We had finally crossed the borders of the kingdom, yet I still had no idea where we were heading. The three of us stopped midway to eat breakfast, and after riding horses the entire day, we finally reached our destination.
We got off our horses and noticed several students training in an open field.
"Jack, you should start your training right away. I will speak to the Master myself," Phils said in his deep voice.
Prince Jack walked away quietly. I followed behind Phils; he was completely silent. Soon, we reached a small hut-like room. Inside, an old man was sipping tea, peace reflecting clearly in his eyes.
The moment Phils saw Master, he kneeled down, bowing his head. I quickly did the same — I knew if I said anything wrong, I was dead.
"Master, I brought this girl. It would make me happy if you train her," Phils spoke respectfully.
The old man placed his cup down and said,
"If she wants training… then she must survive a week in the forest."
"But Master, you usually start the training first and then send them to the forest," Phils asked worriedly.
The old man stared at me for a moment — his eyes sharp, as if he could see through my soul.
"This girl is hiding a lot from you. She has to go first," Master said firmly.
He looked at me and continued,
"Listen, girl. Survive one week in that forest and come back… then you will receive your training. But if you die… your ashes will be handed over to Phils."
I froze. His words terrified me and I couldn't even speak.
"Now get up and take her to the forest. From this moment, she is my responsibility."
Master placed his hand on Phils's shoulder.
"Has my decision ever caused you trouble?" he asked calmly.
"But Master—" Phils tried to argue.
"No. Leave now. Say goodbye and get back to your duty. That is an order." old man said.
Phils placed his hand gently on my head,
"Take care… we will meet soon."
And just like that… he left.
Master stepped toward me, his eyes turning cold.
"I hope Phils has told you everything about me," he said with a slight smile.
I still couldn't respond.
He placed his hand on my shoulder — and suddenly— the world around me changed.
We teleported.
When I opened my eyes, I was in a dense forest… alone. And Master had vanished.
I had to survive here without any help. But I wasn't too worried — I had lived in forests before.
---
"Philip, you must keep your eyes on her at all times. Her care is in your hands," Phils ordered.
"Yes, Master. I will send every update about Wellness to you. Please allow me now," Philip replied respectfully and left.
"There must be something dangerous in that forest if she was sent there before training," I thought.
"But no matter what, I will deal with it."
Right now, I was starving.
"What should I even eat…?" I mumbled while searching for water.
I kept walking — but a strange feeling washed over me. Many eyes were watching… observing me from the shadows. I ignored them and kept searching for a lake or river — food wouldn't be a problem if I found one.
"Why am I wandering like a fool? I can just climb a tree and look from above!"
I struck my forehead lightly.
Quickly, I climbed up a tall tree.
My eyes widened — the view was breathtaking.
Nature… God's most beautiful creation.
My hunger vanished instantly. I wanted nothing more than to sleep in that cool breeze. I laid on a strong branch… and drifted into sleep.
---
"Phils, you left Wellness there?" Prince Sam asked with a teasing smile.
Phils lowered his eyes, silent.
"What happened? Why so quiet?" Sam asked again.
"Master said she must go to the forest first… then she will get her training," Phils replied calmly.
Prince Sam grabbed Phils's collar in anger.
"Are you out of your mind?! I could train her myself! You know there are professionals in that forest with unbelievable strength! Why did you do that?!"
Phils remained silent… taking every word.
Sam finally released his collar.
"It's fine. I'm going to bring her back right now."
"She won't listen to you. I brought her. She only listens to my command," Phils said.
Sam again grabbed Phils's collar, furious.
"Just because you are someone's puppet doesn't mean you make her one too!"
"She is not my puppet," Phils replied with steady calm, "She is my… and when she returns, I will adopt her."
"Adopt? She might die there any moment and you want to adopt her afterwards?! You are just controlling her. Listen carefully — I will adopt Wellness, not you," Prince Sam said.