Chương 14: THE CAVERN OF BEGINNINGS

"Uncle, what is this?"

"How many times do I have to tell you that you shouldn't call me uncle but Master?"

In the middle of an expansive open field, a plain-looking dojo stood with an understated elegance. The dojo's structure was simple, built from weathered wood that had aged gracefully under the sun and elements, giving it a rustic charm. Its walls were sturdy, constructed with traditional wooden planks that bore the marks of time, their rich brown hues blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

The roof was gently sloped, covered with dark, weather-resistant tiles that provided reliable protection against the elements. At each corner of the roof, small ornamental carvings added a touch of subtle artistry, hinting at the care and craftsmanship that went into the dojo's construction.

Large sliding doors dominated the front of the building, made of the same weathered wood, with paper panes that allowed a soft, diffused light to filter into the interior. The doors were typically open during the day, inviting a gentle breeze and the sounds of nature to enter, creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere.

A simple, unadorned wooden sign hung above the entrance, bearing the name of the dojo in elegant, calligraphic script. The sign swayed slightly in the wind, its presence both humble and proud, indicating the purpose of the structure without fanfare.

Surrounding the dojo, the open field stretched out in all directions, a sea of green grass that rippled gently in the breeze. Occasionally, the field was dotted with wildflowers, adding splashes of color to the otherwise uniform landscape. The dojo's isolation in the middle of this open field gave it a sense of tranquility and focus, a perfect setting for the practice of martial arts.

A narrow, well-trodden path led up to the dojo, bordered by small stones that guided visitors from the edge of the field to the entrance. Nearby, a few simple wooden benches and a stone water basin provided resting spots for students and visitors alike.

Despite its plain appearance, the dojo exuded a quiet dignity and purpose, a place where discipline, training, and the pursuit of mastery were the central focus. It stood as a testament to the values it upheld, its simplicity a reflection of the purity and dedication of those who practiced within its walls.

And seated in front of this magnificent dojo is a middle aged man and a young boy. The young boy looks like the mini version of Kaelen. And as for the middle aged man, it was apparently the same man that was in Kaelen's mind a few moments ago.

"But aren't you my uncle?" The young boy that is Kaelen in the past asked with a confused look on his face.

"Well I actually am but your parents entrusted me to teach you the way of the sword so at this moment, I am your master" The middle aged man answered with a warm smile on his face.

"What's the way of the sword?" Kaelen asked again with a curious look now on his face.

"I will teach you that another day" The middle aged man answered with a mysterious smile now on his face.

"No!! I want you to teach me now!!" But the mini Kaelen didn't seem to agree as he suddenly began to throw a tantrum.

"Hold on Kaelen, you will make us fall from this chair" The middle aged man quickly said with a surprised look on his face. But it was too late as both him and Kaelen quickly followed the wooden chair which they were on to fall to the ground.

"Now do you see what you have done?" The middle aged man suddenly asked with a displeased look on his face.

"Am sorry" Mini Kaelen quickly replied with a guilty look on his face. When the middle aged man saw this, he suddenly burst out in laughter.

"Why are you laughing uncle?" Mini Kaelen quickly asked with he saw the middle aged man laughing with a confused look on his face.

"Am laughing at how pathetic your face looked at that moment" The middle aged man strugged to say while he tried to suppress his laughter. When Mini Kaelen heard him, his face quickly became beet red before he instantly pounced on the middle aged man while crying out.

"Uncle!!"

...

Back at the Rift Sanctuary hall, the place was still eerily silent as everyone in it placed their gaze on Kaelen. But Kaelen still remained calm and composed as he stood upright in front of the four pillars of the academy.

'How dumb can this kid be?' Sylvester who has been silent in the corner thought with a blank look on his face.

"Are you sure of what you are saying?" But suddenly, Vlahiç suddenly asked with a serious look on his face. But Kaelen's expression didn't flinch as he answered in a calm demeanor.

"Yes Venerable"

"Oh my God, he actually rejected the offer given to him by the pillars of the Academy!!"

