‘Talking about finding your limits inspired me, Ryan. I think I have found your next task!’ Master said with a devious grin.

Shit. I shouldn’t have celebrated so early… I knew this would happen…

Master rubbed his hands together and continued, ‘Since you have become quite adept with the sound-proof barrier, we will go for the invisibility and soundproof shield.’

‘You mean, you want me to merge two properties at once?’ I asked.

‘Exactly. You have shown me your talent. You can’t let me down Ryan!’

‘Well I will try my best, but I can’t guarantee anything master.’ I answered unconvinced.

‘Ryan, as my disciple you should be more confident in yourself! What will other think if you behave that way once you leave the witch’s den? Chin up. Okay?’

‘I understand master. I will give everything I have.’ I said while straightening my back.

‘Good don’t forget your words.’

‘First thing first, to turn invisible you need to make an optical illusion. The light of your shield must blend into the environment. Imagine the particles of your shield refracting light around you, so that you become indistinguishable from your surroundings. Then, focus on merging this optical illusion with your soundproof shield.’

‘Understood, master.’

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of my divine power within. I visualized my shield extending outwards, not just absorbing sound but now also refracting light. I imagined every particle of divine energy bending the light around me, creating a perfect camouflage.

When I opened my eyes, I felt a strange sensation. It was as if I had become one with the forest around me. The thin golden blanket enveloping my body turned completely invisible to the naked eye, but I could still feel it on my skin.

‘Very good, Ryan. Now, walk around a bit. See if you can maintain both properties of your shield at once.’

I cautiously took a step forward, expecting my shield to shatter. To my surprise, I remained invisible and completely silent. Encouraged, I walked further and faster. Before I knew it, I was running in the forest at top speed.

‘Impressive, Ryan. You’re adapting quickly to this. Now, let’s take it a step further. You will try to keep that defense up while inside one of my worst nightmares.’

THUMP.

My heart skipped a beat.

Having to witness my master worst nightmare would take a toll on my mind. But, staying hidden while watching it, being unable to intervene - Would be pure torture.

‘Master do we really have to do that?’ I asked, unwilling.

‘Yes we must. You have to enter the witch worst nightmare who is probably as traumatic as mine. You must be prepared to stay undetected under any circumstances.’

‘Alright,’ I answered, ‘but could we make it a simple nightmare first. I am not ready yet.’

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‘No Ryan, we can’t. You will never be ready to witness my worst nightmares even if you witness some of the lighter ones beforehand. No one can be ready for that. But you need to try your best to face it while staying hidden. I hope you succeed one your first try because I don’t want you to have to relieve this nightmare again. It wouldn’t be fair to you.’

I nodded with apprehension, ‘Fine. I will do my best.’

Master bit his lips, the look on his face was unfathomable.

‘Good luck Ryan. You will need it.’

Then everything around me turned dark.

I focused to put my shields on, turning my divine power into an impenetrable cloak, to mask my presence entirely from master.

I looked around but everything remained pitch-black. There was no sound or light at all.

Then I saw something I didn’t expect.

I saw a child.

The child was standing alone in the darkness. Trembling and crying. His clothes were torn and his body was riddled with nasty scars. His hand and feet bound by metallic chains.

He seemed to be calling out for someone, but no sound reached my ears.

The silent cry for help tore my heart.

I reminded myself that this was a nightmare, a mere illusion created by my master’s mind. I had to stay hidden, despite the overwhelming urge to run to the child and save him.

Suddenly a man appeared.

The child froze, terror filling his traits.

"Hello, my cute Eldric. Did you miss me?" The man asked with a devious smile.

The child stayed silent, trembling in fear.

"Seems like you didn't. Well it doesn't matter. I missed you."

The man approached young Eldric and took something out of the hearth. A hot metal pipe.

Then he added, "Today is the day I will make you mine forever."

The child looked at the man and begged him for mercy.

"Please no don't do this... I beg you..."

The man smiled viciously, "don't worry Eldric it will only hurt for a bit."

Then, he branded the child with red-hot iron.

"Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

When i heard the child heart-wrenching screams, my heart and shield trembled as one.

Just as I was about to lose control, master’s voice echoed in my mind: Stay hidden, no matter what.

I wanted to jump forward and kill that monster to save my master, but I held myself back, knowing I couldn't change anything anymore. This was just a memory. I though to hold on, focusing on my shield, making sure it wouldn't shatter.

The sizzling sound of burning flesh, the terrible scent, the despaired screams - everything felt so real I nearly jumped forward to rescue the kid.

"You are my slave now, my dear Eldric. Don't forget it. You are mine and mine alone."

The man devilish words and actions made me tremble from rage. I wanted to kill him from the bottom of my heart but I kept my shield steady and stayed still.

The scene changed abruptly.

The darkness lifted slightly, revealing a desolate landscape. The child was now at the edge of a cliff, looking down into the abyss. His small frame trembled with fear, and I could see him mouthing words, pleading to a man.

“Please don’t do that, I can still be of use… I will do anything…”

“Nope. You aren’t needed anymore, master told me to dispose of you. I can’t disobey him and you know it. Don’t give me that look, It’s not my fault. You should blame your own bad luck for ending up in the hands of that lunatic.”

“Please I beg you, please…. I don’t want to die.”

“No can do kid. Your time is up.”

Then the man pushed the kid off the cliff.

I clenched my fists, struggling to maintain my focus. This was the true test—remaining hidden. Always.

I took a deep breath and reinforced my shields, visualizing the particles of my divine energy refracting the light and absorbing the sound around me. The golden blanket enveloping me remained invisible and soundproof, a perfect camouflage.

Before falling to his death, the boy’s eyes widened in terror, and for a moment, our gazes met.

My heart ached terribly. I wanted to run to him, to save his life, but I knew I couldn’t. Everything had already happened, nothing would change if I stepped forward.

The boy screamed in terror as he fell to his death.

"Ahhhhhhhhh." His heart-wrenching scream pierced my heart like an arrow.

My shield trembled. I nearly lost control over it.

Then the sound stopped.

The nightmare ended.

Master appeared before me again, with a complicated expression on his face.

'You did well Ryan, you really did."

'Master, you ... I didn't know you had this kind of past... How did you survive the fall?"

'My gift awoke on time. I was lucky.' Replied my master grimly.

'I... don't know what to say ... I shouldn't have seen this...'

'No Ryan, you had to. It was the only way to make sure you are ready to enter the witch worst nightmare.'

Then master voice changed, he said lightly, 'Congratulation my disciple you are ready to confront the witch.'