Certainly, Gromar’s newfound zeal and resolve had not gone unnoticed by the spirit of evil, for it tried ceaselessly to hinder it. Yet, with his newfound knowledge, this guile had not gone unrecognized by the Goblin: who had by now begun to recognize the origin of his inner turmoil. And so, in taking heed of the sermon delivered by Avi, and in imploring to definitively silence the intruding whispers, he arose one night and wandered unescorted into the dense woodland. Then, seating himself cross-legged upon the rough earth, he inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. It was silent, barring the subtle sounds of chirping crickets and rustling leaves. Then, after no more than a few minutes, the serene silence was abruptly interrupted by the sound of bloodcurdling screams. Once more, he was amongst the ruins of his devastated village.

But this time, something was different, as held tightly within his grasp was a sharp dagger. In this instance, it became suddenly apparent to Gromar that his vision had perplexingly departed slightly from what he remembered. But aside from this small alteration, the scene ensued largely the same. That is, there remained the same toxic smell of smoke, and the same hideously gory visuals. Noticeably, in another deviation from memory, the charred remains of his family were presented before him. Likewise, the unrecognizable corpse of the aged Uct was also ever-present. Anguished at what was once more being presented, Gromar sought desperately to escape.

Then, from over his shoulder whispered a voice. Feeling a shiver descend down his spine, Gromar turned, but alas the culprit could not be seen. Nonetheless, the voice persisted. It spoke of suggestive remarks in one ear, then switched to the other.

“Strike” it said, “Strike and avenge them!”

It was as if the voice was pointing, as Gromar’s attention was suddenly fixated on a specific human soldier. He was isolated from the others and was armed with a torch; his steel sword being holstered on his waist.

“He is vulnerable” the voice persisted, “So strike… blood for blood”.

As a strong wave of anger and irritability flowed over Gromar, he could not help but tighten his grasp on the dagger. He could vividly envision himself launching towards the unaccompanied soldier and sinking his blade deep into his flesh. In fact, so vivid was this envisioned reality, that it felt like a memory of something that had already happened. Surely, the spirit of evil was behind such delusions and was imploring to tempt and torment him.

But he did not strike, nor did he flee. After all, he could still recall what Avi and told him and how his attempt to escape bondage and avenge his circumstances via violent retribution were ultimately fruitless. Indeed, he also recalled how breaking his meditative state was also what the spirit of evil desired. And so, although struggling greatly, he resisted both urges and released the dagger: which vanished upon contacting the ground. Truly, the spirit of evil was both shamed and embarrassed by the outcome.

“Strike! Strike Coward!” the voice once more proclaimed, though this time in a mighty roar. As it spoke, a strong breeze suddenly descended unto the trees and a powerful shadow blotted the previously blue sky. Once more, the dagger presented itself in Gromar’s hand. Then, one by one, the many corpses littering the scorched earth begun to arise. They remained bloodied, with some missing limbs and others bearing protruding arrows. Their wounds appeared fresh, and pouring from their deep lacerations was more blood than would seem possible. In what appeared like a mass hysteria, they emitted a belittling concoction of laughs and chants saying “Strike! Strike! Strike Coward!” and “Blood for blood! Strike! Strike!”. For a second time, the vulnerable soldier presented himself before Gromar, only this time unarmed. He knelt down and tilted his head as to expose his neck. Throughout this entire ordeal the spirit of evil persisted in provoking the now terrified Goblin.

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This is not real… this is not real… you will not hamper my resolve… may this nightmare go with thee to destruction.

Admittedly, he could not help but be both baffled and petrified at what was unfolding. But truly, he also had a great degree of faith, for even under the circumstances presented before him, he was yet to falter. Once more, he remembered Avi's lamentable tale, and recalled the folly of succumbing to hatred and bloodlust. Again, the spirit of evil was shamed and embarrassed by the outcome of this attempted ploy.

But the insidious force orchestrating this entire nightmare was not finished and proceeded to temporarily take away Gromar’s vision. When it came back, the scene had been reset. Though this time, in deviating from the passive role of the human soldiers - that is, passive insofar that they hadn't previously recognized his presence - they this time began to charge at Gromar. Certainly, the spirit of evil was desperate and was attempting to frighten and subsequently awaken him. With loud roars echoing throughout the encapsulated village, the soldiers unsheathed their swords and readied their polearms. Then they began to charge the resilient Goblin. As perhaps the most apparent indicator that this was a desperate final attempt, the spirit of evil itself appeared amongst the savagely approaching soldiers. It was manifested as a mighty shadow, both towering in appearance and menacing in aura. But truly, Gromar was resolute in his resolve, and for a third time he shamed and embarrassed the spirit of evil. Ignoring the approaching horde, he instead fell to his knees and looked upwards to the sky.

“O Heavens, hear me! My resolve is firm, and I await in stillness for the Light within to make itself known! He cried aloud, “And I say to you, O Spirit of evil, may this nightmare and thee go to destruction, and may the Inner Light illuminate my heart!”

With these very words, a powerful rumbling reverberated all around. Next, the ground begun to crack, and the savage horde of soldiers suddenly ceased their charge. The spirit of evil appeared both confused and afraid, as its demands for the horde to continue were outright ignored. Instead, the soldiers begun to cower. From the cracks in the ground shot out rays of light.

Then, before Gromar could properly contemplate what was happening, the brimming ground all around ruptured and exploded, sending forth an all-encompassing light that vaporized everything excluding himself. Although attempting vainly to shield itself, even the spirit of evil was not safe, and so it swiftly retreated.

It was in this moment that Gromar abruptly and involuntarily awoke from his meditation. Instantly, he fell back onto the foliage and laid there for a moment in silence. His eyes were teary, and he was feeling an incomprehensible mixture of emotions.

How does one contemplate on such an experience?

I… I finally did it… I faced the nightmares directly, and the Inner Light… it is real!

“Child of My creation, Listen…” spoke an authoritative voice. Startled, Gromar arose and darted his eyes around the wilderness; trying to attach the voice to a face. But alas, there was no figure. Realizing what was happening, the still teary-eyed Goblin submissively fell to his knees and prostrated with his forehead connecting with the ground.

“Take heed, for you have been chosen. Arise, and persist in your learning, for in thy enlightenment, thou will one day illuminate the path for others… And remember henceforward, My child, I am always with you”.

With that, it fell silent. But Gromar didn’t need any more words to be spoken, for the few words that had just been uttered were enough. In reassuring that this was not a cruel joke, he once more darted his eyes around the forest. Although validating his experience, he also noted that he was not entirely alone, for observing from the foliage with a large grin was Avi. Acknowledging that his presence had been noticed, the old monk stepped forward and let out a proud laugh.

“I take it your endeavor was a success” he said. In response, Gromar nodded affirmingly, and so Avi continued. “The Divine Creator be magnified! You must tell me all!”