Mr. Rail: "I'm sorry, Mohin. I couldn't find a horse carriage for you right now, but I can give you a horse if you'd like."
"It's alright, Mr. Rail. I don't have much luggage anyway—I can manage. Well then, goodbye. Please send my regards to my sister."
Mr. Rail then went to Noon's room. As he raised his hand to knock—
"Did he really leave?"
"Yes, Noon."
"Why didn't you stop him?"
"It's been his dream since he was a child. I can't stop him that easily. And stop worrying about your brother—you're sixteen now. You're old enough to understand that he'll do anything to achieve his dream—and yours."
"Do you mean…?"
"Yes. Your brother will give everything he has to figure it out."
(The First Night)
Mohin began his journey toward Hunter's City, which would take him two days to reach. He had a map, water, food, a sleeping bag, and other supplies.
(A few hours later)
"Oh God… the sun has already set. I need to find a place to sleep."
"You…"
"What? What was that sound? Did I imagine it?"
Mohin found a good spot to sleep, lit a fire for warmth, and then—suddenly—he heard the same voice again, like a whisper.
"You are the chosen one."
"Wait—what? Where did that voice come from?"
He looked around, but found nothing. Terrified by what he heard, he lay down and eventually drifted off to sleep.
Whisper: "Wake up… you're going to die."
Mohin jolted awake. In front of him was a massive bear-like creature—two and a half meters tall—approaching.
Fear gripped his body.
"This isn't a normal bear… maybe it's one of those monsters that resemble bears," he thought.
"Stand up."
"What? What's that voice again?"
"Stand up now or you'll die, you fool."
Mohin froze and tried to collect himself. But what now? Should he run? Could he even run?
He decided to fight. It was his only option. Mohin was skilled at hand-to-hand combat, but what could fists do against a beast like this?
The bear charged at Mohin with terrifying speed.
"When I finish counting to three, dodge to the right."
"What?"
"Is 'what' the only word you know how to say? When you and I talk, time itself stops. No one can move in this world—not even you—because I'm from the outside."
"What do you mean?"
"Just listen to me if you want to stay alive. Count to three in your head and dodge to the right. Time will resume the moment I go silent."
(Time resumes)
"One…" The bear speeds up, preparing to attack.
"Two…" It raises its left paw, aiming a huge strike at Mohin.
"Three!" Mohin dodges to the right just in time, avoiding the blow.
"Now! Hit its neck with everything you've got!"
"Got it!"
Mohin punches the creature in the neck with full force, causing it to gasp and fall to the ground.
"We're not done yet. Start choking it—dig your fingers into its neck until you pierce through."
Mohin began to strangle the creature with all his strength. The beast tried to fight back, but its energy was fading—almost as if Mohin were absorbing it.
The bear used its claws to slash Mohin.
"AAARGHH! That hurts, you bastard!"
"Don't let it go, no matter what. Understood?"
"What do you think I'm doing?!"
(Minutes later)
"I did it…"
"I can't believe you're tired from fighting just a bear. You're weak."
"Screw you."