Chapter 48
The New Target
Einver allowed his body and spirit to rest through the night, having resolved to set out on his journey anew the following day.
In the early morning, before the first light of dawn broke, he awoke. Darkness still blanketed the land, silence cloaked the surroundings. He stood before the mirror, his sharp eyes examining every detail of himself. His left arm was severed—a clear mark of the battles he had endured and the sacrifices he had made. Scars were etched across the rest of his body.
Now, Einver could no longer wield many of the weapons he had once mastered, for most of them had been designed for two hands. He looked upon his face, where his left eye was hollow and lifeless, an empty socket that spoke of loss.
He thought aloud in a low murmur:
"Losing my arm was not such a great matter. At least I can still use many weapons, techniques, and earthly martial arts… But losing my eye was a fatal blow. Without my left eye, my vision has been cut in half."
Einver sighed, then continued his thoughts:
"Perhaps I must find a technique that allows me to see without eyes… Complete vision is not my goal for now. What matters most is seeing the aura and strength of my enemy… Perhaps I can…"
After several minutes of deep contemplation, a quiet smile touched his lips, as if a solution had revealed itself. He brought his thoughts to a close, glancing around. The place was wrapped in calm; the cold morning breeze brushed against his face, stirring a feeling of freshness and vigor within him.
He began his morning training without hesitation. Einver never neglected his training—not a single day, no matter how powerful he became. Training was an inseparable part of his existence. As he practiced, he thought, cycling through every martial art he knew, seeking to refine his abilities and adapt to his new condition.
Quietly, he reflected:
"Old Mai Na said my arm could be restored, but not here… He told me there are famous doctors across the world, and people with great abilities who can heal my arm and return it. All I must do is keep my severed arm preserved, protect it from rot or any possible damage."
Einver remembered what old Mai Na had done: preserving his arm within unbreakable, frigid ice, which only great force or high heat could shatter. He had heard that Mai Na had obtained that ice from the former king at an auction many years ago, ice so resilient it could even protect a body from fierce flames if refined. But that opportunity was gone, for the ice had already been used to preserve his arm.
He thought to himself:
"I already placed my arm in the storage… I cannot keep it within my spiritual sea for many reasons. The storage is much safer… I can retrieve it in less than three seconds, while in the spiritual sea I would need to enter and exit, which takes around ten seconds. The storage is far better."
He completed his training, and morning spread across the land. He went to the bath, and after ten minutes emerged, dressed in the clothes he had requested earlier from old Mai Na: a full black men's kimono, a black shirt, black trousers, and over them a black cloak with a straw hat to shield him from sun and wind.
Just as he was about to leave, a soldier knocked at the door. Einver opened it, and the soldier bowed respectfully.
"Honored sir, the princess summons you to the dining hall for breakfast."
Einver smiled calmly.
"Lead the way."
Within a minute, they arrived at the dining hall. The soldier sought permission, then opened the door for the princess, allowing Einver to enter. The table was medium in size, surrounded by elegant chairs. The princess sat at its head. At her right side sat a beautiful woman in her forties, dressed in richly embroidered garments, her gentle smile gracing her features. To the left sat a young man, upright and dignified, an aura of strength radiating around him—he appeared to be in his twenties.
Old Mai Na sat beside the young man, while Mai Ko sat beside the older woman. Two chairs remained empty. Einver advanced and seated himself opposite the princess, placing his hand over his chest and bowing slightly.
The princess smiled.
"Welcome back… You truly worried us. You were in a coma for six whole months. How do you feel now?"
Einver smiled.
"I feel well… After resting, my body has fully recovered. May I…"
He gestured toward the chair.
"Please," the princess said warmly, "but before that, allow me to introduce some people to you."
With radiant happiness, she motioned toward the woman seated on her right.
"This is my mother, the queen."
Einver placed his hand over his chest again and bowed halfway toward the queen.
"It is an honor to meet the queen of this beautiful city."
The queen's smile was gentle, her voice calm and low.
"The honor is ours, truly, brave hero. You saved our city, and you saved my beloved daughter… Thank you."
The queen rose, placed her hands together, and bowed before Einver.
Einver answered with a quiet smile.
"A queen need not do such a thing for someone like me. I did not act for thanks or for your bow. I only did what had to be done. There is no need for this."
The queen's eyes softened as she returned to her seat.
"Thank you, truly."
The princess then gestured to her left.
"This is my elder brother, Sun Ko."
Einver studied the young man quietly.
"Ah… this is the one who wields lightning in his fury… Truly powerful. Despite torture and imprisonment, he reminds me of that bastard Elai… Where is he now… One demon, one army."
Einver smiled faintly as he remembered his last brother—the only man who had ever been able to match him.
The prince rose and spoke with a strong, steady voice.
"Thank you for saving us. I have heard all that you did, and how you lost your arm and your eye. If there is anything you wish in return for your service—and I hope you will continue to serve our city—I will grant whatever you ask."
Einver thought silently:
"The prince wants me to stay in the City of Sunlight… He wants to recruit me."
He smiled calmly.
"Thank you for your offer, Your Highness, but I am only a simple wanderer. I journey across the world and do not wish to stop in any place—not until I have traversed it all."
The prince sighed, then smiled faintly.
"That is your will… But if you should ever need anything in the future, do not hesitate. Come to me, and I will grant whatever you request."
