That night… the taste of real blood… it still echoed through his body.Every muscle, every nerve, every thought was drenched in that memory.
The forest stretched endlessly… like a never-ending void.Kashikari had been walking for days. Hunger was no longer just a feeling—it had become part of him.Thirst… far worse.His throat burned, every step heavier than the last.
But he didn't stop.If he stopped… he knew he might never rise again.
Jinwi remained silent, as always, watching.Kashikari leaned against a tree. His breath uneven, his body screaming in pain."…Keep going…" he whispered to himself.
Step after step.His vision blurred. Trees seemed to sway. The ground felt unstable.Yet he walked. He just kept walking.
With every step, he felt the pain. With every step, his determination was tested.Jinwi shivered faintly. This silence… both warning and support.Kashikari closed his eyes tight. Anger, fear, and sorrow merged within him.Surviving alone was no longer enough. He needed more.
And then… he sensed it.The forest was silent, but movement approached.Shadows drew near.But this time… he was ready. His body no longer trembled like the child he once was.Reflexes and instincts had become one.
Jinwi glowed. A transparent aura, invisible yet heavy, wrapped around him like a wall.Every shadow, every threat watching his steps… blocked.Kashikari drew a deep breath.
Inside him, a new feeling emerged. Cold. Resolute. Dangerous.Now, his only goal was clear: overcome every obstacle in his path and master his power completely.The forest loomed long, the paths seemed an unending trial.But Kashikari… would not stop.
Jinwi whispered silently:"There… is my wielder."
And the journey continued.