"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Bona," I said.
"What did you buy, Brother Bai?" Bona asked.
"Sorry, I didn't get anything. Let's go read some books," I replied.
In the library, I studied all kinds of magic intensely, jotting down notes from time to time. I'd have to practice hard tonight.In the mountains of the Tianlai Holy Kingdom, by the Hero's Spring:
"This holy sword was left by the previous hero, my master. Every hero through the ages has wielded it, but fewer than three could unleash its power. Even my master couldn't fully comprehend it. But the time has come. You will be the fourth—and final—hero to wield its power. This millennia-long conflict between humans and demons will end with this sword," Master Wutai said solemnly.
"To unlock the sword's potential, you must achieve unity with it—your heart is the sword, and the sword is your heart. Only then can you break through barriers and vanquish evil."
"Master, what should I do?" Kaiya asked.
Wutai replied, "Today, I brought you to the Hero's Spring to harness its sacred energy to help you unite with the sword. First, remove your clothes, hold the sword, and enter the spring."
"Yes!" Kaiya stripped off his battle robes, clutched the sword, and stepped into the spring.
The master began chanting a spell, and steam rose from the water. Kaiya gripped the sword, focusing intently.
"Grant this body unity with the sword," the master intoned with the final verse.
A column of water surged, enveloping Kaiya.
"Now, it's up to your own understanding," the master said.
Emily, standing nearby, watched anxiously. After about half an hour, the water column shattered. Kaiya, glowing with white light, smiled at everyone. It seemed he had succeeded.
The master gave a relieved smile. "You've finally surpassed my master."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I've overcome my own will. I will wield this sword to protect the world's glory," Kaiya said.
"Congratulations! I'm so glad you're okay!" Emily said, happily embracing Kaiya.
"Sorry for worrying everyone. I feel I now have the strength to challenge the Demon King. Let's set out the day after tomorrow," Kaiya declared.That night, I snuck out again, but Bona caught me.
"Brother Bai, where are you going so late?"
"I learned a lot of magic in the library today. I want to find a place to practice. You should go to bed," I told her.
"I want to see Brother Bai use magic!" Bona insisted.
"Fine, but stay far away so you don't get hurt."
I took Bona to a small grove. Now, I could cast spells without drawing magic circles.
"Lightning Magic!"
"Blazing Flame Magic!"
"Crushing Rock Magic!"
I repeatedly used the new magic I'd learned. Though the power wasn't great, I could now cast spells I couldn't in my dog form. I felt thrilled, another big step toward my goal.
Bona watched in awe, exclaiming, "Brother Bai is so amazing!"
I didn't practice too long that night since Bona wouldn't sleep if I didn't return. I had to think of her. I'd continue tomorrow.
I'd already mastered dozens of spells, but for some reason, I still couldn't access the function interface in my human form. Maybe this world didn't have such a thing—it wasn't as simple as a video game. I had to give up on that idea.
At midnight, in my dreams, I faintly heard someone speaking to me:
"It's been a while. I'm here to pass on some news."
I looked closely—it was that boy from the divine realm.
"Was it you who saved me last time?" I asked.
"Yes, but returning to your human form was your own doing. I only healed you. What I need to tell you is that I have to leave this place."