The two continued to share stories about Eston's son, painting a vivid picture of the young man he had been. As memories flowed, an hour slipped by in heartfelt conversation. Eventually, Eston rose from his seat, his eyes reflecting gratitude.

"Thank you, Bane. I really needed to talk about him today," Eston expressed, a mixture of emotions in his voice.

Bane nodded earnestly, his empathy shining through. "It was my honor to listen, Uncle Eston. And I promise, I won't let you down."

Eston's gaze softened with a smile. "I have no doubt about that, Bane. Just embrace this new path with all your heart, and that's all I could ask for."

"Thank you, Uncle," Bane responded, a sense of warmth spreading within him.

Eston's smile widened as he affectionately ruffled Bane's long hair. "After Garrik's training session tomorrow, come to my study."

Bane's face lit up. "Of course, Uncle. I'll be there."

With a final pat on Bane's shoulder, Eston took his leave, leaving Bane with a mix of emotions and a newfound determination.

As Eston departed, two maids entered the room, carrying a tray laden with an assortment of nourishing foods. Their soft smiles were welcoming as they set the tray before Bane.

"Master Eston has instructed us to provide you with these meals to aid in your recovery," one of the maids explained. "The selections include whole grain pastas, cereals, and breads; brown rice, an array of fruits and vegetables; fish, baked chicken, and beans. We hope you find them to your liking."

Bane offered a grateful nod, his appetite stirred by the sight of the hearty spread. The maids left the room, allowing Bane to enjoy his meal in solitude once more.

Bane felt his stomach growl as the aromatic scents of the food wafted up from the tray before him. He eagerly picked up a fork and dug into the whole-grain pasta, appreciating the slightly nutty flavor and the firm texture. The pasta was paired with a rich tomato sauce that carried a hint of herbs and garlic, offering a burst of tangy and savory notes that danced on his taste buds.

Moving on to the cereals and slices of bread, Bane sampled a mix of crunchy granola topped with a dollop of creamy yogurt. The granola provided a delightful combination of sweetness from dried fruits and a satisfying crunch from nuts. The slices of bread were soft and freshly baked, with a mild sweetness that complemented the spreads he layered atop them.

The brown rice was next, accompanied by an array of colorful vegetables. Bane appreciated the hearty texture of the rice and the way it absorbed the flavors of the vegetables and a touch of soy sauce. Each bite offered a balance of earthy and slightly salty tastes that left him feeling nourished and satisfied.

As he moved on to the fruits and vegetables, Bane savored the sweetness of ripe berries and the refreshing crunch of crisp cucumbers. The medley of colors and textures made each mouthful a vibrant and invigorating experience, and he relished the natural sweetness of the produce.

The fish and baked chicken were cooked to perfection, offering tender and juicy bites. The fish carried a delicate smokiness and a hint of lemon, while the baked chicken was seasoned with a mix of herbs that infused the meat with a warm and aromatic flavor.

Finally, Bane sampled the beans, which were seasoned with a blend of spices that added depth and complexity to the dish. The beans had a creamy texture that contrasted nicely with the spices, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that lingered on his palate.

As Bane indulged in each dish, he marveled at the variety of flavors and textures that the meal offered. It was clear that the maids had put thought and care into creating a balanced and delicious spread that catered to his recovery. With each bite, he felt a renewed sense of energy and gratitude for the kindness shown to him.

With his stomach now pleasantly full, Bane reached for the book resting on the pedestal beside his bed. He opened its pages and delved into the world of "The History of the Yobian Empire," immersing himself in the tales of the past. The words flowed before his eyes, painting vivid pictures of triumphs, struggles, and the rise of a once humble farm boy named Tumen Yobian.

As he read another chapter, the details of the Yobian Empire's formation and growth came alive. He visualized Tumen's journey from a lowly farmer's son to a talented dominion seeker, and then an adventurer who carved his path through challenges. The narrative was filled with twists and turns, victories and defeats, and it kept him captivated.

The world outside his window dimmed with the passage of time, but Bane was absorbed in the story. The flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows across the pages, creating an atmosphere of enchantment that drew him further into the historical tapestry.

Gradually, the weight of the day and the satisfying meal began to catch up with him. His eyes grew heavy, and the words on the pages blurred together. Bane's head drooped slightly as his mind succumbed to the pull of sleep, the book slipping gently from his grasp. He surrendered to the comfort of his bed, his breathing steady and calm as he embarked on another journey—this time within the realm of dreams.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Back in the ethereal realm once more, Bane felt the sense of familiarity wash over him. This time, he decided to explore his spatial realm more deliberately. As he walked through the breathtaking landscape, he marveled at the beauty that surrounded him. The expanse seemed to stretch on forever, a world untouched by time or mortal concerns.

The air held a serene quality, carrying a hint of fragrant blooms and the gentle rustling of unseen leaves. Each step he took was like walking on a cloud, the ground beneath his feet giving a soft and cushioned sensation. The colors were vivid yet calming, a symphony of blues and greens that blended seamlessly together.

