Kazaf: The upside down

---

Chapter 9: A Step Into the Unknown

The winds of the upside world had carried Kazaf's newfound strength, but the world of the down—the cultivator realm—was a whole other beast. Kazaf could feel it in the air, a shift that felt both distant and close, like the earth itself was calling him. His training with Alaca had unlocked something deep within him, but the real test was about to begin.

After days of rigorous training, Alaca deemed him ready to face the down world, the realm from which she had fled long ago.

"We leave tonight," Alaca said, her tone unreadable.

Kazaf had barely spoken to Cholo since the training session. His focus had been entirely on his mother's lessons. But now, as the time to depart neared, he couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming—something that would change everything.

"Are you sure I'm ready?" Kazaf asked, standing at the doorway of their home, his mind racing with possibilities.

Alaca's expression softened for a fraction of a second. "You're as ready as you'll ever be. Don't hesitate once you step into the down world. It's a place of power—and danger."

Kazaf nodded, resolve setting in. This was his path, the one that would shape his future.

As the night fell, they stood at the edge of a small clearing. Alaca raised her hand, muttering words Kazaf didn't understand. The air shimmered, bending as if reality itself was warping.

"Stay close," Alaca ordered.

Kazaf took a deep breath and stepped forward. The moment he crossed the boundary Alaca had drawn, the world seemed to shift around him, colors warping, sounds growing distant, until everything was plunged into darkness.

---

When Kazaf opened his eyes again, the down world lay before him—vast and ancient, a place untouched by time. The ground was cracked and dry, jagged rocks forming a landscape of harsh beauty. Strange trees with twisted trunks and glowing leaves towered over him. A chilling wind carried a scent of something unfamiliar, something wild.

"Welcome to the down," Alaca said, her voice calm as ever. "It's not like the upside world. Here, every step you take is a test."

Kazaf looked around, his senses on high alert. The air felt heavier, charged with energy, and he could feel the power around him like a static charge, making his skin tingle.

"Is it always like this?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yes. The down world is where cultivators are made. It's not just a world—it's alive with essence. Every living thing here is imbued with it, every rock, every tree, every animal. You'll learn to feel it, use it, control it."

Suddenly, there was a rustle behind them. Kazaf instinctively turned, his hand going to the knife at his side. But before he could react, a massive shape leapt from the shadows.

It was a creature of legend: a winged lion, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Its wings spread wide, casting an imposing shadow over them. The lion's mane rippled with dark energy, and its teeth gleamed sharp as daggers.

Kazaf instinctively stepped back, his heart pounding.

Alaca didn't flinch. "This is what you will face here, Kazaf. The creatures of the down are not like the ones in the upside world. They are empowered by the very essence that flows through this land."

The winged lion let out a deep, rumbling growl, its massive wings beating the air with a force that sent dust swirling.

Kazaf clenched his fists, feeling the energy within him. This was no ordinary creature. It was a test, just like Alaca had said.

The lion lunged, its claws outstretched. Kazaf barely had time to react, rolling to the side as the lion's claws raked the ground where he had been standing. He gritted his teeth, his energy flaring, and for the first time since arriving, he felt the power surge within him, ready to be unleashed.

Kazaf darted forward, his body moving with newfound speed and precision. He felt the essence around him, using it to guide his movements. The lion roared and spun, its wings slashing through the air. Kazaf jumped, launching himself upward with the help of his energy, his fist coming down with all his strength.

But the lion was quick. It twisted, using its wings to propel itself into the air, narrowly avoiding Kazaf's attack.

"You're not using your energy properly," Alaca called out from the sidelines. "You need to anticipate, Kazaf. The power here is not just for strength—it's for control."

Kazaf gritted his teeth. He wasn't just facing a beast; he was facing a force of nature, a creature that embodied the very essence of the down world.

The lion growled again, charging at him with terrifying speed. Kazaf focused, feeling the energy within him like a pulse, beating in time with his own heart. This time, he didn't react—he anticipated.

As the lion charged, Kazaf leapt high, his body twisting in midair as he aimed for the lion's neck. With a flash of energy, he connected with the creature, sending a shockwave through the ground.

The lion staggered, its eyes wide with surprise. Kazaf landed on the ground, panting, but his energy was still pulsing through him, strong and steady.

The winged lion growled, taking a few cautious steps back. It wasn't retreating, but it had respect in its eyes now, recognizing the strength Kazaf had shown.

Alaca nodded. "You're learning. But remember, the creatures of the down are only the beginning. The true challenges lie in the cultivators who live here."

Kazaf stood tall, his eyes burning with determination. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Alaca's lips curled into a slight smile. "We'll see."

---