Kazaf: The upside down

The night was colder than usual. A faint mist rolled over the Elara Sect's grounds, shrouding the pathways in an eerie haze. Kazaf stood outside his quarters, gazing up at the moon, its silver glow illuminating his sharp features. His body still ached from the battle, but his mind was restless.

The conversation with Grand Elder Basir and Sect Leader Jamal Kassim played over and over in his head. Jalwa was watching. Waiting. Testing him. The realization unsettled him, but not because he feared Jalwa—Kazaf had never feared anyone.

It was the unknown that troubled him.

What did Jalwa see in him? What did he know that Kazaf didn't?

A sudden movement caught Kazaf's attention. He turned sharply, his instincts flaring.

A figure emerged from the mist. Elder Basir.

"You should be resting," Basir said, his hands behind his back.

Kazaf smirked. "Can't rest when I know stronger enemies are coming."

Basir studied him for a long moment. Then, without a word, he turned and started walking.

Kazaf hesitated. "Where are you going?"

"To train you," Basir replied. "Unless you prefer to wait until Jalwa's men decide to come again."

Kazaf grinned. He liked this old man. Without another word, he followed.

---

The Forbidden Grounds

Basir led Kazaf deep into the sect's inner territory, past towering pagodas and meditation chambers. The further they went, the more the energy in the air thickened, pressing against Kazaf's skin like an unseen force.

Eventually, they reached an ancient courtyard, surrounded by stone pillars covered in golden inscriptions. The ground was cracked, and the air hummed with raw power.

Kazaf exhaled. "This place feels… different."

Basir nodded. "This is the Forbidden Grounds. Only those who have reached a certain level of mastery are allowed to train here. The energy is purer, but it is also dangerous."

Kazaf smirked. "Sounds like my kind of place."

Basir turned to face him. "Before we begin, tell me—what do you seek, Kazaf?"

Kazaf raised an eyebrow. "What do I seek?"

"Yes. Strength? Power? Revenge?"

Kazaf was silent for a moment. Then he exhaled. "At first, it was just revenge. But now… it's more than that. I want to be strong enough to control my own fate. I don't want to be a pawn in someone else's game."

Basir studied him carefully, then nodded. "Good answer."

Without warning, he thrust out his palm. A shockwave of energy erupted toward Kazaf.

Kazaf's instincts screamed. He dodged to the side, but the force of the attack still sent him skidding back.

"What the hell?" Kazaf muttered.

Basir smirked. "Lesson one—always be ready."

Kazaf grinned. He was going to enjoy this training.

---

Awakening the Hidden Power

For hours, Kazaf and Basir clashed in the Forbidden Grounds. The Grand Elder's speed was inhuman, his attacks precise, his control over energy flawless.

Kazaf fought back fiercely, using everything he had. But it wasn't enough.

Basir was testing him. Pushing him to his limit. Every time Kazaf thought he could land a blow, Basir was already gone, his movements unreadable.

Kazaf panted, sweat dripping down his forehead. His muscles burned.

"You fight with instinct," Basir said. "That's good. But instinct alone is not enough."

Kazaf wiped his mouth. "Then teach me."

Basir's eyes gleamed. "Very well."

He raised his hand, and a golden flame ignited in his palm. The heat was intense, but it didn't burn.

"This is the Heaven's Essence Technique. It refines your energy, making it more potent, more controlled. You have potential, Kazaf. But potential is nothing if you don't refine it."

Kazaf watched the flame, mesmerized. He could feel the energy within it—pure, concentrated, lethal.

"I'll learn it," Kazaf said firmly.

Basir smirked. "Then let's begin."

---

A Silent Observer

Unknown to Kazaf and Basir, a pair of eyes watched from the shadows. A cloaked figure stood on a nearby rooftop, hidden by the mist.

The figure's lips curled into a smirk. "Interesting."

Then, like a whisper in the wind, they vanished.

---

A Night of Change

Hours passed. Kazaf sat on the cold ground, his breathing steady as he focused on his energy flow. The Heaven's Essence Technique was unlike anything he had learned before. It required patience, discipline, and precise control over his inner energy.

He gritted his teeth. He wasn't used to this kind of training. He was used to fighting, relying on instinct and raw strength. But if he wanted to survive… if he wanted to defeat Jalwa… he needed more than just strength.

He needed mastery.

Basir stood nearby, watching. He saw the fire in Kazaf's eyes, the relentless determination.

The boy was special.

But would he be ready in time?

The night wind howled, carrying whispers of unseen dangers.

Kazaf didn't know it yet, but his journey had just truly begun.

---