Chapter 23: The Truth

Nestled within the darkness, he imagined himself as nothing more than a stone. His breathing lengthened, smoothed, gradually fading to nothing, even his heartbeat slowing in tandem. Gong Hao felt as if he had become a part of this blackness—silent, voiceless, an existence akin to a shadow.

Not only did his breath change, even his skin underwent a subtle transformation. Upon reaching the initial stage of Bronze, his skin would take on a faint azure hue as his battle energy circulated. Yet now, that blue faded, replaced by a deepening of his natural color. Had Lancelot been present, he would have cried out in astonishment, for this was the harbinger of the Iron Warrior phase—an omen of advancement. To break through simply by concealing himself spoke to a certain genius in the boy. But more than talent, Gong Hao’s current actions perfectly conformed to the Way of Adapting to the Flow.

The ten levels of a warrior each represented a distinct realm. The first stage was to strengthen the body—in plain terms, to grow stronger, much like a laborer more favored for his brawn. The second stage, Adapting to the Flow, was about comprehending the rules underlying the operation of things, learning to act in harmony with those rules, akin to the clever laborer who works according to the regulations, clearly with a brighter future than one who relies solely on brute strength.

To conceal oneself in darkness was precisely in accord with the Way of Heaven and Earth. Fearing discovery by those in the valley, Gong Hao held his breath and stilled his spirit, perfectly fulfilling the demands of this stage. For a year now, he had acted with utmost caution and diligence, so that his comprehension of the Way of Adapting to the Flow was thorough to the extreme. Thus, even with less training time than others, he broke through to the second rank with remarkable speed—all for this reason.

With the right method, in accord with the demands of body and mind, progress naturally quickened. Yet Gong Hao spared no thought for celebrating his advancement.

For at that moment, a sudden clamor rose from the distant castle.

“Lord Pierre!” cried one apprentice, pointing toward the fortress. “Look!”

All in the valley turned their attention beyond, to the castle, which was now clearly under attack—an unprecedented event in twenty years of Purgatory Island’s history.

The wind carried Pierre’s anxious order: “You few, come with me back to the castle at once. Neil, you stay here and guard the place. I’ll give you the medallion to command the puppet warriors. Do nothing until we return—just hold this position.”

“Yes, my lord,” answered the apprentice named Neil.

Several figures hurried past Gong Hao, but he did not immediately reveal himself. The sound traps triggered five times—Pierre and the four apprentices, as expected.

Gong Hao smiled faintly before stepping out from the darkness, moving through the valley with the composure of a traveler on a public road.

“Shui Grelle? Why are you here?” Neil, left behind, cried out in astonishment.

“Master Neil, it’s a pleasure to see you,” Shui replied, ever courteous.

“Shui! Shui! Over here!” Not far off, Fink’s desperate call rang out. “You really came! You came to save me!”

“How regrettable,” Neil sighed, shaking his head. “You’ve discovered our secret, haven’t you?”

“It wasn’t difficult to guess, was it, Master Neil?”

“Quite so, Grelle. You’re far cleverer than I thought. Yet I don’t understand—why not continue your pretense?”

A pleasant smile appeared on Gong Hao’s face. “My good friend is here. I have to save him.”

“How foolish. Even the cleverest make foolish choices. Was it you who caused the chaos in the castle, too?”

“I merely released a few magical beasts. They yearned for freedom.”

“So it was all your doing. Shui Grelle, you’re dead.” Neil drew forth the medallion to command the puppet warriors, confident in his control.

Gong Hao glanced at the shattered remains on the ground. Just that day, these youths had been his workmates. Now, all but Fink were lifeless.

He lifted his gaze to Neil. “No, Neil. All of this was your doing.”

———

In the dark valley, an apprentice and a head servant faced each other.

“Shui Grelle, I must say—you’re the smartest, yet also the most foolish servant I’ve ever met.” Neil’s tone was tinged with regret as he shook the medallion in his hand. “Andrew thought highly of you. We all liked you. Even the little princess protected you. Had you stayed silent, you needn’t have died so soon. But you were too eager to stand out, and now I ha