Chapter 7 – Part 3
“The Rejected Offer”
Sefa's gaze wandered across the horizon. The setting sun quietly painted the sky in shades of red. Elira was standing just a few steps away. Words were dancing on both their lips, but neither knew who would speak first.
Sefa took a deep breath.
“You know,” he began softly, “you're the first person I've ever told everything to since I came into this world. No lies. I'm not holding back. I'm just... speaking freely. It feels strange.”
Elira didn't respond immediately, but there was a softness in her eyes.
“Strange, isn't it?” Sefa continued. “No one here really knows who I am. Sometimes I'm not even sure myself. But I've told you everything. Maybe... it's because you have secrets too.”
Elira met his gaze.
“I was curious,” she said. "When you arrived... your body was glowing. It was as if space itself had torn open and you had suddenly appeared. I’d never seen anything like it before. That’s why I watched you. I observed you."
“Did you see how I got here?” Sefa asked quietly.
“Yes,” Elira replied. "And one more thing. An... egg appeared. Right after you. I don't know what it means, but it came with you."
Sefa tensed slightly.
“That egg... I felt it too. I don't know why, but it feels connected to me. As if it belongs to me.”
Silence fell between them once more.
Sefa changed the subject.
"This village... I thought it was just a quiet place. Peaceful. Simple. But it’s not, is it?”
“No,” Elira said calmly. “This belongs to the Lunaris Kingdom. It’s not on any map. It’s actually the secret training ground of the Shadow Wings, one of the most feared assassin guilds. Everyone born here is raised to kill.”
Sefa raised his head slightly, his eyes narrowing.
“Elira... are you part of this too?”
“Of course,” she replied without hesitation. “I was born and raised here. And like everyone else, I have one goal: to rise.”
“To rise up?” Sefa repeated.
“To climb the tiers,” Elira said. “Fame, power, wealth, knowledge… everything people desire is there. But climbing isn't easy. Each tier brings a new test.”
Sefa paused for a moment.
“How many tiers are there?”
“No one knows,” Elira replied. “But the highest point reached so far... is the 350th floor.”
Sefa's eyes widened.
“So where are we now?”
“We're on the first floor,” she replied. “At the very beginning.”
Sefa exhaled slowly.
“What if someone... wants to go back down?”
“They can,” said Elira. “But the power and experience gained on higher floors are lost on the way down. That's how the balance between the floors is maintained.”
Sefa shook his head slowly.
“So going back... means giving up everything you've gained.”
Elira smiled slightly.
“Absolutely. That's why no one dares to look down. Only up.”
After a long silence, Sefa finally spoke.
“No matter how complex this world is... I will overcome it all.”
Elira tilted her head slightly. “What do you mean?”
Sefa turned to her. There was no longer any surprise or fear in his eyes; only a sharp, unwavering determination.
“I will climb every step. I will reach the summit. Whatever comes my way... I will face it.”
Elira narrowed her eyes in astonishment. “Many people have said the same thing.”
“I am not like them,” Sefa said firmly. “I did not come to this world to give up. If I must walk this path alone, so be it. If I must fight at every step of the way, I will fight. But I will not stop until I see what awaits me at the summit.”
A deep silence fell between them. Elira no longer saw the bewildered child from before. In his place stood someone glowing with determination.
“Walking alone will be difficult,” she murmured.
Sefa shrugged. “I'm used to it.”
Something deep inside Elira stirred. His words revived a belief she had buried long ago. But she kept those thoughts to herself.
She simply nodded. “Then... may your path be clear, Sefa.”
Sefa nodded back just as gently.
"And perhaps one day
… I will have a real reason to fight."
Elira and Sefa returned to the village quietly. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a mutual acceptance that no longer needed explanation. For the first time, Sefa's face showed a genuine expression of peace. Finally, someone in this world had learned the truth and accepted it.
When they stepped into the village square, a familiar face was waiting for them: Kaelion, the wise man who had treated Sefa when he first arrived. Without saying a word, Kaelion gestured for them to follow him to his home. Inside, everything was as it had been before: old bookshelves, scattered maps, and remnants from ancient battles.
Kaelion silently dragged a heavy chest forward and unlocked it. Inside was a tablet engraved with ancient runes and a distinct guild emblem. He handed it to Sefa with a serious and solemn expression.
“I have an offer for you,” said Kaelion. “Join my guild.”
Sefa blinked in surprise. As he tried to process the words, a silent stillness filled the room.
Kaelion continued:
"This village is not what it seems. In fact, it is a secret training ground under the control of the Kingdom of Valtherion, known only to a few. Our guild is called the Shadow Passage. Everyone who trains here becomes a shadow serving the kingdom. We value knowledge, power, and absolute loyalty. We train those who aim to ascend to higher ranks."
At that moment, a familiar system notification appeared before Sefa's eyes:
🔔 New Quest: “The Shadow's Offer”
📜 Kaelion has offered you a place in the “Shadow Passage” guild.
Upon acceptance, you will gain:
Access to secret combat techniques
Assassin training
Title: “Disciple of the Shadow”
Secret missions and classified information
Bonus stat boosts and special armor rewards
🟢 Do you wish to join?
🅰️ Yes 🅱️ No
Kaelion's voice grew deeper:
“Climbing the Ranks isn't just about strength. It's about preparation, intelligence, and the right allies. If you accept, I will personally oversee your training. But remember, this offer won't last forever.”
Sefa looked at the system message, then turned and looked into Kaelion's eyes.
“It's an attractive offer. A real opportunity. But right now... I'm not ready to commit to any group. I need to walk my own path first.”
Kaelion nodded slowly in understanding.
“I respect your decision. You've made your choice. Know this... Some doors don't open twice.”
The system warning slowly faded away.
Sefa took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment.
He would walk this path alone.
At least... for now.
---
📘 End of Chapter Note
Sefa had shared his past for the first time and found solace in another's past. Elira's trust had opened a rare window of hope in this vibrant but dangerous world. However, this hope was quickly tested by the tempting offer of a powerful and secret guild.
Sefa's refusal revealed his unwavering determination and desire for freedom. However, this decision could lead him down an even more challenging path.
Kaelion's words hung in the air: “Some doors don't open twice.”
In the next chapter, we will see whether Sefa's journey will remain solitary or if unexpected alliances will begin to form.
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