After finishing his long lesson with Onar, Zoser returned to the inn where he was staying with Orion and Lina. The atmosphere felt eerily calm, as if time had stopped in the place. Zoser found no sign of them, but he didn't pay much attention, his mind entirely occupied with what he had just learned.
He sat on the floor in the middle of the room, cross-legged, and slowly closed his eyes. Onar's words echoed in his mind: "Ether is the origin of everything. It is what connects beings to each other and gives life its meaning. If you can control it, you will realize your true power."
Zoser began to sense his surroundings. At first, there was nothing but stillness. But with every breath he took, he felt an invisible aura surrounding him. This aura was like an unseen river, surrounding him from all sides. Zoser focused on this energy, trying to draw it toward him, as if calling it in a language only his heart could understand.
He felt light currents of ether moving toward him, and his body's temperature began to rise slowly. He opened his eyes for a moment, his hand trembling slightly. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to continue.
After about an hour of focused effort, he felt a strange weight beneath his navel. This was the energy center Onar had spoken about. Zoser began gathering the ether there, as if an internal vessel was gradually filling.
Moving the Energy Through the Body
Zoser took a short break, then began the hardest part of the training: attempting to push the energy through his body's pathways. He imagined invisible lines stretching through his arms and legs, connecting his energy center to his limbs. Very cautiously, he began to pull the energy from the center, trying to direct it toward his hands.
At first, it was incredibly exhausting. Sweat poured down his brow, and his muscles trembled as if resisting this new force. But over time, he felt the energy start to flow more smoothly.
Suddenly, a small ball of light gathered at the tip of his finger. It was faint, but real, glowing with pure white light. Zoser felt a rush of joy, but he only had a few moments to savor this accomplishment. The light ball quickly faded, leaving him exhausted, his breath quickening.
Hunger for Energy
Despite his extreme fatigue, Zoser felt a strange hunger that he had never experienced before. He wasn't hungry for food, but for energy. He sat down again in the meditation position and began absorbing the ether once more. This time, it felt easier, as though his body was starting to adapt to this training.
With each passing minute, he felt the weariness fading, and he began to understand the nature of this training: the more he persisted, the stronger and more enduring he became.
While Zoser was deep in his meditation, he heard footsteps approaching the door. He opened his eyes slowly, and before he could react, the door opened, and Orion appeared with a smile on his face.
"How are you, Zoser?" Orion asked warmly.
"I'm fine, thank you. But where have you been? And where's Lina?" Zoser asked.
Orion set his bag down and said, "Lina went to the weapons store. She wanted to buy new arrows and a replacement dagger. As for me, I went to the pharmacy to get some potions and salves. We have a new mission from the guild."
Zoser's curiosity was piqued. "A new mission? What is it?"
Lina's Arrival and Mission Announcement
Before Orion could answer, the door opened again, and Lina entered with a smile. "Good evening, Zoser. How was your day?"
Zoser thanked her quickly, then turned to Orion, waiting for an answer. Orion spoke seriously, "We need to obtain the liver of a wild desert camel."
Zoser stared in astonishment. "A wild desert camel? What kind of animal is that?"
Lina smiled and said, "It's a herbivorous animal that lives in the desert. It's known for its speed and thick skin, surviving in harsh environments."
Zoser asked with confusion, "And what is a desert?"
Orion pointed toward the window. "The desert, Zoser, is a vast, dry place. Imagine wide plains with no trees or rivers. The heat there is intense during the day, but the nights are very cold."
Zoser felt a mix of curiosity and fear and asked, "Why does the guild want the liver of this animal?"
Orion replied, "The liver of a wild desert camel is a key ingredient in powerful healing potions. Some also consider it a delicacy."
Lina interrupted with a sarcastic smile, "Yes, the wealthy love to show off by eating rare things."
Orion looked at Zoser and said, "Listen, Zoser, this mission won't be easy. We're going to a dangerous place where we may face difficulties you can't imagine. Stay here ok. "
Zoser answered eagerly, "No! I want to help and learn everything."
Lina and Orion exchanged brief glances, then Lina said, "Alright, but you have to follow our instructions and not interfere in any combat."
---
As the sun rose, the three of them gathered in front of the town gate. Everyone was fully equipped: Lina carrying her bow and arrows, Orion with a bag full of potions, while Zoser wore a light cloak to protect him from the sun's heat.
As they advanced, Zoser noticed the changes in the environment. The land became dry, the plants scarce, and the air was filled with a strange heat. Suddenly, the sand dunes appeared on the horizon, like a sea of gold beneath the merciless sun.
Zoser asked in amazement, "Is this the desert