Chapter 3

As the days passed, the fracture within him seemed to slow its relentless progression, leaving him to ponder the reasons behind this unexpected respite.

"Strange how the cracks within my soulforge seem to have eased up a bit," Cai mused, his voice tinged with a mix of wonder and curiosity. "Perhaps it's because my heart is finally finding some peace."

Shaking off the weight of his concerns, he smiled, a warmth spreading across his face. "Well, setting that aside, today is a day for my dear mother." His grin widened, brimming with a sense of joy and fond remembrance for his beloved mother's special day.

Cai hurried through the bustling market, his mind swirled with thoughts of finding the perfect gift for his mother. He traversed the lively streets, his heart set on acquiring the special cake-bread Sister Lan had mentioned. The promise of seeing his mother's smile on her special day spurred him on, despite the weight of his concerns.

Entering the bakery, Cai's eyes widened at the array of tantalizing treats adorning the shelves. He approached the counter, a mix of excitement and determination gleaming in his eyes. "Excuse me," he addressed the baker, "I heard about a special cake-bread. Could I get one for my mother's birthday, please?"

The baker, a jovial man with flour-dusted hands, smiled warmly. "Ah, the cake-bread! A delightful choice for a special occasion. Coming right up, young lad."

As the baker disappeared into the back, Cai's thoughts drifted to his mother. He envisioned her smile, her unwavering support throughout his journey. Moments later, the baker returned with a beautifully crafted cake-bread, adorned with a sprinkling of sugar and a hint of cinnamon. Cai's heart swelled with joy as he carefully paid for the special gift.

With the cake-bread cradled in his arms, Cai hastened home, eager to surprise his mother. However, upon arriving, a heavy atmosphere hung in the air. Rushing to his mother's side, Cai's heart sank at the sight of her weakened state.

"Mother," he whispered, a mix of worry and love in his voice, "I've brought something special for your birthday."

His mother managed a faint smile, her eyes reflecting gratitude and love. "Thank you, my dear Cai. You've always been the greatest gift in my life."

As Cai presented the cake-bread, his mother's frail fingers traced its surface. "It looks wonderful, my son," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm afraid I won't be able to enjoy it today."

Confusion and concern knitted Cai's brows together. "Mother, what do you mean? You'll get better, won't you?"

His mother's gaze held an unspoken reassurance. "I'll always be with you, Cai, in spirit. Remember, your happiness and safety are what matter most to me."

With those words lingering in the air, his mother's eyes gently closed, her last breath escaping her lips. The world around Cai seemed to halt as the weight of loss settled heavily upon him.

In that moment of profound grief, a searing pain shot through Cai's chest. The soulforge within him quivered violently, the rust encroaching upon the broken sword, consuming it with an eerie intensity. His heart wrenched with agony as the once-familiar chamber within his soul began to shatter, its ethereal walls crumbling amidst the chaos.

Gasping for breath, Cai clutched his chest, feeling the very essence of his being unraveling within him. The pain surged through his body as the remnants of the soulforge's chamber collapsed, leaving him in a state of profound vulnerability and despair.

Cai, overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, tried to remain composed. Calm as water, he checked his mother's pulse, hoping against hope for a sign of life. Finding none, he left the house, heading to the church in search of Sister Lan.

Upon seeing him, Sister Lan noticed the turmoil written all over Cai's face. "Cai, what's wrong? You look like a dead fish," she remarked, concern etched in her voice. However, Cai remained silent, lost in his whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

To soothe his troubled mind, Sister Lan decided to share a story. Leaning in, she spoke of a young boy who once encountered the god of forge. With animated gestures, she described the boy's unwavering determination and righteous heart, longing to protect and aid others, despite his own perceived weaknesses.

"Once upon a time," Sister Lan began, "there was a young boy with a heart full of courage. He sought to help everyone, yet felt weak despite his training. Then, he met the god of forge."

