly becoming. Reversing its effects will be nearly impossible, if not completely impossible even for me."
Jin's fists clenched, the weight of Belford's warning settling over him. "So I need to just stop accepting the quests for any type of killing, and be more mindful of the surroundings?"
Belford gave a solemn nod. "Yes. To put it simply, you must find a way to anchor yourself, and stay away from takin a life."
Jin looked at him thoughtfully, absorbing every word before a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I'm not afraid of it. If I can make it my own, it'll be another weapon to use."
Belford's gaze hardened. "Just don't let it become the only weapon you rely on Jin."
With that, the vision of Belford and the forest faded, the sounds of his consciousness fading back into the real world. Jin opened his eyes, finding himself seated on the floor of the Cliffside Lounge. Rising slowly, he steadied his breathing and prepared himself to face his team.
As he stepped into the main room, he noticed his companions immediately. Kade, Riven, and Kael stood together, their ki crackling in the air around them, their auras more intense than before. All three turned to Jin, their expressions sharp, focused, and their smiles showing a renewed eagerness.
Kade clapped Jin on the shoulder, a glint in his eye. "We were wondering when you'd wake up. You ready? The ki beast forest is waiting."
Jin met their gazes, feeling a sense of purpose reigniting within him. "Let's just say… I'm ready for a real challenge."
They spent a few moments discussing their plan for the forest, Kade outlining a strategy to move stealthily through its outer edges and gauge the ki beasts' strengths before diving deeper.
Suddenly, a firm knock sounded on the door, cutting their conversation short. They all turned, tense but curious, as Jin moved toward the door, and opened it slowly.
As the door opened, someone forced the door open and walked in slowly, her eyes glued to Jin for a moment, "It's been a while…" Jin looked at her, "Luna? What are you doing here?"
She sighed before closing the door behind her. "I've heard some things here and there. I've learned that you're planning to…" She looks over and saw the others in the room. "I see you've added a few new faces to make a little group? Interesting…"
Kade spoke up looking at her, "Who even are you?"
Luna looked at him, "I'm Jin's future wife." She said smiling and looked up at him with a smoldering gaze and blush appearing on her face. "Oops… I didn't mean to say that out loud" she looked away after realizing she said it aloud. "I-I meant future challenger… yes that!"
Kade looked over at Jin, "A wife?" He asked curiously while noticing how beautiful Luna was.
Jin slightly had a flustered look on him before looking away. "Ahem, let's just get to the point why you're here."
Luna thought to herself for a moment, "...He didn't deny it!" A slow smile crossed her face and also a smile due to the strength difference she felt in Jin now.
"Anyways, I'm here because i'm joining you four in the ki beast forest."
Kade exchanged a glance with Riven, his brows lifting. "So, what exactly do you bring to the table?" he asked, his tone curious but cautious.
Luna didn't seem fazed by the question; if anything, she looked amused. "Oh, I assure you, I can handle myself. Besides, it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes—or skills—when facing the unknown." Her gaze slid to Jin, lingering for a few moments before looking away.
Riven crossed her arms. "It's not a question of handling yourself. We need someone who can keep up."
Luna's smile grew, a bit of a challenge glinting in her eyes. "Don't worry. You won't be waiting on me… if anything i'm worried if y'all can keep up or not." She turned her attention back to Jin, her tone softening a bit. "Besides, I know the lay of the land better than you think. This isn't a place to venture into blindly."
Jin held her gaze, considering her offer, then finally nodded. "Fine. You can come, but stay close and don't wander off on your own." He looked at the others, who nodded their agreement, if reluctantly. "We're going in and leaving together."
"Good." Luna's smile was warm as she fell in line with the group, and they made their way out of the lodge and toward the forest path.
The journey was quiet, each person focused on what lay ahead, until they finally arrived at the forest's edge. The entrance was marked by dense trees, their trunks twisted and branches creating a natural archway that seemed to beckon them in. The air felt thicker here, humming with energy and an almost ominous silence.
Kade paused, glancing around the area. "So this is it," he murmured, his voice low. "The ki beast forest."
Luna moved closer to Jin, her voice barely above a whisper. "Stay sharp. This forest has a way of testing even the strongest."
Jin's expression hardened. "We've come prepared. Let's move."
With a final look exchanged among them, they stepped into the forest.