Chapter 16: The Breaking Point
As the days turned into weeks, Kumo found himself struggling to keep pace with Ryu, his every misstep met with a harsh glare and a sharp word.
Despite his best efforts, he couldn't shake the feeling of being useless that he felt with each passing day.
And then, one fateful morning during a quest, it all came to a head.
Ryu: "Kumo, you're slowing us down. Again."
Kumo's heart sank as he felt Ryu's eyes boring into him, the weight of his disappointment almost too much to bear.
Kumo: "I'm sorry, Ryu. I'm trying my best."
But Ryu wasn't having it.
Ryu: "Your best isn't good enough, Kumo. You're holding us back."
Kumo's chest tightened with a surge of anger and frustration. How could Ryu be so cruel?
Kumo: "I... I'll do better, I promise."
But Ryu had already turned away, his patience worn thin.
Ryu: "I don't have time for promises, Kumo. Either shape up or ship out."
With those words ringing in his ears, Kumo felt something inside him snap. The weight of Ryu's disdain was too much to bear.
In that moment, he made a decision.
Kumo: "Fine, Ryu. If that's how you feel, then maybe I'm better off on my own."
And with that, he turned on his heel and stormed off into the wilderness, his heart heavy with sorrow and resolve.
For days, Kumo wandered through the dark and treacherous depths of the Hell Forest, his every step a testament to his determination to prove himself.