"This is just too shocking, I think I might faint"

"I can't believe he can be both dumb and blind to this extent!"

The moment Kaelen confirmed what he said, the students behind instantly began to discuss pretty loudly amongst themselves.

'Kaelen have had a master before?' Morris who stood with the other students behind him thought with a shocked look on his face.

"Well since your mind is made up, then there is nothing we can do about it. Sylvester, give me them there orientation, my presence isn't needed here anymore" Carmilia suddenly spoke up with an indifferent look on her face before she suddenly vanished from that spot she stood and replaced it with particles of ice.

"Yes Venerable" Sylvester replied with a respectful look on his face while he watched Bowen and Vlahiç follow Carmilia to disappear from the hall.

It was only General Cao who still stood on his spot without moving a muscle as he looked at Kaelen with a intrigued expression on his face.

'Why is he looking at me like that?' Kaelen thought with a confused look on his face while he began to feel tense out of General Cao's aura that was weighing down on him.

"Come with me" But right that moment, General Cao suddenly spoke up as he suddenly vanished from where he stood and reappeared right in front of Kaelen.

"Huh!!?" Kaelen muttered in fright as he tried to step back. But it was already too late for him as General Cao have already grabbed his left hand.

"You don't have to worry about him Sylvester, just register him as an internal student. He will get his uniform later" General Cao said as he turned to look at Sylvester.

"Uhh... Ok Venerable" Although he was perplexed by this outcome, Sylvester still answered.

"Good, now let's go" General Cao said while he put his gaze back on Kaelen before both him and Kaelen vanished from that hall.

Where Kaelen finds himself next is a cavern that is filled with strange symbols and runes.

The cavern exuded an aura of ancient mystery. Its entrance, a jagged opening in the side of a rocky hillside, was partially concealed by thick vines and underbrush, as if nature itself was trying to guard its secrets. As one ventured inside, the air grew cooler and carried a faint, metallic scent that hinted at the cavern's untold history.

The ceiling arched high above, lost in shadows, with occasional stalactites hanging like the teeth of some colossal beast. The walls were uneven and craggy, their surfaces covered in a strange, phosphorescent moss that emitted a soft, eerie glow, casting the entire cavern in a ghostly light.

Everywhere Kaelen looked, the walls, floor, and even the ceiling were etched with strange symbols and runes. These markings were of various sizes and styles, some bold and angular, others intricate and flowing. They seemed to pulsate faintly with an otherworldly energy, as if alive with the magic of a forgotten age. The symbols were carved deep into the stone, their grooves filled with a shimmering substance that glowed in hues of blue, green, and gold, creating a mesmerizing, ever-changing tapestry of light.

In the center of the cavern, a massive stone altar stood, its surface covered in more of the enigmatic runes. The altar was circular, with steps leading up to it from all sides, suggesting that it was a focal point for rituals or ceremonies. Surrounding the altar were several stone pillars, each adorned with additional symbols and runes that spiraled upwards in complex patterns.

The floor of the cavern was uneven, with natural stone formations and small pools of crystal-clear water reflecting the glowing runes above. In some areas, the ground was covered in fine, silvery dust that shimmered underfoot, giving the impression of walking on stardust. The air was thick with the scent of earth and ancient stone, mingled with a faint, almost metallic tang that hinted at unknown minerals or magical residues.

Occasionally, the cavern would echo with the sound of dripping water, the droplets falling into the still pools and creating ripples that disturbed the otherwise serene atmosphere. The sound seemed amplified by the cavern's acoustics, adding to the sense of being in a place that existed outside the normal flow of time.

In one corner of the cavern, a small, natural alcove housed a collection of ancient artifacts—ornate bowls, intricately carved figurines, and fragments of what appeared to be ancient tablets, all covered in more of the mysterious runes. These relics seemed to tell a story, one that was long forgotten but still whispered through the cavern's silent halls.

"What is this place Venerable?" Kaelen asked with a curious look on his face. While being solemn at this moment, General Cao answered.

"This place is the cavern of beginnings"