Drawn by an inexplicable allure, Acetash's gaze was irresistibly pulled toward a peculiar white tree rising majestically amidst the shadowy embraces of the dark forest.
With a sense of urgency, he rushed toward it, his heart pounding in rhythm with the forest's hidden life.
He examined the leaves with meticulous scrutiny, soon catching sight of an inscription etched on ten of them: **Anuh_vesta**.
With a wry smile, he muttered, "Oh, Master, do you truly believe I would require such an overt code? It's evident this is merely your elaborate trap."
Undeterred by the dangers woven into the air around him, Acetash's fingers began to scratch the bark of the tree, igniting a potent reaction.
Suddenly, the golden sap oozed forth, illuminating the earthen floor with a luminescence akin to daylight and releasing a fragrance so intoxicating it seemed to breathe life into the very atmosphere.
Enchanted by the scent, a swarm of vibrant, colorful bees descended upon the tree, intoxicated by its nectar.
As they fluttered away, a magical trail woven by their dance unfurled before Acetash, guiding him toward his intended destination—a potent source of honey.
With unyielding determination, he readied himself for the pivotal moment.
He conjured a mystical fire through the delicate balance of a magic stone and wand, each flicker imbued with purpose.
Channeling the smoke toward the hive with precision, he enacted a sinister strategy—this smoke, drawn from the wood of the enchanted tree, proved lethal to the unsuspecting bees.
In a swift, practiced motion, Acetash struck at the honeycomb with the stone, his aim true, and uprooted the hive from its sanctuary.
The coveted golden honey glistened, a reward for his ingenuity and bravery. With a heart raced by both triumph and the tension of survival, he clutched the hive, fully aware that the trials of the jungle were far from over, yet exhilarated by the pivotal step he had taken toward mastery of its many mysteries.
And he set off towards the mountain... but soon a monster appeared in front of the six-year-old child. He quickly took the escape route and ran towards a cave in the same area. And with full awareness, he lit a fire. Which caused the monster to be drawn in that direction. But this was a lie and he actually created a mirage for the monster, tricking him and quickly escaping. Two hours later.
Oldman: Oh you came this fast . But I assume that you know I gave you a three days time limit .
"Ah, yes, I'm well aware of that," Acetash replied, his voice tinged with a sardonic edge. "But I must admit, those monsters and traps certainly provided me with an unexpected respite—thank you for that, ha!"
The old man regarded him with a knowing glint in his eye. "So you were aware all along…"
"Indeed, Master," Acetash affirmed, pride swelling within him.
"Very well, you have successfully passed my second exam. Get some rest now; the next trial awaits you tomorrow." With a respectful bow, Acetash departed to his chamber, exhaustion and satisfaction mingling in his veins.
As night enveloped the world outside, Acetash succumbed to the embrace of sleep, unaware that peril lurked in the suffocating darkness. A malevolent voice whispered through the shadows, "It's time to rid the world of you, worm."
The figure slinked forward, poised to strike with deadly silence, yet fate intervened—Inevitably, they fell into a hidden trap, their stealthy approach thwarted and revealing their intent.
With an icy clarity, Acetash opened his eyes, recognizing the intruder. "Thought you could take me down so easily just because I'm young? What an amateur mistake!" he challenged, sensing their presence keenly despite the darkness.
"Why so silent?" Acetash pressed, a flicker of defiance igniting within him. "You refuse to answer? Then let me assure you, I'll sever this rope, and it will be you who descends into oblivion."
Time passed as tension hung thick in the air. "No need for you to respond," he continued, confidence rising as he pieced together the situation.
"I know that Master sent you…and I can sense there are three other assassins—one coming from behind," he darted aside, escaping their grasp, "another from the ceiling," he rolled away just in time, "and one from the ground!" With a deft leap, he evaded the looming threat.
"Is that all you've got?" Acetash declared, a fierce spark of exhilaration illuminating his features.
"Yes, without a doubt," the infiltrator retorted, realization dawning on them that they had underestimated their adversary.
In that moment, Acetash understood—this was not merely a fight for survival, but an opportunity to prove himself anew in the relentless arena of fate, where shadows danced with deceit and every pulse of adrenaline sang a song of impending victory.
.In the dim light of twilight, Acetash found himself enmeshed in a deadly dance with adversaries that seemed to emerge from every shadow.
"Come forth!" he bellowed, his heart racing as he sensed another strike aimed at him.
With a fluid motion, he arched his neck to the left, narrowly evading the blow, then sprang to the right, evading the grotesque mace that threatened to end him.
He burst out of the decrepit house just as the air thickened with impending doom; foes attacked from both flanks.
Yet, Acetash was not easily vanquished; he zigzagged adeptly, leading his traps to ensnare and incapacitate several of his assailants.
In a cunning maneuver, he rolled behind a sturdy tree for cover. "All of this land is ensnared by your web, is it not?" he spat defiantly at the unseen puppet master.
After an arduous battle, Acetash dispatched most of his enemies, yet exhaustion clawed at him like a relentless shadow.
The old man's voice echoed telepathically in his mind, reverberating with wisdom, "My child, while your brilliance glows fiercely and your will is unyielding, you remain but a fledgling—filled with vigor yet still a child.
" Accepting defeat with grace, Acetash replied, "I see now; I understand your clever trap, old sage." The old man acknowledged his prowess, revealing the depths of Acetash's growth.
"You surpassed most of my progeny," he intoned, a hint of admiration in his voice.
"But tell me, why has he passed the exam, while others have faltered father ?" came a voice from the shadows.
With quiet resolve, Acetash answered, "It's not solely about overpowering your adversaries; true wisdom lies in recognizing when to yield.
The old man's smile radiated a warmth that belied the intensity of the battle they had just endured, his pride evident in every wrinkle etched upon his weathered visage.
"Indeed, my young one," he said thoughtfully, "it is this very discernment that embodies elegance.
" Yet behind the facade of approval lurked a cunning calculation; he was acutely aware that no matter the fiery spirit and burgeoning wisdom Acetash displayed, he could summon an army of his older, more formidable children at any moment.
The realization dawned on Acetash that the old man's praise masked a shrewd strategy, a reminder that his victories here were but stepping stones in a larger game where the stakes were ever-increasing.
The duel of wills was far from over, and the looming threat of defeat hung palpably in the air, cloaked in a veneer of mentorship .
/ Time Skip /