Bane's attention was drawn to a sparkling river that wound its way through the landscape. Its water was crystal clear, reflecting the azure sky above. He knelt down and dipped his fingers into the water, feeling its coolness against his skin. The sensation was refreshing, invigorating even his ethereal form.

As he continued his exploration, he came across a cluster of vibrant flowers, their petals adorned with intricate patterns and hues that seemed to shift and change with each passing moment. The beauty of these blossoms was unlike anything he had ever seen in the waking world.

With every step, Bane felt a sense of calm and tranquility envelop him. The worries and concerns of the physical realm were left behind, and he found himself lost in the serenity of this ethereal landscape. He walked for what felt like an eternity, admiring the natural wonders that surrounded him.

But as the landscape stretched on, a thought began to tug at the edges of his mind. He remembered his intention—to explore until he woke up. The desire to return to reality, to the world with its challenges and uncertainties, gradually grew stronger. With a final gaze at the endless horizon, Bane took a deep breath and touched the tree.

When he opened them again, he found himself back in his bed, in the familiar surroundings of his room. The transition was seamless, as if he had never left. The ethereal realm had faded, leaving behind only a sense of wonder and a memory of the beauty he had experienced.

Bane lay there for a moment, contemplating the dream-like world he had visited within his mind. It was a place of solace, a realm untouched by the limitations of the physical world. As he pondered the experience, he felt a renewed sense of determination. The beauty of that world, the serenity it offered, became a reminder of what he aimed to achieve in the waking realm—the creation of a better world, one where such beauty was not confined to dreams, but a reality for all to enjoy.

***

After two hours of training, Bane stood before Garrik, the two engaged in conversation about his progress.

"So, you've mastered the barbarian squat that I've taught you," Garrik stated.

"In a way, yes. I fully understand the basics of it, and my body seems to instinctively follow the correct form when I do it because of this understanding," Bane replied.

Garrik seemed impressed as he continued, "Now that you've awakened as a dominion seeker, your success in battles will often hinge on your ability to work in tandem with your beast tame. Given that, I believe wielding a short blade might not be the most optimal choice for you at the moment."

With purpose, Garrik moved toward a weapon rack and retrieved an unfamiliar weapon. Bane curiously tilted his head, observing Garrik's actions. As the older man approached him, Bane could see the weapon more clearly.

"Take this," Garrik instructed, presenting the weapon to Bane.

Accepting it, Bane asked, "What is this?"

"That, my young student, is a longbow."

"A longbow?" Bane repeated, intrigue clear in his voice.

"Indeed, a longbow," Garrik confirmed with a nod. "It's a traditional ranged weapon, well-suited for dominion seekers like yourself. Unlike a short blade, a longbow allows you to engage your opponents from a distance, utilizing your dominion abilities more effectively."

He took a moment to examine the longbow in Bane's hands before continuing, "The longbow requires both strength and precision. Drawing the bowstring and releasing it accurately demands physical prowess and mental focus. It might seem challenging at first, but with practice, it can become a powerful asset in your arsenal."

Garrik's eyes bore into Bane's, his tone growing more earnest. "Remember, Bane, you're an awakened dominion seeker, possessing unique potential. Your connection to your spatial realm gives you an advantage, and mastering the longbow could amplify that advantage even further."

He then stepped back, allowing Bane to get a better feel for the weapon. "Take your time to familiarize yourself with it. We'll begin your training with the longbow tomorrow. Until then, rest and gather your strength."

Bane gripped the longbow, a mixture of excitement and determination building within him. "Thank you, Master Garrik. I'll put my all into learning how to use this."

Garrik's lips curled into a small smile. "I have no doubt that you will, Bane. Your journey as an awakened has only just begun."

From his sling bag, Garrik produced a book that he had brought with him. He extended it towards Bane with a confident smile. "I'm certain this will aid you in mastering the longbow."

Bane bowed his head in appreciation, his gratitude evident. "Thank you, master. This is greatly appreciated." He glanced at the book's cover, and his smile grew even more pronounced.

The title on the cover caught his attention: "A Beginner's Guide to Archery."

Bane looked back up at Garrik with renewed determination. "I'm ready to learn this."

Garrik's approving nod conveyed his confidence in Bane's abilities. "I have no doubt you'll grasp it quickly. Study well, and we'll put your newfound knowledge to practice in a week's time."

With those words, Garrik walked away, leaving Bane with a sense of anticipation for the training session ahead. Holding the guide in his hands, Bane knew he was on the cusp of an exciting chapter in his journey.

With his new weapon and guide in hand, Bane hurriedly made his way to his room. He carefully set the book on his desk, ensuring it would be a valuable resource for his future learning. Swiftly changing into more appropriate attire, he readied himself for the meeting he was about to have.

Before leaving his room, he grabbed a slice of fresh bread from the kitchen, savoring its simple and comforting taste as he walked toward Eston's study. The anticipation of the conversation ahead fueled his steps, and he felt a mixture of curiosity and determination as he approached his destination.