Chapter 6: The Forest of Echoes
Clinton stood at the forest's edge, arms crossed, staring into the sea of black trees that looked like they wanted to swallow him whole.
"This seems like a terrible idea," he muttered.
> "Correction: It's an excellent idea," Narvek replied. "The Forest of Echoes is rich with spiritual anomalies. Perfect for early-stage refinement—and possibly a Moon-Petal Bloom."
"You want me to risk my life for a flower?"
> "Not just any flower. The Moon-Petal contains a unique energy signature. If consumed, it may begin unlocking your hidden meridians. Your growth rate will increase tenfold. Assuming you don't die."
"Comforting."
Clinton tightened the belt on his robe and stepped into the forest.
Instantly, the air grew cold. The thick canopy filtered out the moonlight, leaving the world around him in eerie twilight. Every tree creaked. Every gust of wind sounded like a whisper.
He walked slowly, every nerve alert.
"Why is this place so creepy?"
> "Residual soul energy. Many died here with regrets. Some voices echo."
"…Cool."
Something flickered between the trees.
A faint figure—too pale, too still.
Then it was gone.
Clinton sped up, following Narvek's mental directions.
Eventually, he came to a clearing bathed in pale silver light. At its center stood an altar of mossy stone. On it bloomed a radiant flower—each petal shimmering like moonlight on still water.
"The Moon-Petal," he whispered.
> "Harvest it. But be prepared. This place is not unguarded."
As if on cue, a chill swept the clearing.
From behind the altar rose a shape.
Clinton froze.
It was him—but not quite. The figure had his face, but its eyes were dull, and its movements robotic. A version of him without life, without will.
> "A Soul Reflection. Born from the forest's echo and your own weaknesses. Defeat it, and you'll gain more than just the flower."
The reflection lunged without warning.
Clinton blocked with his wooden sword—just in time.
Clack!
He stepped back, swinging again, but the double mirrored every move.
He was fighting… himself.
> "You cannot win like this," Narvek said. "Use unpredictability. Think differently."
Clinton feinted left—then dropped the sword completely and punched the reflection in the jaw.
The copy blinked.
Clinton tackled it, driving both fists into its chest. It stumbled. Glitched.
He snatched the Moon-Petal Bloom and shoved it into his mouth.
Light exploded in his vision. His body convulsed.
He fell to his knees—trembling as energy surged through his meridians.
> "Your spiritual pathways are beginning to awaken. The Moon-Petal's effect is working. You've taken your first step into true cultivation."
Clinton gasped, breath coming fast. His skin glowed faintly, and a strange warmth coiled in his core.
"…That was insane," he said.
> "And effective," Narvek added. "We're just getting started."
Behind them, the forest stirred.
Far away, something opened its eyes.
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Chapter 6: The Forest of Echoes (Part 2)
Clinton sat in the clearing, breathing slowly, letting the warmth in his body settle.
> "Remain still," Narvek instructed. "Your internal energy is unstable. Let the Moon-Petal Qi circulate naturally through your meridians."
Clinton obeyed. He sat cross-legged, eyes closed, focusing on the slow, spiraling pulse inside him. It felt… strange. Like something ancient had just woken up within.
> "Good. Your dantian is beginning to form structure. With time and more refinement, you'll be able to store Qi properly instead of just leaking it like a cracked jug."
"Gee, thanks again," Clinton mumbled.
> "You're welcome."
Time passed in silence.
Eventually, he opened his eyes. The clearing was calm again. The strange echo of the reflection had vanished, as though it had never been there. Only the faint shimmer of grass and the half-crushed petals of the Moon-Petal remained.
Clinton stood, wobbling slightly. His body still ached, but there was a difference now. His steps felt grounded. Balanced. He was still him—but upgraded.
He made his way back through the trees, cautiously avoiding the whispering shadows. As he neared the exit of the forest, Narvek spoke again.
> "Your progress will need to be concealed. If others detect your growth too soon, they'll grow suspicious. Jealousy breeds problems. Hide your strength until it is strong enough to protect itself."
"Right… no flashy sword tricks in front of Scar-Face."
> "Correct. Let them underestimate you. Let them think you're weak."
Clinton smirked. "Until they're eating dirt."
> "Preferably face-first."
By the time he reached the Outer Sect gates, the sky had begun to brighten. Morning was near. He slipped past the patrols, returning to his quarters quietly. No one had noticed he was gone.
Inside his tiny training room, Clinton collapsed onto his bedroll.
His limbs felt like stone. His mind was still buzzing from everything.
He clutched the wooden sword at his side.
And for the first time since waking up in this bizarre world…
He smiled.
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End of Chapter 6 (Completed)