The Struggle Within the Darkness, Part Two

Chapter Three: The Struggle Within the Darkness, Part Two

While our hero continues his rigorous training in Indian martial arts, a sudden interruption brings him to a halt. The flickering candlelight that delivers his meager sustenance has arrived.

Curiosity strikes as the child notices the tray made of cork, now unusually heavier than usual. Upon closer inspection, he discovers that the portion of meat has doubled, and to his surprise, it appears to be perfectly fresh, untouched by any hint of mold. However, this unexpected abundance triggers caution rather than joy within him.

After a deep breath, he devours the food ravenously, as if possessed by an insatiable hunger. Yet, his routine is abruptly disturbed by a subtle hissing sound echoing in the closed room. Unable to pinpoint its source, his mind recognizes the voice—a voice filled with contempt. "Are those sons of bitches joking? Snakes?"

Attempting to calm himself, the child rationalizes that the snake must have been detoxified and placed as a test of his mental fortitude. This assumption provides a glimmer of hope amidst the tension. However, his delusion is shattered as a snake sinks its venomous fangs into his vulnerable feet, humorously revealing the fallacy of his thinking.

Instantly, his body succumbs to paralysis, rendering him boneless and helpless on the ground. Panic sets in as he ponders whether this neurotoxin venom will seal his fate, bringing an end to his newfound existence. This particular venom mercilessly attacks the peripheral nerves, leaving the entire body's muscles completely immobilized.

Yet, amidst the grip of fear, a realization emerges. He can still draw breath. A wave of relief washes over him as he deduces that the poison must be diluted, sparing his diaphragm and providing a slender chance of survival.

However, this respite is short-lived, for what lies ahead is a true test of endurance.

Imagine being confined in a pitch-black, sealed room for an entire month—devoid of light, isolated from human contact. Negative thoughts accumulate, reaching a perilous level. Now, strip away the ability to move, plunging into an abyss of relaxation so profound that it feels like being swallowed by the very darkness that envelops you.

In this state, the darkness intensifies, eclipsing any flicker of light or shred of hope in life. But amidst the consuming darkness, a burst of maniacal laughter escapes the child's lips, unseen by any observer. "Hahahaha, the dark? I've never feared it!" The madness that glimmers in his eyes becomes his guiding light.

"If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into you. But what if I am the abyss itself?"

With every ounce of willpower, the child fights against the relentless pull of slumber. He knows that, despite partial paralysis, his breathing must not waver. To succumb to sleep would mean a decrease in his breathing rate, risking his internal organs and, most crucially, his brain.

Drawing on an indomitable spirit, the child defies the darkness, enduring three agonizing days of immobility and sensory deprivation. Finally, as the poison self-liquidates within his body, he succumbs to exhaustion and slips into a deep sleep, unaware of the profound changes brewing within.

After an unknown period—perhaps hours, days, or even longer—the child awakens, opening his eyes to a startling realization. Within the darkness, he discerns the subtle contours of the room, a newfound ability to perceive its features. Despite previously adapting to the darkness, his vision now surpasses all previous limitations, albeit marginally.

Gazing down, he spots the lifeless snake that had bitten him, as if succumbing to its own venom immediately after delivering its bite.

"With this slight adjustment to my vision, I can now discern the passage of time." Filled with renewed determination, the child proceeds to mark a line on the wall using the blood of the vanquished serpent.

.........................

Following the incident with the snake, tranquility prevails for four consecutive days. The increased quantity of food stabilizes, becoming a regular occurrence in his monotonous routine.

Embracing this newfound abundance, the child incorporates martial arts training focused on strength and resilience into his regimen. Chinese Shaolin arts, renowned for cultivating these attributes, become his primary practice. Moreover, he explores Western calisthenic exercises, designed to sculpt and control his developing musculature.

A peculiar realization dawns upon him—he finds breathing easier after the snake's bite, while his body's flexibility transcends the realms of human capability.

"The peculiar state of my body here grants me hope of mastering the Shaolin muscle-washing scripture. However, I must approach it with caution, for failure could yield disastrous consequences."

On the dawn of the fifth day since the snake's venom coursed through his veins, the child awakens to the familiar hiss, now amplified threefold.

This time, three snakes converge upon him from different directions.

Despite his newfound agility and confidence in evading or eliminating them, he refrains from resistance.

Having savored the rewards of the previous bite, he willingly submits to their venomous assault, once again experiencing the numbing sensation and gradual relaxation of his muscles.

He descends further into the abyss, grappling with the encroaching darkness. The potency of the poison exceeds that of the prior encounter, reaching even his eyelids, forcing them shut. Yet, he clings to the belief that his body has developed some resistance to the venom; otherwise, he would have succumbed to its lethal grip long ago.