NOVEL NEXT Chapter 57: Chapter Fifty-Seven
In the quiet of the morning, Master Zonare stood alone, his thoughts heavy with contemplation. "What monsters have I unleashed upon the world?" he mused, a rare hint of concern in his voice. "These three are mere fledglings, and they didn't even tap into the full extent of their power. Yet, they forced me to use six percent of mine. I can still fee it" His hand shaked at the thought of his battle yesterday.
He looked around at the devastated training grounds, the remnants of their fierce battle still fresh. "And this," he continued, his gaze sweeping over the ruined landscape, "in an environment specifically designed to weaken them. When they leave this place, they will be a force to be reckoned with."
Master Zonare sighed, a mix of pride and apprehension filling his heart. "Their potential is limitless, and their bond unbreakable. Together, they will shape the future of this world, for better or worse. I can only hope that they will use their power wisely."
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, casting a soft glow over the battlefield, Master Zonare made a silent vow. "I will continue to guide them, to hone their abilities and strengthen their resolve. They must be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. For when they finally spread their wings and take flight, the world will tremble at their might."
Due to our fight yesterday, we knew we had more to do. So, we decided to dedicate the next four months to intense training and gathering resources. We had lost some of our supplies during the battle, but we managed to collect more. We agreed to split everything equally when we parted ways, as we would be going our separate ways for a while. I planned to visit my family, while Durato and Laylah intended to check on Yuweh's family and their own.
During the final months on the island, I developed a new method to protect myself without relying on aura mode, a suggestion from Master Zonare. It wasn't easy, even though I had been training with my gravity nova force, as it required immense concentration and energy. I created additional gravity barriers around myself. While I didn't gain the power or speed boost that Durato and Laylah did with aura mode, I refused to let that stop me. I increased my weights and trained relentlessly, running every day and trying to break my speed record each time.
By now, I was wearing over 400 pounds worth of weights. In aura mode, Laylah and Durato were stronger and faster, but outside of aura mode, we were evenly matched. I thought I was training harder than them, but I was wrong. Along with my added weights, I used my gravity nova force to make myself even heavier. One thing was certain—I was slightly faster than both of them in base form.
They couldn't maintain aura mode for long. It consumed a lot of energy and took a toll on their bodies. Each day after training, they were in more pain than I was. Sometimes I felt sorry for them, but it had to be done for us to get out of here.
Four months passed quickly, or maybe it was because I wasn't paying attention. I still marked the days on the paper I got from Master Zonare. It had been exactly two years since we arrived on the island.
I trained as hard as I could during that time, enduring many near-death situations and suffering alongside my new family. Gradually increasing the gravity I exerted on myself over the last few months had a huge effect. We had become so strong. I was confident we would be okay.
"Guys, gather around," Master Zonare called out one day after training, his voice carrying a note of finality. "I want to give you all some advice once more."
We all gathered around him, our curiosity piqued and our respect palpable.
"Firstly, I'm sorry I won't be accompanying you," he began, his expression somber. "I have something to take care of, something I cannot postpone any longer. It's been real fun having you here with me these past months. You all are like family to me now."
"Master, are you sure we can't help you?" Laylah asked, her red eyes reflecting concern and determination. "We've grown so much under your guidance. Maybe together, we can face whatever it is."
Master Zonare shook his head, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I appreciate the offer, Laylah, but this is something I must handle alone. Your path lies elsewhere, and it's crucial you follow it."
Durato clenched his fists, his blue energy flickering slightly as he spoke. "What if we fail without you? You've been our anchor, our guide. What if we're not ready?"
I took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over me. "But Master, what if we lose our way? What if we forget the lessons you've taught us?"
Master Zonare placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Rome, the lessons I've taught you are etched in your souls. Remember them, hold them close, and you will never lose your way. And remember, this is not goodbye. Our paths will cross again, I'm sure of it."
He paused, looking each of us in the eyes. "One last thing. The world out there is vast and filled with both wonders and dangers. Trust no one completely, yet don't close your hearts. Learn, adapt, and grow. But above all, protect each other. The bond you share is your greatest weapon and shield."
Laylah nodded, her resolve hardening. "We won't let you down, Master. We'll make you proud."
Durato stepped forward, determination etched on his face. "Thank you for everything, Master. We'll carry your teachings with us, always."
Master Zonare smiled warmly, pride shining in his eyes. "I know you will. Now, go. The world awaits your light. Shine brightly, and never forget where you came from."
"Let's make him proud," I said, breaking the silence. Laylah and Durato nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting the same determination and hope I felt.
"oh also Rome, this might help. While gathering your information, you might come across a name. Write it down. It's Agatha Serielios. That's all I have. I believe you'll eventually find what you need. Whenever you need help, I will try to find you."
He handed us rings, intricately crafted bands that shimmered with a faint, mysterious light. These rings were meant to be used for him to track us whenever he needed. My ring had a unique seal on it, designed to suppress the darkness within me, preventing another uncontrollable rampage.
Durato looked at him, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "So this means you'll leave this place soon...right?"
"I'll think about it," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
His words hung in the air, a solemn warning that we took to heart. I had already decided not to trust anyone so easily again. The scars of betrayal were still fresh, and I was determined to remain vigilant. These were what hit me the most about what he said.
After his speech, we settled down for a meal. The atmosphere lightened as we savored the delicious food, sharing stories and laughter. Durato challenged Laylah to a playful arm-wrestling match, their competitive spirits igniting a lively banter that had everyone laughing. The tension from earlier melted away as we enjoyed our last hours together.
Later, we explored the nearby forest, discovering hidden waterfalls and secret caves. We played a game of hide-and-seek, our laughter echoing through the trees. The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over everything, and we gathered around a small campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing dreams for the future.
