Chapter 19

Turpis suddenly jolted awake, once again he was covered by sweat and his complexion was drained in color.

Melfroy's concern deepened as he observed Turpis' recurring distress upon waking. 'Is he plagued by nightmares?' Melfroy pondered, his face creasing with a frown. He understood that uninterrupted rest was crucial for Turpis' breakthrough, and these unsettling experiences could potentially impede his progress.

However, as time passed, Melfroy also witnessed a remarkable transformation within Turpis. Despite the excruciating pain that accompanied his soul's rapid advancement, Turpis displayed unwavering determination and an insatiable drive for improvement. The agony seemed to fuel his growth, propelling him forward without hindrance.

Melfroy marveled at Turpis' resilience and fortitude. It was a testament to his unwavering commitment and unyielding spirit. With each passing day, Turpis honed his ability to manipulate his soul to astounding levels, surpassing previous limitations. The pain, while formidable, became a mere backdrop to his relentless pursuit of power and mastery.

In the face of Turpis' extraordinary progress, Melfroy's initial worries about the nightmares began to recede. It was evident that Turpis' unwavering focus and indomitable will were guiding him through the trials. Perhaps the nightmares were a necessary part of his journey, forging a stronger and more resilient spirit within him.

As Turpis continued to ascend to new heights, Melfroy's contemplation shifted from concerns to strategies for further nurturing his student's development. He knew that Turpis possessed exceptional potential, and it was his responsibility to ensure that potential flourished to its fullest.

Turpis marveled at the progress he had made in controlling his soul, despite its sluggishness. It was a significant achievement, considering the challenging nature of the soul. As he contemplated the passage of time, he couldn't help but wonder about the duration of his stay in this secluded place. The absence of sunlight had obscured any sense of the outside world, leaving him immersed in his training under Melfroy's guidance. Days, weeks, or perhaps even months might have slipped away unnoticed.

With a tinge of curiosity and a hint of impatience, Turpis turned to Melfroy and voiced his desire to leave the confines of the cave. He was confident that they could go out, particularly with the assistance of Melfroy. Turpis couldn't help but imagine the swift escape they could achieve with such capabilities.

"Oy, old man," Turpis addressed Melfroy as he was preparing his breakfast, a sense of curiosity lacing his words. "Do you think it's time we venture beyond this cave?" He hesitated for a moment, his thoughts drifting to the prospect of witnessing the sun once again. However, a hint of reservation lingered, born from his self-consciousness about his skin condition. Turpis had long resigned himself to the shadows, shielding his complexion from the harsh rays that seemed to exacerbate his condition.

As he awaited Melfroy's response, Turpis eat his breakfast, a leftover from last night and couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement bubbling within him, despite his reservations. The prospect of stepping back into the world beyond the cave stirred a mix of emotions—anticipation, and a glimmer of hope.

At first, Turpis had assumed that their training would eventually lead them to the surface of the earth. After all, training of this magnitude wasn't typically conducted within the confines of a cave. However, as time wore on, Turpis began to notice a peculiar pattern. Melfroy refrained from utilizing his powers, and the distinctive orbs that Turpis had seen before were nowhere to be found.

It became apparent to Turpis that Melfroy conducted himself like an ordinary man when he ventured out to hunt for food. There were no displays of extraordinary abilities or manifestations of his arcanist prowess.

Melfroy arched an eyebrow in response, a hint of amusement playing across his features. "No can do, my little twat," Melfroy replied, his voice tinged with a touch of wryness. "Do you have any idea how deep underground we are?"

Perplexed, Turpis shook his head, his curiosity piqued. "I can't say that I do. How deep are we exactly?" he inquired, eager to know as it might contain a clue on where he is on earth.

Melfroy's gaze bore into Turpis with an intensity that commanded attention. "We are situated at a depth of approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers beneath the earth's surface," he revealed, his words hanging in the air.

Turpis's eyes widened in shock, his gaze fixed on the surroundings. "Are we actually in Krubera Cave?" he blurted out, a glimmer of recognition flickering in his mind. However, his thoughts quickly turned perplexed. 'But isn't Krubera Cave only about 2 kilometers deep?' Turpis wondered, his mind grappling with the discrepancy. He recalled his knowledge that Krubera, also known as Voronyo Cave, had never been documented as extending to such depths.

'Kruber Cave?' Melfroy's expression twisted with a frown as his memories, fragmented from his long imprisonment, struggled to make sense of the name.

