After their failed attempt to move the elder during training, Michael and Torren were just about to leave the clearing among the trees. The sun had nearly set, casting golden light between the branches, when the elder, still standing exactly where he had during the test, called out to them.
"Before you go," he said, his voice calm but firm, "I want to ask something. What drives you? What do you seek?"
Michael looked at Torren for a moment, then stepped forward. "My goal... is to reach Rank 200, to become a god. And more than that, I want to see the legendary Land of Gods. The place you mentioned once. I want to go there."
The elder gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.
Torren stood in silence, his expression suddenly shifting to something more serious, more intense. "I'm looking for someone," he said, his voice low. "And no, I won't say who. But when I find him... I'm going to end him."
The elder tilted his head, a knowing look in his eyes. "The mage in white?"
Torren's eyes narrowed. "Yes. How did you know?"
Michael's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden revelation.
"Well," the elder said with a small shrug, "he is considered the strongest man in the mortal world. It's no surprise he'd have enemies—or seekers."
Torren didn't react. He had expected that.
Michael, however, couldn't help but ask, "So... does that mean you're far weaker than him?"
The elder gave a short chuckle. "I would argue that point."
Michael furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
But instead of answering, the elder blinked slowly and tilted his head slightly. "Did we just speak about something? I forget..."
Michael and Torren stared at him, confused.
The elder smiled faintly and gestured toward the village. "Go on. Rest. Tomorrow, you return here. Your challenge remains. Try to move me."
Still puzzled, but too tired to press further, the two nodded and turned back toward their homes, the moon casting pale light over the narrow village paths.
In their minds echoed not only the day's impossible challenge, but also the elder's strange words—half revelation, half riddle. They knew that the next day would test them again. But tonight, all they could do was rest and prepare.