The sky was still dim when Elric stumbled out of the forest. The first rays of dawn stretched like golden fingers across the horizon, but he was too exhausted to appreciate their beauty. His body screamed in pain, every cut and bruise burning as if mocking his determination.
His steps were uneven, his breathing heavy, but his eyes—his eyes carried a fire that had not been there before.
At the edge of the training grounds, Orin stood silently, his arms folded, as though he had been waiting the entire night. His expression remained calm, but when his gaze landed on Elric, there was a faint flicker in his eyes—something Elric had never seen before.
"Master…" Elric muttered, nearly collapsing. "I… made it back."
Orin's voice was steady. "You've done well."
Elric blinked. For a moment he thought he was hallucinating. "Wait… did you just… praise me? Or am I finally hearing voices because of blood loss?"
Ignoring his student's attempt at humor, Orin stepped forward, gripping Elric's arm and guiding him inside the hut. The smell of sweat, mud, and blood followed them in.
Elric winced as he sank down onto the wooden floor. His tunic was ripped, and his skin bore marks of every trap he had endured. Without a word, Orin fetched a small kit. He sat beside Elric and began wrapping bandages around the boy's arms and legs.
For a moment, the hut was quiet, only the sound of cloth brushing skin breaking the silence. Orin's movements were careful, precise—strangely gentle for a man known for his iron discipline.
"You crossed the forest," Orin finally said. "That's progress. But if you want true speed, it won't be enough to survive—you must reach me before dawn. Only then will you know what it means to be fast."
Elric clenched his fists. His lips parted, but no words came out. His throat burned, not just from exhaustion, but from the weight of his master's words. He nodded silently.
That night, while the world slept peacefully, Elric lay on his mat, staring at the ceiling. Orin's words echoed in his mind again and again.
Reach me before dawn…
He rolled onto his side, gripping the edge of his blanket. I can't wait. If I waste time sleeping, I'll only stay the same. I have to change now.
Slowly, quietly, he rose. His body groaned in protest, his bandaged wounds stinging with every movement, but his spirit was unwilling to rest.
He glanced at Orin, asleep in the corner. For a moment, Elric hesitated. Would he stop me if he knew? Or… would he be proud?
Without another thought, Elric slipped out into the night. The cold air bit his skin, but his heart pounded with determination.
The forest loomed ahead, darker and more menacing than ever. The trees whispered with the wind, and shadows twisted along the path.
But Elric's steps did not falter. He inhaled deeply, the breathing technique Orin had drilled into him now second nature. His chest rose and fell steadily, and with each breath, his nerves calmed.
The first trap triggered—a blade swung across the path. But Elric was ready. He ducked low, his body moving with precision, and the blade whistled harmlessly above him.
"Too slow," Elric muttered, a grin breaking across his face.
More traps followed—hidden spikes, swinging logs, pits covered with leaves—but this time, Elric was different. His feet moved faster, lighter. He was no longer the clumsy boy dragging himself step by step. He was fluid, almost dancing through the obstacles.
I understand this forest now. Every branch, every leaf, every trap—it all has a rhythm. And I've found it.
Just as his confidence grew, a sharp whistle cut through the night. Elric froze.
From the treetops, arrows shot down, their tips blazing with fire. The flames illuminated the forest in terrifying flashes, the crackling sound mixing with the whistle of deadly speed.
Elric's heart skipped. Panic clawed at him. This wasn't here before…
The first arrow struck the ground beside him, flames bursting outward. He staggered back, his eyes wide. For a moment, fear threatened to root him in place.
But then he remembered Orin's voice. "Breathe. Calm your mind. Your body bends to your will."
Elric inhaled, deep and slow. His vision sharpened. The arrows came again, faster, raining down like fiery comets.
Step. Twist. Slide. Jump.
His body moved on instinct. Each arrow narrowly missed, grazing his tunic, burning the air around him, but never touching flesh. He ducked, spun, rolled across the dirt, and rose again.
The forest became his partner, the traps his test, the flames his challenge.
By the time the last arrow struck the earth, Elric was still standing. His chest heaved, sweat dripping down his brow, but his lips curled into a smile.
I did it.
The first light of dawn touched the treetops as Elric stepped out of the forest. His steps were quicker than before, his body lighter despite the bruises and cuts.
And Orin was waiting.
The old warrior stood calmly, arms folded. His eyes scanned Elric's figure—sweat-soaked, battered, but standing tall.
"You've returned earlier than last time," Orin said, his voice carrying the faintest trace of approval.
Elric collapsed onto the ground, panting. "Not earlier, Master… super earlier. You should be proud. In fact, you should be crying tears of joy right now."
Orin smirked. "When you've truly amazed me, I'll let you know."
Elric groaned. "I risked being roasted alive for that reaction…"
But inside, pride swelled. For once, he felt like he was changing—not just surviving, but growing.
Orin's eyes softened as he watched the boy struggle to catch his breath. Yes. This boy… I chose correctly. He will succeed. He will be a Slayer.
After a quick meal, Elric finally collapsed into sleep, his body demanding rest.
But peace never lasts long.
Sometime deep into the night, Elric's eyes shot open. A foul stench filled his nostrils, unlike anything he had ever smelled before. It was rotten, suffocating, unnatural.
His heart pounded. That smell… no… it can't be…
He sat up, his eyes darting toward the window. For a split second, he saw it—a silhouette, twisted and unnatural, standing in the moonlight. Then it vanished.
"Master! Master!" Elric cried, shaking Orin awake. His voice trembled with fear. "I smelled it—the cursed shadows! I saw one at the window! I swear it was there!"
Orin's eyes opened instantly, sharp as blades. He rose without hesitation, gripping the hilt of his weapon. His calm demeanor never wavered, but his gaze was deadly serious.
The two stepped outside. The night was silent, the forest still.
And then—they saw it.
A cursed shadow, its body distorted, eyes glowing faintly with malice. It stood at the edge of the trees, its presence suffocating, its aura dripping with hatred.
Elric froze. His heart hammered, his hands shook. It's real. I wasn't imagining it…
Beside him, Orin's aura changed. The calm teacher became something else—something powerful, terrifying.
He stepped forward, his voice steady. "Elric. Watch carefully. Tonight, you will see what it means to be a Slayer."
The cursed shadow hissed, its form shifting, flickering as though made of darkness itself.
Elric's breath caught. Fear and awe clashed within him.
The shadow lunged—
And Orin moved.
The night exploded.