Chapter 2: A New Path

  Ryok slowly opened his eyes. His eyelids felt heavy, as if he were on the verge of fainting, and everything around him was slightly blurry. He felt pain all over his body — the tight bandages wrapped around his chest were uncomfortable, but they were the reason he was still alive. He raised his hand and carefully touched his body, trying to remember what had happened. What was this world? Why was he here?

  Fragments of memories raced through his mind: wolves, an old man, a strange system… It all felt like a bizarre nightmare that should have already faded. But no — the sharp pain in his side reminded him it was real. He was still here. This was reality.

  He tensed slightly, but the pain didn’t let him move quickly. His eyes landed on the old man sitting by the door of the hut, busy with something. Ryok remembered how this old man had effortlessly wiped out a pack of red wolves with a single swing of his staff. And now, he looked completely calm, as if such events were part of his daily routine.

  Ryok tried to refocus. He opened the system, and just like before, it appeared before him. The survival quest — he still needed to find a safe place. But one thing was clear: only he could see the system. The old man didn’t even react to the screen opening right in front of him.

  The system displayed information, and Ryok quickly realized there was a lot to study here. But before claiming the reward, he couldn't help but ask:

  — Who are you, old man?

  The old man didn’t respond right away. He just kept doing what he was doing, not even looking up. After a few seconds, he finally turned and said with no interest at all:

  — Since you're healed, get lost.

  Ryok froze. Remembering how the old man had annihilated the wolves with one swing, he couldn’t believe such a person stood before him. Despite the cold response, he tried to remain polite.

  — I… I'm grateful for your help, old man. Maybe you could tell me what’s going on here?

  The old man remained silent. Instead, he pulled a small bottle filled with a glowing green liquid from his belt. Without a word, he handed it to Ryok. A bit puzzled, Ryok took it and drank it without hesitation.

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  The moment the liquid entered his body, something strange happened. He felt it bubble inside him, and his vision suddenly sharpened. He glanced around and noticed a small mirror hanging on the wall of the hut. He froze, staring at his reflection.

  His face was flawless. Full lips, a straight nose, eyes so bright and expressive that they could outshine the sun. But what truly shocked him was how much younger he looked than in his old world. He could hardly believe it was him. He leaned in and touched his face.

  His hair was dark, nearly black, with a faint greenish glow from the light in the room. Thick and slightly wavy, it gave him the look of someone who had just stepped out of an epic action movie. He turned his head, and his hair fell perfectly over his forehead. Ryok couldn’t help but marvel at how attractive he had become.

  — So that’s what I look like now… — he muttered to himself. — Damn, I didn’t expect to be such a heartthrob!

  But as he stepped away from the mirror and looked back at the old man, a thought struck him. He couldn’t afford to waste time. He stood up, straightened his back, and said:

  — I want to become your disciple.

  The old man raised an eyebrow and gave him a puzzled look, then quickly returned to his usual indifferent expression.

  — What? You… what? — The old man frowned but didn’t say anything more, as if this request was utterly ridiculous.

  Ryok leaned slightly forward, trying to look serious. He stood tall, as if silently telling himself, “You can do this.”

  — Please, take me in! I’ll train hard! I’m ready for anything!

  The old man said nothing. He just kept staring at him like someone who had just been asked to train a clueless fool. Ryok went on:

  — Please! I want to be like you! Look like you — well, I mean, look cool… — he stumbled over his words. — I’ll learn everything! I’ll train like hell!

  The old man sighed, lifted his staff, and assumed a tired posture, as if he had been waiting for this kind of question.

  — You really think you’re up for this? — he said, slowly getting up. — Fine. Only because you're persistent. But know this: I won’t go easy on you. The training will be hell. You’ll regret it.

  Ryok nodded with a smile. He could feel his determination growing stronger. He didn’t even notice that he was practically bouncing with excitement. The old man, seeing this enthusiasm, gave him another blank look.

  — Alright then, — said the old man. — Let’s start with something simple. Training begins… now.

  Ryok frowned, expecting something more serious, but the old man suddenly swung his staff toward Ryok’s shoulder. The blow came so fast Ryok barely dodged it, nearly losing his balance. The old man looked at him with no trace of mercy.

  — How’s that strike? Just a warm-up. Get ready — this is only the beginning!

  Ryok froze, tensed up a bit, then shouted back:

  — I’m ready! Bring it on, old man! I’m not afraid!

  The old man glanced at him again, and Ryok knew: this wouldn’t be easy. But he was ready. He had to get stronger. Even if it meant going through hellish training.