As night fell, we lay on our backs, gazing up at the stars. The sky was a canvas of twinkling lights, each one a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the adventures that awaited us. Despite the challenges and the whatever looming threats, in that moment, we felt a sense of unity and hope. The bonds we forged that day would carry us through the trials ahead, and the memory of our time together would be a beacon in the darkest of times.
In the morning we gathered all of our stuffs. I had two small bags with the gems because we had already split up everything. I also had a larger bad on my back with a few pieces of clothing and some other stuff from the island that Master Zonare personally picked out and packed for me. My bag was a bit heavier than I thought it would be but I didn't really question it. It wasn't really a problem at all really.
We set off for our journey. The plan was to activate our aura mode. In my case my gravity shield. We would then run as fast as possible non-stop through the veil. It wasn't a long run but the energy and gravity inside was intense. Durato and Laylah took off their weights. I did the same. I felt so light. I've been wearing weights for over a year. It's the first time I've taken them off.
I flexed my hands and muscles and stretched my body after arriving. Our plan was very simple and Master Zonare would help us. He would launch an attack and then we would run right after that. We hugged and said our goodbyes. I'll miss him very much.
"I hope we meet again soon." I said. He just smiled and nodded at me.
He launched an attack with his signature move, Atomic Control Dismantle, at 10% power. As soon as the attack was launched, we immediately sprang into action, sprinting as fast as we could. I activated the gravity shield, while Durato and Laylah did the activated Aura mode. I even raised my energy level as well. I wasn't going to fail this next step. I was finally going to get to see my sister and nephew and mom again. Finally.
The pressure around us was overwhelming, a crushing force that threatened to break us with every step. Despite my rigorous training and the recent removal of my weights, I felt an unbearable heaviness, as if invisible chains were dragging me down. I could only imagine how much worse it would have been if the gravity veil hadn't been in its weakened state.
Durato and Laylah, usually so swift and agile also in their aura mode, were ahead of me but visibly struggling. Their movements, typically fluid and effortless, had slowed to a painstaking crawl under the relentless pressure. Each step forward felt like an insurmountable challenge. I fought to keep moving, my knees buckling as I clawed my way towards the other side. The pain was excruciating, a burning agony that seared through my muscles and bones. Every inch of progress was a victory against the forces trying to crush us.
The journey through the gravity veil felt endless. The weight bore down on me, as though I carried two elephants on my back while trudging through a field of fire. My hands were burnt, the protective shield around me having given way under the immense strain. My gear and sheer determination were the only things keeping me alive.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I stumbled through to the other side and collapsed onto the ground. My body was a symphony of pain, each breath a struggle. Durato and Laylah were already there, lying on the floor, desperately trying to recuperate. They were panting and sweating profusely, as if they had just run a marathon. Blood oozed from their pores, a testament to the extreme pressure we had endured.
I lay there, my vision swimming, and felt the same blood-sweat mixture on my own skin. The ordeal had pushed us to our absolute limits. Any longer in there, and we would have been dead. The gravity veil had tested us in ways we hadn't imagined, stripping us down to our raw will to survive. But we had made it through, and in that moment of shared suffering, we found a deeper bond forged in the fires of adversity.
"That place is not a joke. I respect Master Zonare but if that's the only way out of there I don't want to go back to the island at all." Said Durato.
"I second you on that." Said Laylah.
"Does anybody hear that?" I asked.
"Yea it sounds like a little pup or a small animal crying." Said Durato.
"Rome it's coming from you. Turn around. Looks like something is in your bag." Said Laylah.
We looked in my bag and behold, a cute little monster was there. It's eyes weren't even open. There was also a letter inside.
-"Lesson one, never drop your guard and don't easily trust anyone. I found this little critter one day while out hunting. His family was attacked by a pack of monsters and his brothers left him behind. I think you can relate to him. Also, this might help you guys to learn and grow. Not all monsters are bad. Please be safe everyone and take care of him Remeber also, true strength lies in control, not just raw power. Sincerely Master Zonare. One last thing Rome. Find out more about your eyes."-
"The audacity of this man! He didn't even ask us before doing this," I exclaimed, my voice trembling with indignation.
Durato shrugged nonchalantly. "What are you going to do? It's in your bag, so it's your problem."
"Stop that, Durato. It's so cute. It's our responsibility," Laylah interjected, giving him a light slap on the hand. She was already all over the creature, cuddling it with surprising affection. To see the fierce warrior, who had vowed to annihilate all monsters, embracing this little thing was astonishing. Didn't she realize that in a few months or years, it would become a ferocious beast?
"To be honest, we've never seen a monster like this," I admitted, scrutinizing the creature. "Even as a pup, it's stronger than any basic-level monster from my village."
The monster let out the cutest sound, though it felt like it was cursing me. I could sense its displeasure.
"It's a cub, dummy," Laylah corrected me, her tone teasing. The monster licked her hands and immediately calmed down.
"Did that monster understand what I just said?" I wondered aloud, incredulous.
The baby monster was undeniably a charming and unique creature. Its fur was a mesmerizing blend of white, black, and purple, with stripes reminiscent of a tiger's. Yet, its body was more akin to a lion's, adorned with a fluffy mane around its head. Small fangs protruded like those of a saber-toothed tiger, though they were not fully grown. Its claws were a striking bright white, with tiny purple circles at the tips of its fingers. This monster was a captivating and unusual being, standing out in its extraordinary allure.
Laylah's unexpected tenderness towards the creature made me reconsider my stance. Perhaps, beneath its future potential for ferocity, there was a hint of innocence that deserved a chance. As I watched Laylah continue to cuddle the cub, I couldn't help but feel a pang of hope that maybe, just maybe, this little monster could be different.