The village disappeared behind them, its warm familiarity replaced by the sprawling uncertainty of the road ahead. Yunshi walked in silence, his pack slung over his shoulder, the charm Elder Talia had given him nestled safely within. Wei, true to form, had already begun to pepper Kael with questions, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"So, this academy," Wei started, glancing at the mysterious swordsman. "What's the deal? Some big fancy place where they whip you into shape and throw you at towers?"
Kael didn't glance back. "The academy is more than a training ground. It's a crucible. A place where talent and ambition are forged into power—or where the unworthy are broken."
Yunshi's brows furrowed. "You mentioned earlier that many don't survive. Why is it so dangerous?"
Kael stopped abruptly, turning to face them. "Because it has to be. The merged worlds aren't forgiving, and neither is the academy. If you're not strong enough, you won't make it. That's the reality of the path you've chosen."
Wei scoffed. "Sounds like a cheerful place."
Kael smirked faintly, though his eyes remained sharp. "It's not meant to be cheerful. But if you can endure it, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to survive out here. More importantly, you'll meet people with the same drive—and the same desperation—as you."
Yunshi's thoughts swirled. The idea of the academy both intrigued and terrified him. He wanted to master the legacy, to grow strong enough to protect the people he cared about. But the stakes Kael described were high, and failure meant more than just a bruised ego.
"Why help us?" Yunshi asked after a moment. "You don't know us, so why go out of your way to bring us to this academy?"
Kael's smirk faded, and for the first time, there was a flicker of something softer in his expression. "Because I've seen what happens to people who stumble into power without guidance. It destroys them. And it destroys everyone around them." He paused, his gaze hardening. "You have potential, Yunshi. But potential is dangerous if left unchecked."
The first day's journey passed without incident. They traveled through dense forests and winding trails, the towering spires of the merged worlds visible in the distance. Yunshi kept his focus on the horizon, his thoughts drifting to the battles ahead.
That night, they made camp near a small stream. Kael built a fire with practiced efficiency, while Wei rummaged through their supplies. Yunshi sat by the flames, staring into the flickering light.
"Kael," he said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What's your story? Were you a student at this academy?"
Kael glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Once."
Wei perked up, sitting beside Yunshi. "You don't look like a student now. What happened? Get kicked out for being too cool?"
Kael chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Something like that." He leaned back against a tree, his eyes reflecting the firelight. "I graduated. But the academy isn't a place you stay. It's a place you survive, and then you leave. The world beyond its walls is where the real test begins."
"What kind of test?" Yunshi asked.
Kael's gaze darkened. "You'll find out soon enough."
They were woken early the next morning by a sound that sent shivers down Yunshi's spine—a low, guttural growl echoing through the trees. Kael was already on his feet, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Stay close," he said sharply, scanning the forest.
The growl grew louder, joined by the sound of snapping branches and heavy footsteps. Yunshi's heart raced as he spotted the source: a pack of shadowy beasts, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
"More of them," Wei muttered, drawing his blade. "Just like the one we fought before."
"Not quite," Kael corrected, his voice calm but firm. "These are lesser manifestations. Dangerous, but nothing compared to what you've faced. Consider this a warm-up."
"A warm-up?" Wei exclaimed, but Kael was already moving.
The first beast lunged, its fangs bared, but Kael met it head-on. His sword flashed, and the creature collapsed in a spray of black ichor. Another charged at Yunshi, its claws slicing through the air.
Yunshi reacted instinctively, channeling the legacy's energy into his fist. The glow of his aura flared, and he struck the beast with a powerful blow, sending it crashing into a tree.
"Focus on their movements!" Kael called out, slicing through another beast. "They're fast but predictable. Don't let them overwhelm you."
Wei grinned, darting forward to engage a pair of beasts. His blade danced through the air, keeping the creatures at bay. "Predictable, huh? I'll take your word for it."
The fight was chaotic, but Yunshi found himself falling into a rhythm. The legacy's energy coursed through him, amplifying his reflexes and strength. He dodged a swipe from one beast, countering with a strike that sent it sprawling.
Within minutes, the clearing was silent again, the beasts' bodies dissolving into black mist. Yunshi stood in the center, his chest heaving, the glow of the legacy fading.
"Not bad," Kael said, sheathing his sword. "You're starting to get the hang of it."
Yunshi wiped the sweat from his brow. "That was… intense. Are fights like this common?"
Kael nodded. "The merged worlds have thrown the natural order into chaos. Beasts like these are everywhere. You'll need to get used to it."
Wei groaned, dropping to the ground. "Great. More practice fights with murder puppies."
By the time they resumed their journey, Yunshi felt a flicker of confidence. The fight had been a challenge, but it had also shown him how far he had come—and how much further he had to go.
As the sun began to set, Kael stopped at the edge of a ridge, gesturing for Yunshi and Wei to join him. Below them stretched a sprawling city, its streets bustling with activity even as night fell.
"That's Azure Hollow," Kael said. "The last stop before the academy."
Yunshi's breath caught. The city was unlike anything he had seen before, its architecture blending elements from countless worlds. Massive towers loomed over the streets, their surfaces shimmering with arcane energy. The air itself seemed alive with power, humming softly in Yunshi's ears.
"This place…" Wei said, his eyes wide. "It's incredible."
Kael nodded. "It's also dangerous. The merging of worlds has attracted all kinds of people—some looking for power, others looking for prey. Keep your wits about you."
As they descended toward the city, Yunshi felt a mix of anticipation and unease. Azure Hollow was a gateway to the unknown, a place where paths converged and destinies were forged.
And somewhere within its labyrinthine streets lay the first steps of his new journey.