The next morning, "Ji" began a strict training regimen to enhance his physical and magical abilities. His day was filled with 50 push-ups, running 50 kilometers, and five hours of intensive training with the palace instructors. He allotted half an hour for rest, one hour for meals, and then ended his day with early sleep. This routine continued for ten days, following the guidance of the palace instructors and "Don's" advice.
Additionally, "Ji" dedicated daily time to entering the green orchard, where he deeply meditated within his mind and trained directly with "Don." One day, Ji complained:
"Don, it's been over a week, and I haven't made any noticeable progress! Why can't I transform into the skeletal form yet?"
"Don" smirked sarcastically and replied:
"You're slow to understand, Ji. This ability isn't easy. You're still in the phase of storing energy."
"Ji's" face turned red with anger and embarrassment as he retorted:
"Don't underestimate my intelligence! I used to get perfect scores in math back in my world!"
"Don" chuckled lightly and responded:
"Maybe that intelligence served you well there, but here, in Under Dark, it's meaningless."
Feeling insulted, "Ji" suppressed his anger and refocused on his training.
Meanwhile, "Lara" visited "Leven" daily in his room. "Leven" was terrified of the soldiers and the weapons they carried, as they reminded him of the fateful day that nearly ended his life. "Lara" personally brought him food and spoke to him kindly to alleviate his fears. He trusted her alone and only ate the food she provided.
One day, she greeted him with a warm smile:
"Hello, little Leven. I brought you some delicious food today. Let's eat together, then go out and have some fun."
She would share stories about her adventures, trying to bring some joy to his heart. On one such outing, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder and said:
"Wait here for a bit, Leven. I'll be back soon with your crown. Don't move from this spot, understood?"
Leven nodded softly:
"Understood."
He waited patiently, but as the minutes passed and "Lara" did not return, unease crept into his heart. Suddenly, he heard a girl's voice from the west. Turning, he saw a small girl smiling mischievously and saying in a soft voice:
"Hello, Leven."
Leven stepped back in fear and asked:
"Who are you?"
The girl replied:
"I'm your friend."
"I don't have any friends!" Leven said nervously.
She smiled and grabbed his hand:
"Of course, you do. I'm your friend now. Come on, I have something amazing to show you."
Despite his hesitation, Leven followed her, fear evident on his face. She led him to an unknown destination, her pace quickening as they moved. When Leven asked her to slow down, she snapped:
"No! We need to get there as soon as possible."
As time passed and the sun began to set, "Lara" returned, carrying Leven's crown and a water bottle. When she reached the spot where she had left him, he was nowhere to be found. She called out his name to no avail, panic rising in her chest.
"Leven, where are you?!"
Suddenly, she recalled the unsettling feeling of being watched in recent days. Her face darkened with anger as she muttered to herself:
"I'll kill them if they've hurt him!"
At the same time, the girl guiding Leven stopped at the edge of the forest and said with a sinister smile:
"We're here."
Leven looked around, confused, and asked:
"But we're in the forest! What are we doing here?"
Her expression shifted to one of cruelty. Three men emerged from the trees, each wearing a menacing expression. One of them spoke in a deep voice:
"Well, well. You've come to us willingly, little prince."
Leven's eyes widened in fear, and he stammered:
"What's going on here?"
Another man replied with a wicked grin:
"Just a trap to catch you, prince. Don't bother resisting."
One of the men drew a large knife and threatened:
"Your cleverness won't save you here, boy."
Paralyzed with fear, Leven tried to run, but one of the men quickly tackled him to the ground, pinning him down. Leven screamed, struggling desperately:
"Help! Someone, save me!"
The man struck him on the head, causing him to lose consciousness.
The men then turned to the girl, who stood frozen in shock. She spoke with a trembling voice:
"I've completed my task. Take me back to my tribe now!"
One of the men laughed coldly and said:
"Sorry, there's no place for traitors among us."
In a swift motion, he stabbed her multiple times in the stomach with his knife, leaving her lifeless on the ground, her expression one of stunned disbelief at their ruthlessness.
Meanwhile, "Lara" had begun searching the forest for "Leven." Overwhelmed with fear and anger, she vowed to find him, no matter the cost.
End of chapter...