As I opened the book after passing the Trial of Will, five paths were revealed before me. The first four, though powerful, did not offer immediate results. In my current state, where survival depended on strength, I had no time to waste. If I didn't grow stronger quickly, I would be dead before I had the chance to explore the other paths.

Thus, I chose the fifth path—the **Path of the Body**.

According to the text, by performing specific body postures in sync with prāṇāyāma, I could temper my body and refine its strength. However, the process was not without its dangers. If I lacked the will to endure the pain, I would never complete it. But hesitation wasn't an option—I had no other way out.

The book warned that if the breathing and poses were not synchronized, not only would the body strengthening slow down, but the pain could become unbearable. The key was perfect harmony between breath and movement.

I scanned the poses carefully and immediately realized a problem—I couldn't practice them here. The hollow inside the tree was too narrow, restricting my movements. Worse still, without any form of protection, if a beast attacked mid-training, I wouldn't even have the chance to react before being torn apart.

First, I needed to ensure my safety.

Sitting down, I began practicing prāṇāyāma, regulating my breath to recover my spiritual energy. After recovering the energy, I enhanced my hearing, amplifying the smallest sounds around me to detect any approaching beasts. Only after confirming that there were no threats nearby did I cautiously step out of the hollow.

Even though my hearing assured me the area was clear, I cross-checked once more, scanning my surroundings for any hidden dangers. Seeing no signs of movement, I finally allowed myself a moment of relief.

Still, I couldn't abandon this hiding spot—it was the perfect shelter. However, leaving it as it was would be too risky. If another beast found it, I would have nowhere to retreat. I needed to expand the space and conceal it properly, either by blocking the entrance with a boulder or using tree trunks to reinforce it.

But first, there was another issue to deal with.

The corpses of the moths lay scattered around, their blood soaking the ground. If left as they were, they would attract even more predators. I gathered the bodies into a single pile far from my location, ensuring that if a beast came drawn by the scent, it would be toward that location rather than my shelter. As for the blood already spilled on the ground, I left it as it was, knowing it would be less attractive than the pile of corpses.

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After finishing this task, I looked down at my clothes. They were battered from the fight, torn in places, but still good enough for now. With a sigh, I turned back to the hollow tree and focused my spiritual energy. Carefully, I began to expand the space inside, making sure the structure remained intact. I needed enough room for movement, but I couldn't afford for the tree to collapse.

Once I was satisfied with the hollow's size, I gathered stones and pebbles from nearby, sealing the entrance as best as I could. It wasn't perfect, but it would provide some measure of protection. Only then did I prepare myself to begin the first steps of the **Path of the Body**.

Just as I was about to start, a noise reached my ears—multiple beasts moving through the forest. My body tensed. I remained still, slowing my breath, focusing all my senses outward. The unease I felt deepened. Something was wrong.

I waited, listening intently. The rustling grew louder, closer. My instincts screamed at me to stay hidden. From the faint vibrations in the ground, I could tell they were not ordinary beasts—something much larger was approaching.

Minutes passed like hours, my body motionless, sweat forming on my brow despite the cool night air. Then, a shadow loomed outside my hiding place. I held my breath.

A deep, guttural growl resonated through the forest.

My heart pounded against my ribs. The beast was massive. I dared not peek, but from the sound alone, I knew this creature was leagues above anything I had faced so far. Its heavy footsteps reverberated through the earth, and then—silence.

Was it gone? Or was it waiting?

My breathing remained steady, controlled. I knew one wrong move could spell my death. I had to be patient.

The silence stretched on. Then, as suddenly as it had come, the presence moved away. I exhaled slowly, quietly, waiting a few moments longer before daring to move. When I was sure the danger had passed, I allowed myself a brief moment of relief.

This world was merciless.

I couldn't afford to be careless. If I wanted to survive, I had to grow stronger—and fast.

Regaining my focus, I shifted into the first stance. The pain began almost immediately, sharp and deep, coursing through my muscles like fire. Every breath had to be deliberate, synchronized perfectly with my movements. Sweat dripped from my forehead as I endured, refusing to yield.

Hours passed. My body trembled, exhausted, but I pressed on. Each motion was slow, controlled, designed to push my limits. The agony became a companion, whispering to me of my frailty, of my weakness. But I ignored it. I had suffered worse. I had endured more.

Breathe in. Hold. Move. Exhale.

Every motion felt like tearing apart my muscles and reforging them anew. I understood now why this method was called a **path**. It wasn't merely about strengthening the body; it was about breaking through limitations, one breath, one movement at a time.

At some point, my mind drifted, consumed by the rhythm of pain and breath. Memories flickered in my mind—of battles fought, of trials endured, of the moment I first opened this book. Each choice had led me here, to this point, where I was no longer just a disciple seeking power but a man forging himself anew.

The sky outside was beginning to brighten. Dawn.

I collapsed to my knees, gasping for air. My body was drenched in sweat, my muscles screaming in protest, but beneath the pain, I felt something else—a quiet, undeniable strength beginning to take root.

I had taken my first steps on the **Path of the Body**.

And I would not stop until I mastered it.