The boy, Caius, stood bewildered in the presence of the god of forge, who gazed upon him with both pity and curiosity. The god decided to share his own past, revealing his journey from ignorance to near-omnipotence, surprising the young boy.

"Child," the god spoke, "why do you persist? Your efforts may lead to your demise before you achieve anything substantial." The boy's response was resolute, "As long as I'm alive, I'll keep striving until I achieve my dream."

Pleased with his answer, the god guided Caius, instructing him to grasp his hand. In an instant, the barn disappeared, replaced by a paved road and an array of manifested weapons. The god explained, "This realm reflects your heart and desires. Inside is the soulforge of your heart. Choose carefully."

Overwhelmed by the surreal experience, Caius sensed an inexplicable pull. He followed his heart, drawn to a shiny, white-golden sword. Inscribed upon it were two words: "protect" on the hilt and "slay" etched along the blade. As Caius touched the sword, an intense light radiated from it, engulfing every weapon in the soulforge, leaving only the chosen sword glowing brilliantly.

The god of forge seized the radiance, and with the remnants of the soulforge's raw materials, he began the intricate process of crafting the manifested sword. The air crackled with an otherworldly energy as the god skillfully wielded the elements.

The clang of hammers echoed as the god tirelessly worked, infusing the essence of Caius's desires into the sword. With each strike, the sword morphed and transformed until it became a masterpiece, gleaming in white-gold brilliance.

As the god completed the forging, Caius found himself back in the barn, now holding the dazzling sword. Sister Lan paused, then continued with the tale, unaware of the personal resonance it held for Cai, who sat there, grappling with memories of a past life intertwined with his present grief.

----

"Sister Lan, could you repeat what you said earlier?" Cai asked, his voice quivering.

Sister Lan, a bit puzzled, replied, "Shiny sword?"

"No, the name of the boy," Cai insisted.

"Oh, Caius," Sister Lan said with a smile, then she asked, "So now, are you ready to answer why you look like a dead fish?"

Instead of replying, Cai sat there, mumbling, "Caius... Caius... that is my name from my previous life. It's true, I met the god of forge, but I didn't only meet the god of forge but also the goddess of life. And I did not receive a sword, but rather the skill called soulforge. This is not me, maybe just a coincidence."

Sister Lan, not fully comprehending what Cai was saying, continued, "I will proceed with the story since you didn't seem to calm down." However, Cai intervened, "Sister Lan, my mother died a few minutes ago, and I am ashamed to face her. Can you please pray for her and bury her body? I will be eternally grateful."

Sister Lan, surprised by the sudden politeness in Cai's tone, and now aware of the weight of his experiences, agreed, "Of course, my child. I will pray for your mother and arrange for her burial. But something is different about you. You seem much older than your years, as if you've been through a lifetime of experiences."

Cai contemplated in the church as his mother is being buried, Cai's decision to leave the town in search of self-discovery and fulfillment resonates deeply with his desire to honor his mother's memory and mend his soulforge. With a heavy yet determined heart, he bids Sister Lan farewell, entrusting her with the care of his mother's grave.

As he prepares to depart, Cai can't shake the lingering doubts about his past and the story of the boy blessed by the god of forge. Seeking clarity, he questions Sister Lan about the boy's fate, his concern evident in his voice.

"Sister Lan, did the boy who received help from the god of forge turn evil? Did he abuse the power granted to him?" Cai inquired earnestly.

Sister Lan, with gentle reassurance, shook her head. "Silly child, of course not," she replied, seeking to dispel his worries.

With a faint murmur, Cai muttered to himself, "Then that is not me."

Sister Lan's voice softened as she continued, "He became a hero."

A small smile crept onto Cai's face. "I see. He found the answer he needed."

Filled with a newfound determination and a glimmer of hope, Cai decided that his initial destination would be to explore the surrounding city. He yearned to encounter something special, someone who might guide him on his journey of self-discovery, hoping to ultimately become like the boy in Sister Lan's story.