Einver thanked him and began to eat with dignity, as though he were the son of a king. Though he had lost his arm, he relied on no one, for he had already taught himself how to fight with one hand, and also how to eat on his own.
Mai Ko leaned toward him.
"Brother, would you like me to help you eat?"
Einver smiled gently.
"Thank you, but I am used to eating with one hand. I can do nearly everything I once did, with one hand."
The prince glanced at Einver's arm, then back at his face.
"Do you not miss your left hand at all?"
Einver exhaled softly, meeting the prince's eyes.
"One hand… What does it mean to miss it? If I were to lose an arm in the midst of a bloody battle, I would die the moment I let such a feeling overtake me. I have learned from my experiences… It matters not if I lose a hand, a foot, or an eye. As long as I keep moving forward, I can accomplish anything I desire. My father taught me to do everything with one hand. The loss of my arm has not—and will never—hinder me."
His words left everyone struck with awe. The queen gazed at him in surprise.
"You describe life as if it were a bloody war… Why?"
Einver answered with unyielding seriousness:
"Isn't it? Life is nothing but one great battle—you against the entire world. If you hesitate, or grieve over a loss, know that it marks the second of your death. Life is a bloody struggle—against people, against beasts, against nature, and above all, against yourself. Surpass them all, and live as you wish. If you do not give everything to a pursuit, you will never shape your future. This is the life I choose to live—by my own laws, not the laws of another."
His words silenced everyone, as though they were listening to a man aged and weathered, one who had lived through and faced the terrors of the world.
After several minutes, the queen spoke with a gentle smile.
"Do you truly not wish to remain here?"
The prince, who had come to admire Einver's character and strength, also smiled.
Einver replied with quiet certainty:
"Thank you for your offers, but I cannot remain in one place. I am like a bird, roaming the world. If I were to stay anywhere, it would mean cutting my wings. And I cannot cut my wings—not yet. Perhaps one day, when my journey ends… but I doubt that possibility, for my journey will not end except with one thing."
The princess leaned forward, curiosity lighting her features.
"And what is that great thing which could bring your wandering to a halt?"
Einver answered calmly:
"The only thing that can stop my journey is death. Yet when I think of it, death itself is nothing but a law written billions of years ago… Laws are always broken. Laws were made for ordinary people to follow… But I am no ordinary man. These laws do not bind me."
He sighed, then added:
"To tell the truth… not even death will stand in the way of my journey."
His words drew astonished smiles, leaving all in wonder: Did he wish to live forever? Did he intend to shatter the unbreakable law?
They continued their meal, each lost in thought over Einver's declaration. When they had finished, drinks were set before them.
Einver spoke:
"I heard from old Mai Na that an envoy from the Village of the Small Moon will arrive today."
The princess lowered her gaze to the cup before her.
"Yes… After opening trade with nearby villages and cities, they each sent envoys to thank and honor us. Do you know the Village of the Small Moon, Einver?"
Einver's voice was calm and gentle as he recalled:
"Yes… I stayed in the Village of the Small Moon for several days. They treated me as one of their own—especially old Moon Fai. He taught me many things, and for that, I am truly grateful to him."
Everyone drank, except Einver, who remained thoughtful, his mind already preparing for the journey ahead.
The prince noticed and asked with a light smile:
"Why do you not drink, my friend?"
Einver examined the cup before him.
"This is an intoxicating drink, isn't it?"
The prince laughed.
"Of course it is."
Einver pushed the cup gently away, his demeanor calm yet firm.
"Forgive my rudeness, but I do not drink anything intoxicating."
The princess leaned forward, her eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.
"Why not?"
She was trying to understand this strong wanderer-warrior, who seemed like the kind of man who would freely eat and drink whatever he pleased—yet he refused what was offered before him.
Einver replied with composed honesty:
"I never liked alcohol, even from childhood. I am a fighter, and if I become drunk, it means lowering my guard. And a fighter must never lower his guard."
At once, the princess ordered a servant, who swiftly returned carrying a beautiful glass bottle, gleaming in the morning light. Inside was a fragrant drink, filled with the scent of flowers and fruits. The servant removed the old cup, set a new one before Einver, and poured carefully.
The princess smiled proudly, her voice warm.
"This is a non-intoxicating drink. A natural elixir."
Einver lifted the cup and brought it to his lips, taking a light sip. It felt as though cool, moist air had entered his mouth, a gentle and delightful sensation spreading through him, awakening every fiber of his being with its pure, refreshing taste.
He swallowed, and the feeling lingered, flowing through his veins and breath. Lowering the cup, he smiled sincerely.
"This is truly a wonderful drink… I like it."
The princess glowed with pride, as though honored that Einver had tasted her city's gift.
"This is the drink of the City of Sunlight—a natural elixir with powerful healing properties and many other benefits."
Einver continued to enjoy its taste and the warmth it left within him. Raising his gaze to the princess, he spoke quietly, with unwavering resolve:
"Your Highness, thank you for your gracious hospitality… But I shall be setting out on my journey once again."
His words left them all struck with a mix of astonishment and sorrow. The princess sighed, her eyes shimmering faintly with regret.
"If that is your wish, none shall stop you… But where will you go, if you do not mind my asking?"
Einver took another sip of the drink, savoring its warmth as it coursed through him, before replying:
"I will go to the Forest of Dreams."
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