Both Sky Sword and Zain gazed into the pit with depth and awe.
But what happened today weighed far heavier on Zain's psyche.
He looked at Sky Sword and said:
"I know the measure of my destiny and its limits, but after what I've just witnessed, I tell you this: I cannot create what you hope for. I've had enough… let's just surrender."
Sky Sword looked at him with cold, empty expressions, speaking with both pain and indifference:
"Yes, enough is enough. We are no match for this power. If I hadn't seen what happened, I would never have thought of surrendering—not even for a single second.
Despite repeated failure, I had never once planned to give up. But what choice do we have? We were on the verge of success…
But is success alone enough in front of such power? No… most likely there's more that we don't know. That's for the best. My mind can't bear the existence of even stronger beings.
Today we've learned our place, and surely realized that surrender is also a good option.
We clung to a thread of hope to escape the pursuit of despair, but today the thread snapped, and despair now pursues us instead."
He sighed and continued:
"Let's return. No more sacrifices, no more futile attempts."
Zain nodded his head and walked behind him.
From the back, Zain watched him clench his fists so tightly that they bled. There was nothing else he could do—he had already given his all. But he realized his persistence would lead to no result.
Lowering his head in sorrow, he kept walking behind.
As for Sky Sword, anger remained in control of him. No despair, no sadness—only anger at himself, at his helplessness. He could do nothing.
Deep inside, he had never truly wanted to surrender, but reality forced it upon him. All he could do was show his anger and vent it.
Time passed quickly, and dusk was near.
The hour grew late, and the two were still walking. Luckily, they encountered no dangers on their path. In truth, fortune had stood by them; despite the countless threats, they were still alive.
Another reason for their delay was their slow pace. Was it fatigue? Or despair? Or simply resignation and the loss of will?
Upon reaching the entrance, the sun had departed, the gate sealed, and the atmosphere was unlike any other.
A refreshing breeze brushed their faces, robbing them of any desire to enter. But there was no choice—the hour was late, and they had to avoid troublesome questions as much as possible.
Zain opened the entrance, and to their surprise…
Raven, along with a group of trainees and Maya as well, were just about to head out.
Raven spoke:
"So, has the sunlight finally graced you? Do you have a convincing explanation for this delay?"
The two kept silent.
Maya then said:
"We were so worried about you. We were about to head out and search for you."
Silence still veiled them.
Raven's tone grew sharp with anger:
"Are you deaf? I'm talking to you!"
At last, Zain decided to break the silence:
"We've been through so much, and we have no desire to talk right now. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine. We've already surrendered. No more venturing out by day—we'll make do with the night.
And besides, we're exhausted. Would you allow us some rest?"
Raven read the situation, stepped aside along with the others, and they cleared the way.
As the two passed by, Maya caught Sky Sword by his robe. She was about to speak when he said:
"I need solitude. As for food, please leave it at my door—I'll come out for it myself."
She let go of his clothes and kept silent.
The two headed straight to their rooms, ignoring everyone around.
The trainees in the dining hall felt strange at their behavior.
Zain opened his room's door, sat at the edge of the bed, and began to reflect on the events of the day.
"I didn't want to surrender either… but reality forced it on me. I have no choice. But when I think of spending the rest of my life underground, I feel suffocated… by the world."
As for Sky Sword, he ended up lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"So this is our fate? To remain imprisoned underground? What kind of life is this? Even animals have not lost their freedom. I refuse to accept this… but I am powerless.
No matter how much I think, no matter how long, it's impossible for us humans to confront these demons. Our nature is far too fragile. How I loathe this… I despise weakness and the weak.
But wait… even I am still weak.
If only we were born strong… Haha, but that's impossible. Destiny has its affairs, and we can never interfere with destiny's will.
Perhaps there's wisdom in this. Humanity has ruled the earth for millions of years. Perhaps that rule will collapse in this era.
These beasts possess dominance that humans can never compare to.
Though I can't accept it yet, with time I probably will. Maybe the next generation will be born strong… or maybe someone will rise among us who can resist these creatures. Who knows? The world is vast.
Ah… I feel suffocated. I've been thinking too much."
Just as Sky Sword rose, someone knocked at the door. He turned and realized Maya had brought him food.
He sat still, watching the shadow beneath the door, waiting until it shifted—only then did he feel she had left. Slowly, he opened the door and felt relief. He didn't want to engage in any conversations now.
Looking down, he saw the plates neatly placed on a serving tray. He picked them up, closed the door, pulled a small table, set the plates upon it, and sat on his bed to eat.
Despite his bitterness, he did not deny himself food—he hadn't eaten since sunrise. And now, with the sun already long set, hunger gnawed at him.
As time passed, Sky Sword could no longer confine himself within four walls. Feeling suffocated, he stepped outside.
He wasn't worried about the others noticing—everyone was already asleep.
Moving quietly, he slipped out without making a sound.
The night was at its peak, the moon full and shining.
Hands in his pockets, he walked, kicking pebbles along his path into the unknown.
He only wanted to wander, to be alone for a while—the destination didn't matter.
But suddenly… a wolf's howl rang out, unlike any ordinary howl!
Sky Sword's heart leapt instantly, and panic surged within him.
He wanted to turn back… but curiosity whispered otherwise.
He ran toward the sound, and there before him lay a wolf drenched in blood.
It wasn't an ordinary wolf—it was a Thunder Calamity Wolf!
Sky Sword looked around, scanning above and below, but found no trace of any other creature.
He rushed to it, noticing giant claw marks tearing through its thigh and part of its abdomen. Yet it was still alive.
He recalled Zain's words about these creatures' regeneration.
Realizing this was his chance, he acted swiftly before it could heal and make him the prey.
He pulled out a tiny glass vial—Zain had given him a few in case of emergencies.
He filled it to the brim, sealed it tight, and hurried back.
Joy seized his face and body, filling him with a vitality unlike anything he had ever felt.
Even if defeating that bird was impossible, this vial would surely make the difference between us and them.