Shadows of Ascension

11. The real world

As the last rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, Aiden and Luca found themselves standing at the foot of a towering mountain, its peak shrouded in a veil of mist.

"This is the real world, Aiden," Luca remarked, his voice tinged with a sense of reverence. "Be prepared. The journey ahead will test you like never before."

Aiden gazed up at the mountain in awe, his heart swelling with anticipation at the prospect of what lay ahead. He turned to Luca, curiosity shining in his eyes.

"Why didn't you embark on this adventure before we met?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity. "You're already a C rank hunter, strong enough to see the world."

Luca's expression softened, a hint of melancholy in his gaze as he met Aiden's eyes.

"I didn't want to be alone," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been to this very spot on the mountain before, but I felt...lonely. I realized that I needed a companion to truly begin my journey."

Aiden nodded understandingly, gratitude swelling in his chest as he reached out to clasp Luca's shoulder.

"Well, I'm glad you found me," he said, sincerity ringing in his voice. "Even though we've only known each other for little time, I consider you a true friend."

With nightfall casting its cloak of darkness over the land, the duo sought shelter in a nearby cave, its mouth gaping wide like the maw of a hungry beast.

As Luca drifted off to sleep, Aiden lay awake, his thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a tempest. He pondered the challenges that lay ahead, the trials that awaited him on his quest for greatness.

Suddenly, a strange sound echoed through the cavernous depths of the cave, jolting Aiden from his reverie. With a sense of foreboding, he rose to his feet and ventured deeper into the darkness.

But before he could react, he found himself ensnared within the confines of a hidden chamber, trapped like a fly in a spider's web.

His heart pounding with fear, Aiden's eyes widened in terror as he beheld the creature that lurked in the shadows—a massive mantis-like monster, its eyes gleaming with predatory hunger as it advanced towards him.

Desperation surged through Aiden's veins as he struggled against his bonds, his mind racing for a way to escape.

"This is the real world," he reminded himself, his voice trembling with determination. "I need to prove my strength."

With a fierce battle cry, Aiden broke free from his restraints, his sword flashing in the dim light as he faced his adversary head-on.

Luca, awakened by Aiden's shouts, rushed to his side, his eyes ablaze with determination as he prepared to witness the young hunter's trial by darkness.

Together, they stood as warriors against the encroaching shadows, ready to face whatever challenges the real world threw their way.