7 - hardship and understanding

Reynold's hand touched the ancient coffin, and for a moment, all he felt was the cold, unyielding stone beneath his fingertips. He attempted to move it, unaware that one of the statues was slowly coming to life, its eyes piercing through the layers of dirt, cobwebs, and dust that clung to its form.

As the statue, the martial artist, rose to its feet, Reynold remained oblivious, lost in his efforts to unveil the secrets of the mysterious coffin. However, the statue's awakening was anything but peaceful. Without a word, it lunged at Reynold, its movements swift and deadly.

The battle that unfolded was a stark contrast to the moment of quiet curiosity that had led Reynold to this temple. The statue, now animated, unleashed a relentless assault. It was a relentless force, its strikes precise and devastating. Reynold, on the other hand, was battered and overwhelmed. He attempted to utilize his abilities, but each time he tried, the statue anticipated his actions.

The martial artist statue seemed to take pleasure in the one-sided battle, playing with Reynold as if he were a mere toy. Reynold's body bore the brunt of the statue's blows, his flesh bruised, bones broken, and blood staining the temple's stone floor.

As the battle raged on, Reynold found himself cornered near the coffin. His mana was nearly depleted, his body aching and battered. In one final, desperate attempt, he summoned his (Shadow Grasp) ability. Tendrils of darkness extended toward the statue, but with uncanny agility, it dodged every one of them, evading the shadowy grasp.

With despair gnawing at his heart, Reynold uttered his final words, "I would've killed that corrupt hero who took my family from me... if only I were stronger. If I were stronger, I could've protected my loved ones, healed my sister's illness, and rid the world of evil and corruption."

A bitter, self-deprecating laugh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes, resigned to his fate. The statue loomed over him, poised to deliver the final blow.

But then, unexpectedly, the statue froze. It stepped back from Reynold and returned to its original kneeling position, its gaze fixed on the coffin. Reynold opened his eyes, bewildered by the sudden change. What had just happened?

As Reynold watched, the ground beneath the coffin began to tremble. The coffin, seemingly of its own accord, creaked open, and a mysterious, dark substance, akin to a shadowy mist, seeped from within. The entire room was gradually engulfed by this enigmatic darkness, obscuring Reynold's vision.

In the midst of this darkness, Reynold closed his eyes once more, bracing himself for whatever awaited him. A voice, eerie yet commanding, echoed in the darkness, asking, "Who might you be, human?"

Chills ran down Reynold's spine, and he replied cautiously, "Wh-who are you?" Before correcting himself, "What are you?"

The voice, echoing with an air of indifference, responded, "You came to my temple, awakened me from my slumber, and now you question me? Do you wish to die, human?"

Reynold, resigned and with a heavy heart, uttered a single word, "Kill me."

The response he received was unexpected. The voice taunted him, suggesting that he could beg for his life, and the being would grant him a peaceful death. Reynold, however, refused, seeing no meaning in begging for mercy when his end was inevitable.

The being, shrouded in darkness, was intrigued by Reynold's resolve. It asked him for his name, and Reynold, with nothing left to lose, revealed himself as Reynold.

They exchanged introductions, and the dark being displayed an eerie knowledge of Reynold's story – his weakness, his losses, the corrupt hero who had taken his family, and his desire to rid the world of arrogance and evil among heroes. Reynold explained his powers and his burning determination to make a difference despite his weaknesses.

The dark entity laughed, a sound that echoed like the approval of a monarch who had found a worthy successor. It proposed an unexpected offer, "What if I were to grant you my powers?"

Reynold was taken aback, his previous fear and confusion giving way to a glimmer of hope. "But you said I was weak, that you would kill me. Why would you offer me your powers now?"

The dark entity's response held a hint of nostalgia, "You remind me of myself during my prime, when I fought against corrupted and malevolent beings, when I waged war against darkness. What is it that you desire, human?"

Reynold spoke with unwavering determination, "I want the strength to protect, to heal, and to rid the world of corruption and arrogance. I want to make them fear my name."

The dark entity found Reynold's ambition intriguing and asked for his name once more. Reynold replied, "Reynold."

As the conversation continued between the two, Reynold found himself facing an unexpected turning point. The dark being, enigmatic and ancient, contemplated whether to bestow upon Reynold the powers he sought, powers that could potentially change the course of his destiny and the fate of the world