Demon Heart ~ Rebirth of a Slayer

Harnessing the Flame

I slowly descend into the main hall of the cave, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. As I approach the entrance, the wolves along the way lower their heads in a show of respect, their eyes following my every move. I've faced this gesture before, but it still feels strange, their loyalty and reverence wrapping around me like a quiet weight. Unsure of how to respond, I give them a gentle smile, hoping it communicates the gratitude I feel, even if I don't fully understand this bond we share.

As I walk onward, I feel the eyes of the pack trailing after me, each pair filled with a silent wisdom that humbles me. Suddenly, a wolf cub scampers in front of me, blocking my path with a playful glint in its eye. Surprised, I pause, kneeling down to meet the little creature at eye level. Cupping the small bundle in both hands, I lift it closer. The cub's fur is warm and soft, its face almost puppy-like, stirring memories from my previous life. Without warning, it begins licking my face, the ticklish sensation making me laugh. I gently set it down as a few more young wolves gather around, nudging at me with curious noses, while their elders watch protectively from the hallway.

I continue forward, moving between the older wolves standing guard in the hallway leading to the cave entrance. As I step outside, the warm sunlight envelops me, and I close my eyes, taking a deep breath, preparing myself for what's to come. Opening my eyes, I scan my surroundings, trying to pinpoint my location, but all I see is endless forest. I turn to look back at the cave. It's tucked beneath a small, forest-covered mountain, blending so seamlessly into the landscape that it's almost impossible to tell where the forest ends and the mountain begins.

"Is everything alright, my lord?" a sudden, deep, growling voice comes from behind me. I turn around to see the Wolf King sitting behind me.

"Thanks to you, everything is fine!" I reply, smiling.

"By the way, is there any open area around here? Shien said I need to train my body for Aether Lumirith."

"Hmm... open area?" Wolf King goes deep into thought. "Alright, follow me, Lord Haruto." He stands up and starts walking into the forest.

We walk for a few minutes deeper into the forest. As we walk, I start to enjoy the forest. I never thought forest would this much calm. Chirping sounds of birds echoing through the forest. Finally, we come upon an open area near a river.

"This is the safest open space we have. I hope this place satisfies your requirements," Wolf King says, stepping back.

"What is this river? I never knew there was a river in this forest," I ask, curiosity bubbling inside me.

"This river separates the forest into two parts, and it also connects both the Lunaria and Shinsei kingdoms," Wolf King explains.

"Then I will go back. We are going to hunt and gather more meat for the winter season," Wolf King says, padding off through the way we came.

I watch him disappear into the shadows of the forest until there's no trace left but the faint rustle of leaves. Turning to the open space, I exhale, readying myself. "Alright then, let's start our first day of training. Shien, where are we going to start?"

Silence stretches out, broken only by the sound of the river's flow. It feels like I'm speaking to the air.

"Shien... can you hear me?" I ask again, wondering if he's even there.

"Oh yes, I hear you," Shien's voice finally echoes within me, slow and thoughtful. "But I was considering where to begin. I've never trained anyone before... hmm..." He trails off, and there's silence again.

I wait, feeling the weight of his deliberation. Then, his voice returns, more certain. "Alright, let's start with your senses. I've sealed my sight for now—until you can develop enough Aether Lumirith. My sight drains Aether Lumirith as it's used, so without control, it would only deplete you."