Theos trained relentlessly for three long, grueling years. Balancing his intense training with daily chores was no easy feat, but the effort proved rewarding. Each day pushed him to his limits, yet it also gave him precious moments to spend with the people he cared about—a balance that kept him grounded and motivated.
During those years, Theos faced countless beasts, each encounter a lesson in survival and growth. Through trial and error, he discovered new ways to harness Primal Energy, refining his control and learning to adapt his techniques to any situation. His mastery over Impact Destroyer grew exponentially, transforming it from a simple strike into a devastating force capable of overwhelming even the toughest opponents.
Every battle and every moment of struggle shaped him into a stronger, wiser warrior, preparing him for the challenges yet to come.
After all this time, Theos knew he was ready to uncover his true affinity. Roseville, his ever-patient guide, led him deep into the heart of the forest—a sacred place where countless spirits roamed, their unseen presence filling the air with a quiet hum of energy.
"Focus," Roseville instructed, her voice calm but firm. "Look within your soul and uncover what you have to offer this world."
Theos closed his eyes, steadying his breath as he followed her words. In an instant, he found himself transported to a peerless, otherworldly realm. Everything around him was eerily still, as if time itself had ceased to exist. The ground beneath him was unyielding yet surreal, and the light here was unlike any he had ever known—brilliant and boundless, illuminating every corner of this strange, endless space.
It was a world far removed from the familiar forest he had just left behind, and yet, it felt profoundly connected to him. Theos stood there, awestruck, feeling both small and infinite at the same.
Theos began to channel his energy, letting it flow freely throughout the boundless zone. It surged like a river breaking free of its dam, flooding every part of him with overwhelming force. The sensation was like a bowl of water overflowing, limitless and uncontrollable at first. He felt lost in the vast expanse of the experience, as though time itself had unraveled, leaving him adrift in an infinite sea of possibilities.
But then, something shifted. A spark of clarity ignited within him, and he seized control of the chaotic torrent. Theos's breathing steadied, his focus sharpened, and the energy bent to his will. He was no longer lost; he had conquered the boundless zone, mastering the overwhelming forces that once threatened to consume him.
For the first time, Theos felt an unshakable power within him—not the kind that sought to destroy but one that could reshape everything in its path. It was creative, transformative, and utterly boundless. With this newfound strength, he realized that his potential wasn't just to conquer obstacles but to redefine them, forging a path uniquely his own.
But Theos understood that this newfound ability was not yet his to fully command. The raw energy within him, though powerful, was untamed, requiring discipline and practice to wield effectively. He knew that mastery would not come overnight; it would take relentless effort and unyielding determination.
As he stood in the boundless zone, a quiet resolve settled over him. He realized that his journey wasn't just about strength—it was about control. He would hone this ability, sharpening it like a blade, until it became an extension of his very being.
One day, he vowed, he would conquer not just the chaos around him but the darkness within the world itself. He would face the shadows head-on, not to be consumed by them, but to rise above them and reshape them into light.
Just as swiftly as he had entered, Theos left the white zone, his feet firmly planted back in the forest. His heart still thrummed with the energy of his experience, but his mind was clear.
"Roseville," he called, his voice steady but filled with newfound resolve, "I understand it now. But your training—it's too easy for me. I've outgrown this place." His gaze hardened as he spoke. "I will train in solitude, in the Cave of Longing, where the strongest beasts roam. There, I will push myself to my limits and beyond."
He paused for a moment, his thoughts turning inward. The cave was known for its deadly challenges, a place where few ever dared to venture. But for Theos, it was the next step in his journey—a place where he could truly test the limits of his power and sharpen his skills in ways that nothing else could offer.
"Goodbye. I will be back," Theos said, his voice steady but his heart fractured. Saying farewell to Roseville, the person who had raised him and treated him like her own, was harder than any battle he had faced so far. She wasn't just his mentor—she was family, the closest thing to home he had ever known.
As he turned away, his steps felt heavy, but his resolve remained firm. Once I'm strong enough, he thought, clenching his fists, I will protect you with everything I have. No harm will ever come to you while I still stand.
Though his heart ached, he let the pain fuel his determination. Theos knew that his journey was necessary, not just for his growth but for the safety of those he cared about. With one last glance back, he whispered a silent promise to himself and to her, before vanishing into the shadows if the forest.
The first challenge Theos would face was no ordinary creature—it was a beast of the third rank, a formidable foe that most wouldn't dare to confront alone, but he had already defeated one, this beast was at the at the middle of the third rank. Yet, Theos was determined. As he stepped into the shadowy depths of the Cave of Longing, the air grew heavier, the scent of blood and decay thickening with every step.
Ahead, a grisly scene unfolded: a pack of beasts, their massive forms hunched over the remains of what appeared to be a high-ranking creature. Their fangs tore into flesh, the echoes of their growls and snapping jaws reverberating through the cavern.
Theos heart raced, not with fear, but with anticipation. This is what I came here for, he thought, his resolve hardening. Without hesitation, he launched himself into the fray, primal energy coursing through his body. His leap was swift and calculated, landing him in the midst of the pack.
"All at once," he muttered under his breath, his fists glowing with a familiar, deadly power. "Let's see what I'm really made of."
As Theos charged headfirst into the fray, his heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained focused. He knew that this wasn't just another fight—this was a battle for his survival. If he faltered, if he hesitated even for a second, the beasts would tear him apart. The Cave of Longing was no place for weakness.
The creatures around him were no ordinary opponents; their powerful limbs, razor-sharp claws, and ferocious speed were a testament to their rank. Theos could feel the weight of the danger pressing in from all sides. Every movement, every strike, could be his last. He had trained for years, but now, in this moment, he understood the true cost of failure: defeat here would mean certain death.
His body tensed, every muscle coiled, prepared to move with the speed and precision necessary to outlast these monsters. I can't afford to lose, he thought grimly. If I fall here, I will never be able to protect anyone. Not Roseville, not myself.
With a deep breath, he pushed his fear aside, channeling every ounce of his energy into his attack. He would not perish today. Not if he could help it.