Chapter 76 Mastering The Game

I was standing before Garron, studying him intently as he moved through his training routine. He was a skilled warrior, his movements precise and fluid, a testament to years of dedicated practice. But as I looked at him, my thoughts turned to the tragedy that had brought him to this point.

Years ago, a demon had been summoned from beyond the veil, wreaking havoc upon Garron's village. It had killed his wife and children, leaving him devastated and alone. But instead of letting his grief consume him, Garron had made a solemn vow to ensure that no other family would suffer the same fate.

And so, he had dedicated himself to training the next generation of warriors, teaching them the skills they needed to protect themselves and their loved ones. As I stood there, watching him work, I could see the passion and determination that drove him, the fire that burned within him to make a difference.

It was a noble cause, and one that I couldn't help but admire. Despite the tragedy that had befallen him, Garron had found a way to turn his pain into something positive, something that could benefit others. And as I thought about the young recruits under his tutelage, I knew that he was making a real difference in their lives.

As I finished my assessment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of respect and admiration for the man. He was a true hero, one who had faced unspeakable horrors and emerged stronger for it. And as long as he continued to train the next generation of warriors, I knew that his legacy would live on, a shining beacon of hope for those who needed it most.

While scanning Garron, my thoughts drifted to my own past. I wasn't the hero in my story - far from it. My fate had been different, and I had been consumed by a burning desire for revenge. I was determined to change my fate and destroy everyone who would cross me, even if it was the person standing in front of me.

But then, Garron spoke, his sudden sentence bringing me back from my thoughts. "I'm always here in the morning, join me." His words were simple, but they carried with them a weight of sincerity that caught me off guard. For a moment, I considered his offer, but I quickly dismissed the idea. He was already training Dante, and I had no time to befriend anyone else here. My focus was on finishing my years of studies, hunting down Hector, and destroying the crown prince and the two obstacles in my room if needed.

As I turned to leave, a gust of wind swept through the training ground, sending a shiver down my spine. The dawn was just breaking, the sky a canvas of fiery oranges and pinks. The air was crisp and cool, and the sounds of the waking world filled my ears - birds singing, leaves rustling, the distant murmur of voices.

For a moment, I stood there, taking it all in. Despite my burning desire for revenge, there was a part of me that longed for the peace and serenity of the morning. But I quickly shook off the feeling and started to walk away, my mind already racing with plans and strategies.

As I left the training ground, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about Garron's offer that had touched me, something that had made me feel a glimmer of hope. But I quickly pushed the feeling aside, knowing that I had no time for distractions.

As I walked back to my quarters, the wind continued to howl around me, tugging at my cloak and tousling my hair. But I paid it no mind, my thoughts consumed by the task at hand. There was a long road ahead of me, one that would require all of my skill, cunning, and strength. But I was determined to see it through, no matter what it took.

I was the master of my own destiny, and I would stop at nothing to achieve my goals.

As I walked back inside, I could feel Doru's eyes on me, watching my every move. "Were you training?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I didn't bother answering, knowing that it would only lead to more questions. But Doru didn't seem to take the hint, his creepy smile widening as he continued to stare at me.

"You know," he said, "even if we're not friends, we can still talk, right?"

I turned around to face him, my expression cold and unforgiving. "Your pathethiness has nothing to offer to me," I replied, my voice dripping with disdain. "So don't waste my time trying to chit chat here."

Doru's smile faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing in anger. But then, he seemed to regain his composure, his smile returning full force.

"Suit yourself," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "But just remember, Rowen - we're all in this together. Whether you like it or not, we're all bound by the same fate."

I didn't bother responding, knowing that his words were nothing more than empty platitudes. Doru was a snake, a schemer who would do anything to get ahead. And I knew better than to trust him.

As I walked past him and headed towards my bed, I could feel his eyes on my back, watching my every move. But I paid him no mind, my thoughts already turning back to my plans for the future.

I knew that my journey would be a difficult one, fraught with dangers and obstacles at every turn. But I was determined to see it through, no matter what it took. And as long as I kept my wits about me and stayed true to my goals, I knew that nothing could stand in my way.

"I'm tired," I said, annoyance creeping into my voice. "Why do they want me to be the villain?"

"You know what I can do,"Doru suddenly replied to my muttering. "They always need someone to blame. And you, my friend, are the perfect scapegoat."

I scoffed. "Fine, then let it be. I'm not going to play by any rules."

As Doru moved towards me, I could feel his hand approaching from behind. But I was ready for him. That's the type of person he actually was, he would attack from behind only.

"You know," I said, turning to face him. "I can't understand how people would actually feel intimidated by a worm like you."

Doru scowled at me. "Watch your mouth, Rowen."

I let out a short laugh. I could feel the power surging through my body. I moved my hand up and froze his blood, stopping him in his tracks.

"Aaagh!"

Doru shouted and fell to the ground, writhing in pain. I looked down on him with disdain. "Come on," I taunted him. "Summon the snake. Let's see what happens to it?"

"You bastard!"

But Doru could only groan in agony, unable to move or speak.

I knew I had the power to control anything and everything around me. And as I stood there, watching Doru suffer, I felt a sense of satisfaction wash over me. This was just the beginning. I was ready to embrace my role as the villain and show the world what I was truly capable of.