I continued to follow Arin, my senses on high alert as we climbed higher up the mountain. The air grew colder and thinner, and I could feel the weight of the mountain's ancient energy pressing down upon me.
As we walked, the path grew narrower and more treacherous, winding its way through rocky outcroppings and hidden crevices. I stumbled once, my foot slipping on a patch of loose gravel, and Arin caught my arm, his grip like a vice.
"Careful," he said, his eyes glinting in the fading light. "The mountain can be unforgiving."
I nodded, feeling a shiver run down my spine. There was something about Arin's words that made me feel uneasy, like I was walking into a trap. I tried to shake off the feeling, telling myself that Arin was just trying to help me, but the sense of unease lingered.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountain in a dark, eerie light, Arin finally stopped in front of a massive stone door. The door was adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of great battles and powerful magic.
"Welcome to my home," Arin said, his voice low and mysterious. "Here, you will learn the secrets of the mountain, and you will discover the true power of the sword."
I felt a surge of excitement mixed with fear as I stepped through the doorway, following Arin into the unknown.
Arin led me to a spacious chamber deep within his home, the walls lined with shelves containing ancient tomes and strange artifacts. He gestured for me to sit, and I did so, feeling a sense of trepidation.
"I'll get straight to the point," Arin said, his eyes piercing. "You need to train and cultivate. For a whole year."
I shook my head immediately. "I can't do that," I said. "My family will be worried sick about me. I have to get back to them."
Arin's expression remained unreadable. "Time flows differently here," he said. "A year here is equivalent to only a month in the normal world."
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. A month was still a long time, but it was better than being away from my family for a whole year.
"Fine," I said reluctantly. "I'll do it. But if I find out you're lying to me, there will be consequences."
Arin nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I'm not lying to you," he said. "Now, let us begin your training. We have a lot of work to do."
With that, Arin gestured to a nearby door, and I stood up, feeling a sense of trepidation. What lay ahead, and would I be able to survive the training?
I decided to ask Arin more questions about the training. "What can I expect from this training?" I asked.
Arin's expression turned serious. "The training has four stages," he said. "Each stage will be more challenging than the last. You'll be pushed to your limits, and beyond."
I felt a surge of excitement. "I'm ready," I said. "Let's begin."
Arin nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Very well," he said. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
With a wave of his hand, Arin summoned a magical beast. It was a massive creature, with scales as black as coal and eyes that glowed like embers.
"This is a Shadow Wyrm," Arin said. "It will be your training partner for the first two stages."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination. "Let's do this."
The Shadow Wyrm charged at me, its claws swiping through the air. I tried to defend myself, but the beast was too powerful. It knocked me to the ground, and I felt a wave of pain wash over me.
I got back to my feet, determined to try again. But the second attempt was no better than the first. The Shadow Wyrm beat me badly, leaving me bruised and battered.
Arin watched me with an impassive expression. "You're not giving up, are you?" he asked.
I shook my head, gritting my teeth. "No, I'm not giving up."
The third attempt was different. I managed to land a few blows on the Shadow Wyrm, and it stumbled backward, injured. But I didn't kill it. Something about the beast's eyes stayed my hand.
Arin nodded, a hint of approval in his voice. "Well done," he said. "You're making progress."