Feigning comprehension, Melfroy, as usual nodded decisively, then swiftly shifted the conversation to the challenging task of escaping their current predicament.

Turpid's face contorted with curiosity upon hearing this limitation. "But why is your power so restricted?" he inquired, his eyes searching for answers.

Melfroy cast his gaze toward the ceiling, his eyes tracing the numerous orc figures that populated the highest level. Some of these figures resembled small towns, bustling with activity and emitting an intimidating aura. "It's not just the limited power," Melfroy mused. "We also have to navigate through a lot of orc settlements. These towns harbor formidable opponent, exuding an overwhelming soul pressure."

Melfroy's mind raced with possibilities, contemplating the potential strategies. 'Hmm, if I were to tap into about 70% of my current soul essence, we just might have a shot at sneaking past those massive orc settlements,' he pondered, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. He couldn't help but feel exasperated with their current surroundings, as he was also eager for a change of scenery.

Melfroy sighed, his playful demeanor fading momentarily as he faced the stark reality. "As much as I'd love to say otherwise, escaping right now is simply impossible," he confessed, careful not to extinguish Turpis's flickering hope. Instead, he saw an opportunity to fuel Turpis's determination. "But fear not, my little twat. If you can reach the second level, our chances might just improve," he declared, his voice filled with a renewed sense of possibility.

Internally, Melfroy couldn't help but revel in his own brilliance. 'Aren't I quite the exceptional teacher?' he silently praised himself, a mischievous smile creeping across his face. The sight of his twisted grin made Turpis cringe, caught between appreciation for Melfroy's guidance and a shiver of unease. Melfroy's playful nature often straddled the line between prank and danger, leaving Turpis high on guard and wary.

Recognizing Turpid's discomfort, Melfroy quickly composed himself. With a reassuring tone, he continued, "Don't worry, little twat. We may be facing challenges now, but together we'll find a way out of here." as Melfroy reach out his hand to give a pat to Turpis's shoulder, to further reassure him, Turpis, without missing a beat, swiftly moved away, a defensive reflex against Melfroy's trickery.

Observing Turpis's quick reaction, Melfroy's grin widely. It was clear that as time passed by Turpis became perpetually wary of him when he smile. "Ah, you're always on guard, aren't you?" Melfroy chuckled, acknowledging Turpid's cautious response.

"Today will be different," Melfroy declared, his voice firm and unwavering. "Starting from now, Turpis, you will be the one who hunts for your food." He locked eyes with Turpis, conveying both a sense of responsibility and an opportunity for growth.

Turpis nodded confidently, feeling a natural sense of adulthood and self-sufficiency. He was excited to apply all that he had learned from their intense sparring sessions and diligent studying. The prospect of exploring further into the depths of the cave only added to his anticipation.

"You have three minutes to prepare," Melfroy nodded at Turpis, acknowledging his diligence and strict self-discipline. As they spent more time together, Melfroy noticed Turpis' unwavering commitment to mastering the martial arts Melfroy imparted upon him. Although Turpis still had a long way to go for achieving a mastery, Melfroy believed that practical combat experience was the missing piece of the puzzle. This realization led Melfroy to the decision of having Turpis hunt for his own food from now on.

Turpis's eyes fell upon the sword that lay before him, a simple yet substantial weapon. Its size was notable, boasting a broad blade and a sturdy hilt. Unlike the intricately crafted and ornate weapons of legends, this sword appeared unassuming, almost ordinary. And yet, there was a certain allure in its unadorned nature, a quiet strength that resonated with Turpis.

He reached out and grasped the hilt, feeling the cool metal beneath his fingertips. The weight of the sword felt reassuring in his hand, a tangible reminder of his commitment to training and self-improvement. The practical design spoke of reliability and dependability.

Turpis was always curious about how Melfroy managed to acquire such items, Melfroy even bring out a utensils for cooking and eating food. He once mustered the courage to ask Melfroy directly, hoping to uncover the secret. But instead of a straightforward answer, Turpis received a slap on his buttocks from Melfroy.

*****

As Turpis readied himself for the upcoming challenge, Melfroy scanned the surroundings in search of a suitable prey. The tension in the air was palpable, and both of them knew that this training session would test Turpis's skills and determination.

As Turpis readied himself for the upcoming challenge, Melfroy's stern voice echoed in the air, "It's time, brat."

Turpis frown as he doesn't used to calling brat by his teacher, but the anticipation in Turpis's gaze was unmistakable. His eyes sparkled with determination.