Although Jin knew the punishment could be harsher, he knew he could take advantage of the three months of secluded training at the Cave of Spirits to enhance his skills. He would lose some classes with the instructors, and would also lose contact with his squad. But now he could focus on learning the scroll with the meditation technique that Kirilia gave him.

The Cave of Spirits was the most mysterious place in the Valor Clan, if one had weak guts they would go crazy in there. But rumors said if one had the courage and the talent necessary training there could be of great benefit!

When Elder Ito knew of Jin's punishment, he couldn't help but laugh! He remembered how badly Jin went on the Test of Courage, and how it took him four tries to pass. He believed that Jin was a coward that was going to go crazy in the Cave of Spirits.

The Cave of Spirits was located deep inside the mountain range close to the northwest borders of the clan. Once inside, it was dark and creepy. Not only did this place scare most people, but even though this place used to be considered sacred, now it felt haunted. Many of the disciples thought the cave was haunted by spirits. The Cave of Spirits housed many ancient tombs and there were a variety of strange items inside. Some of these items could be extremely dangerous to anyone foolish enough to approach them. The cave was rumored to be the ancient tomb of the first generation of the Velor Clan members.

As Jin approached the cave while being escorted by some of the clan’s members, he began to tremble with fear. It was because he had never experienced the real horror of the Cave of Spirits! He heard many stories of the terrifying things inside, and he could not believe he actually was going inside it. He stood still and shivered. He tried to calm himself by telling himself he was a disciple of the Velor Clan, and that he should try to keep his mind focused and stay calm when entering the forbidden place. After taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he took a step into the darkness and entered deeper inside the cave.

After walking through the tunnels for a while, Jin saw a flat room. He then realized he had arrived at a satisfying training spot, even if it was covered with some white fog. The cave was surrounded by mist. On the walls were numerous murals depicting the battles from years past of the Clan. In front of him was a giant stone slab and next to the stone slab was a wooden bench. It was quite an ominous place, but something pulled Jin there, and it felt like a place as good as any he could find in the cave.

Jin knew this place was where he would stay for the next three months. He proceeded to light some of the torches, set his provisions and bed making himself home. After setting his camp Jin promptly began studying the scroll from Kirilia, he sat on the ground with his knees pulled up, and rested while reading the scroll. It was difficult to read the scrolls due to the fog covering everything. After some point, he needed a break after reading the scroll for so long, and decided to rest his eyes for a little while to refresh himself.

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His eyes closed slowly as he leaned his head against a rock. Suddenly there was a bright flash of sunlight that shone right into his eyes. He jumped and opened his eyes wide, looking around for the source of the light. When he looked to his right, he realized he wasn't alone.

There, on the opposite side of the chamber, he saw a figure sitting on the stone bench in the middle of the chamber, looking at him. What was going on?

Was it Koyen or Elder Ito coming for him?

Then the figure standing near the stone slab spoke, "It's nice to meet you."

Jin remained confused. Who was that voice? It was a voice that could cause fear in any living being. It was like a ghost speaking. Jin felt strange energy coming from the figure, he responded with his own energy and raised his wooden sword! "Who are you?" Jin yelled. His heart was beating fast as he waited for an answer.

A smile seemed to appear on the face of the figure as the Qi exploded and the figure rushed towards Jin, sending him flying backward and onto the floor! His wooden swords flew out of his hand, as he groaned from the pain and quickly lost conscience.

When Jin woke up he was alone in the cave. What just happened? Was that one of the spirits that haunted the cave? That was the only explanation that Jin could think of, that thing definitely wasn't human. Jin kept watching all day but he couldn't feel that presence again. He tried to get over what just happened, then he decided that he had to do his training immediately.

In the next day after he finished his training Jin was ready to rest, after closing his eyes, he was woken by the same bright flash of sunlight that shone right through the fog into his eyes yesterday. And once again the same figure was standing there looking at him.

What was happening here?! Jin wondered. But this time he was ready for the spirit attack. Jin held his wooden sword tightly and took a defensive stance. He noticed the presence approaching him slowly. Jin moved slightly to the left, trying to keep out of range of attacks. As soon as the figure was close enough, Jin swung his wooden sword and aimed at the chest, aiming for the heart! However, the spirit dodged the attack with ease and continued its advance. Finally, the spirit came too close, and Jin attacked with his wooden sword again using all his Qi with the exploding force of the Justice Strike. But then again the spirit dodged. Now was the spirit that charged his Qi with what seemed the intention of killing! Jin was caught off guard and as he missed his target in the last attack. Jin felt the spirit hit his stomach as he doubled over in pain. When he regained consciousness, the Spirit disappeared before his eyes!

It was a moment of silence as Jin stared astonished at the space where the figure vanished.