Rytha woke to the soft crackle of a fire and the warm scent of meat broth wafting through the air. He groaned, his ribs aching with every breath, and sat up slowly. The dim light of the fire illuminated the cave around him, casting shadows that danced along the jagged walls. Across from him sat Saint Quiver, his form partially obscured by the flickering flames.
Even in this humble setting, Saint Quiver exuded an otherworldly grace. The firelight highlighted his sharp features and the soft glow of his eyes, giving him a divine appearance that seemed to belong in myth rather than reality. If anything, the dim lighting only enhanced the aura of mystery that surrounded him.
Rytha found himself staring, his bewilderment written plainly on his face. Saint Quiver glanced up from the pot of broth he was stirring, meeting Rytha's gaze. For a moment, there was an awkward silence. Then Quiver cleared his throat and, to Rytha's surprise, an expression of mild embarrassment crossed his face.
"I'd like to apologize for what happened earlier," Quiver began, his voice calm yet filled with sincerity. "I examined you after you fainted and confirmed what you said—you were cursed. Luckily for you, I've removed the curse." He paused, setting down the ladle he'd been using to stir the broth. "Now you can use magic and soul essence... if you have the talent for it. As for your ribs, I healed them as best as I could, but due to your fractured soul, they'll take some time to fully recover."
Quiver's lips curled into a genuine smile, one that lacked the cold edge Rytha had seen before. This smile was warm, almost gentle, and it stirred something in Rytha's chest—hope.
"Don't worry," Quiver continued. "A fractured soul can be repaired. If you channel your energy into the core and enhance its recovery, your soul will regenerate from the inside out. It won't be easy, but it's possible."
Rytha nodded slowly, his mind racing to absorb the information. He had read about soul cores before, though only in fragments. It was said to be the heart of one's spiritual power, a nexus where magic and soul essence were cultivated. While he didn't fully understand the saint's explanation, he caught the gist of it.
"Saint Quiver—" he began, but the saint raised a hand, cutting him off.
"Don't call me Saint Quiver," he said, his tone light but firm. "I know it's my title, but there's no need for formalities between us. Call me Quiver."
The request surprised Rytha, but he nodded again. "Understood... Quiver."
Quiver's smile widened, and he leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "Good. Now, let's talk about your training."
"Training?" Rytha echoed, his brows furrowing.
"Yes, training," Quiver said, standing up. His presence seemed to fill the cave, and his tone grew more serious. "Forget everything you think you know about magic, soul essence, and even swordsmanship. If you want to grow stronger, you must start from nothing. I'll teach you from the ground up."
Rytha opened his mouth to protest but quickly closed it. Something about Quiver's demeanor made it clear that arguing would be pointless. Instead, he asked, "Where will we start?"
Quiver gestured toward the cave entrance. "Follow me."
---
The journey was grueling. They walked for hours through rugged terrain, the forest giving way to rocky hills and narrow paths. The cool morning air turned brisk as they climbed higher, and the sun's rays barely pierced through the thick canopy of leaves.
Rytha struggled to keep pace with Quiver, the ache in his ribs growing sharper with each step. His breathing became labored, but he refused to complain. He couldn't afford to show weakness—not now, not in front of someone like Quiver.
"Your ribs are slowing you down," Quiver remarked without looking back. His voice was calm but carried a hint of reproach.
Rytha gritted his teeth. "I'm fine," he managed to say, though his body begged him to stop.
Quiver stopped suddenly and turned, his piercing eyes meeting Rytha's. "Strength isn't just about endurance, Rytha. It's about knowing your limits and pushing them gradually. Don't mistake stubbornness for strength."
Rytha stared at him, caught off guard by the wisdom in his words. Quiver turned again and resumed walking, his pace slightly slower this time.
As they continued, Rytha's thoughts wandered. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of training Quiver had in mind. Would it be physical? Mental? Or something entirely different? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he pushed the doubts aside.
"Quiver," he said hesitantly, breaking the silence. "What kind of training will I be doing?"
Quiver glanced over his shoulder, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You'll see soon enough."
Rytha frowned, dissatisfied with the vague answer. He wanted to press further, but something in Quiver's tone told him it was better to wait.
---
Finally, they arrived at a large opening in the side of a mountain. Rytha stared at the entrance, his curiosity piqued.
"This is where I live," Quiver said simply, stepping inside.
Rytha followed, expecting the interior to be a modest cave like the one they had left. Instead, he was greeted by a sight that left him speechless.
The cavern was massive, its walls lined with glowing crystals that bathed the space in a soft, ethereal light. The ceiling stretched high above, adorned with stalactites that shimmered like stars. At the center of the cavern was a large circular platform, inscribed with intricate runes that pulsed faintly. To one side, a cascading waterfall fed into a crystal-clear pool, and near it was a hearth surrounded by comfortable-looking furniture. Shelves carved into the walls held countless scrolls, books, and artifacts, each one radiating a faint magical aura.
Rytha turned to Quiver, his mouth agape. "This... this is your home?"
Quiver chuckled, the sound echoing softly. "Impressive, isn't it? I've spent centuries building and maintaining this place. It serves as both my home and my sanctuary."
Rytha could only nod, his mind struggling to process the grandeur of it all.
Quiver placed a hand on Rytha's shoulder, drawing his attention. "From this moment on, your training begins. I'll push you to your limits, break you down, and rebuild you. If you're serious about becoming stronger, you'll need to trust me completely. Are you ready?"
Rytha met Quiver's gaze, the determination in his eyes unmistakable. "I'm ready."
Quiver smiled once more, but this time it was a smile that promised challenges ahead. "Good. Let's begin."