One year had passed since Theos first set foot outside, clutching a dagger and his budding hope to grow stronger. Day after day, he trained under Roseville's careful guidance, his body transforming from its frail form to a lean, honed physique capable of withstanding the demands of the wilderness and the weight of his ambitions.
The forest was no longer foreign to him. He moved through it with confidence, every step measured, his senses sharp, honed by countless encounters with beasts and challenges Roseville had set before him. The creatures that once terrified him had become familiar; each battle layered more skill and resilience into his growing strength. He learned to harness energy, sharpening his instincts and even felt the first hints of his own Primal awakening.
Roseville, meanwhile, had become more than a guide or mentor; she was the grounding force in his life, a mother who had given him a second chance. And Theos took that chance to heart, using every lesson to push himself closer to his goal of one day standing as her equal, her protector.
As the sun dipped below the forest canopy one evening, Roseville appeared, her expression serious but warm. "Theos, it's time."
A thrill shot through him; he knew exactly what she meant. Tonight, he would face the minotaur that had once nearly ended his life. Now, after a year of grueling training, he felt ready to confront it again. The memory of that beast still haunted him—a towering force of destruction he'd only glimpsed before. But he felt a fierce readiness in his heart, the anticipation of finally facing his first real challenge. As Theos faced down the hulking minotaur in the heart of the forest, he could feel the ground shake with each of the creature's steps. Every instinct screamed for him to run, yet he gripped his dagger tighter, eyes locked on his foe. The minotaur's towering form loomed, its scarred muscles taut with raw power and its eyes gleaming with feral intent. The creature let out a low, menacing snort, and then, with shocking speed, it charged.
Theos dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the minotaur's massive horns, which tore a chunk out of the earth where he'd just been standing. Gritting his teeth, he spun and struck out, his blade meeting thick hide. His dagger barely left a scratch. The minotaur wheeled around, delivering a backhanded swipe that Theos couldn't completely avoid. The blow landed, sending him sprawling to the ground, his body searing with pain.
Gasping, Theos forced himself to his feet, but his mind reeled. I need a new strategy—this can't keep going. The minotaur's endurance far outmatched his own, and it didn't take long for his body to start aching from the dodges and glancing blows. Just as he prepared himself for the next attack, a sudden change washed over the scene. His surroundings blurred, slowing, until all sound and color faded into pure white.
Theos found himself suspended in the white void. Images swirled around him—scenes of his own movements moments ahead in time, moves he hadn't yet made but somehow knew he could. He saw himself dodge a lethal strike, sidestep a second, and drive his blade into a weak point just below the minotaur's shoulder. It felt less like a memory and more like a promise.
Return.
He was back in the forest where the battle had commenced, Instinctively Theos moved in sync with the visions from the void, sidestepping the crushing blow. He felt a surge of energy and confidence weaving between the minotaur's attacks with a newfound precision, as his Primal Energy advanced, he was plunged to memories of a man wielding a dagger. He tried to copy his technique but was unsuccessful.
His heart beating rapidly he swung his blade with all his might. A defining screech was let out as the strike had drawn blood. Both leaped back to gain space to attack once again.
As Theos faced down the minotaur, every breath felt like fire in his chest, each heartbeat a reminder of the thin line he treads between victory and defeat.
His muscles screamed with exhaustion, but his spirit refused to yield. The minotaur, battered and bleeding, towered before him, each labored breath filling the air with the scent of iron and earth. They circled each other in the dust, blood, and sweat dripping to the ground. Both knew the next move would decide everything.
Theos raised his weapon, his grip tight despite the tremble in his arm. The primal energy inside him hummed, desperate to surge forward, as if it, too, knew the weight of this final strike. And, as he met the minotaur's gaze, a shiver of recognition ran through him; both knew they had nothing left to give but one final blow.
With a battle cry that tore from the depths of his soul, Theos charged forward, meeting the minotaur's roar as it barreled toward him. Time seemed to slow, and just as their weapons met, a burst of light flared—their final strike creating an explosion of energy and sound that echoed across the land.
The dust settled slowly, revealing Theos and the minotaur lying on the ground, unmoving. For a heartbeat, all was still. Then, with a shuddering breath,
Theos blinked, his hand still gripping his weapon, even as the exhaustion overtook him. His vision blurred, but a flicker of satisfaction glowed in his chest; he had held his ground.
The minotaur lay silent beside him, defeated. "Theos congratulations" Theos looked at Roseville as she dashed at him to help him up.
It brought Theos great pleasure to know he could someday protect her, even though he couldn't protect himself right now. As they entered Roseville's wooden cabin surrounded by trees, she asked "Are you
ready?" her voice evident, fully aware that she meant what she said. Roseville touched the chest of Theos, as a dazzling light flooded the cabin and left him stunned.