Karn's footsteps reverberated through his entire being as he sprinted, his heart pounding with each stride. Astounded by the distance he’d covered filled him with a rush.
Yet he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness as he glanced back towards the city as it receded into the distance. The reunion with his father was marred by the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
His father had revealed that the only way for Karn to reclaim his own body was to complete the trial of strengths. At first glance, the trial seemed simple: reach the point where the Dragon first opened his eyes within this realm. However, he soon learned that the peak was located on a treacherous mountain far to the south of the city.
Seeking more clarification, Karn questioned further, only to discover that the rules of the trial prohibited any more that what his father had told him.
With a bittersweet feeling in his chest, he continued on his journey, emotionally drained from the reunion. And yet, he couldn’t help but feel tiny pang of resentment. A familiar sense of abandonment he’d felt all his childhood. He knew it wasn’t rational. His father was not to blame.
Karn sigh as he ran, wondering if the same fate had befallen his mother or if she existed as a spirit among the billions that hovered above.
His thoughts grew darker as he ran through the vast grassland, devoid of the vibrant life he had come to expect. A mountain loomed ahead, like a jagged spiral in the distance. He knew he was getting close to the battlefield the locals had warned him about.
Karn unique ethereal position in the realm made the journey much easier. He barely broke a sweat as he ran and easily avoided being bitten by a venomous snake along the way which passed right through his intangible body. This only served to lighten his step as he laughed as he ran.
As he approached the mountain, with its towering spike that reached into the clouds, he murmured to himself, "This is going to take a while."
His father's words echoed in his mind, reminding him, "Time is not your ally." With renewed determination, he quickened his pace.
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In the distance, a clash of swords echoed, accompanied by the rising dust stirred by men on horseback. The clang of battle echoed from his right, far enough to maintain a safe distance, yet close enough to make Karn feel their presence. He turned his head to glimpse the clash, witnessing white souls ascending to the sky as the realm claimed the fallen warriors. Ignoring the cries of panic and war, Karn understood he couldn’t sway the balance in either direction. His ethereal body could only observe.
Maintaining a swift pace, Karn focused on his breathing, relishing the exhilarating speed he had never experienced before. It made him feel almost invincible. As he drew near to the mountain, he spotted the entrance to the trail. Just as he was about to begin the ascent, a voice echoed beside him.
He turned to see an old woman standing hunched and forlorn, cradling her back as she gazed up at the mountain.
Their eyes met, and the woman let out a startled shriek, mistaking Karn for one of the warriors who had strayed from the battle.
Karn raised his arms in a calming gesture, saying, "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm just going up there." Taking a few steps forward, he noticed the woman sobbing uncontrollably. Concerned, he approached her gently and instinctually placed a hand on her shoulder, flinching as he felt the fabric of her clothing, surprised that he had the ability to touch her.
“My husband!” she cried and clutched at Karns shirt.
Tears ran down her face as worry controlled her faculties. She looked up and cried.
"Husband? Where is he? Is he hurt?" Karn asked alarmed.
Through her tears, the old woman managed a nod and pointed up the mountain. "We lost our grandson, and my foolish, stubborn husband thought he could climb the mountain and ask the Dragon to bring him back."
Karn's eyes widened in disbelief. "He went all the way up there?"
Shaking his head, Karn knew the difficulty of the journey, even for himself, let alone an old man.
"Can you please find my husband and bring him down?" the woman pleaded, with desperation in her eyes.
Karn studied the woman, her pleas tugging at his heartstrings, and nodded, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "I will." Though he understood the gravity of his mission, her heartfelt cries resonated with his own.
As he prepared to take a step forward, the woman grasped his arm tightly. Karn looked down at her, puzzled. "You can't come with me."
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "He won't listen to you. He’s a stubborn old fool."
Karn furrowed his brow. "He won't what?"
"He won't listen. Even if you tell him to come down," she explained, her grip on his arm tightening.
Karn sighed. This unexpected detour would cost him precious time, and as his father had repeated, time was not on his side. He stared resolutely at the mountain, determination flickering in his gaze. He had covered this entire distance effortlessly, but now he faced a difficult choice.
With resolve, he knelt down, offering his back to the old woman. "Well then, you might as well climb on."