The hawk didn’t wait for Red’s response and continued to explain. “This is a side-effect of your blood absorption powers. It is a clear sign of demonification. Once you put on that bracelet, your appearance should return to normal - but be aware that is only an illusion. The scales and red eyes will still be there.”

The boy was still examining his face with shock. “… When did it become like this?”

“When you killed that lizard demon.” the hawk said. “Your body underwent significant changes at that point and I was afraid you would have died if you did not wake up in time.”

Red frowned. “The imperials and the necromancer… They didn’t mention anything about this.”

These changes in his features were quite obvious. He couldn’t imagine such powerful individuals would fail to comment on it.

The hawk sighed. “That’s because I hid it. If the necromancer noticed how their supposed savior was under demonic influence, then they might have reconsidered their plans.”

“… Is there a way to reverse it?” the boy asked.

“There is, but…” the hawk hesitated. “The process of demonification you’re going through is something I’ve never seen before.”

Red’s situation kept getting worse, it seemed. “How so?”

“Bodily changes like this only happen during the second phase of demonification.” the spirit said. “First, an individual will go through severe personality changes, which you seem to have entirely skipped… That is, unless you are adept at hiding your state of mind and tricked me.”

The boy shook his head. “I don’t feel any different.”

“Then it is as I thought.” the hawk said with a severe tone. “I can’t tell you exactly what is happening, but a force beyond my understanding must be controlling your process of demonification.”

Red’s mind shifted to the crimson mist inside his body.

He decided to tell the truth to the hawk. “I have something inside of me. It’s a sentient mist that I took with me to the outside world when I left the underground… My power of absorbing blood comes from it.”

The hawk fell silent in contemplation. Red could feel the gaze he was giving him become troubled.

“You said you took it from the underground?” the spirit asked.

The boy nodded. “It was in another monster’s core… I feel like it didn’t really belong in that place.”

“You would be correct.” the hawk nodded. “My master’s research into those caves was limited since he never dared to explore them himself. However, he never came across any type of demonic influence from that place… Did anything else happen since you came into contact with this mist.”

“I also started to have strange dreams about a different world.” Red said.

He described the endless plains of black sand, the bone bounds, the crimson sky, the dark sun, and the behemoth creature he saw in those dreams.

“I have no knowledge of such a place.” the hawk shook its head. “If I had to guess, however, it seems you have been dreaming about the Infernal Realm.”

Red frowned. He knew little about this Infernal Realm, but it was common knowledge amongst the people of the outside world that this was the home of demons. A place of despair and evil.

The boy obviously had such guesses before, but hearing it from the hawk made it much worse. “What do you think those dreams mean?”

“I don’t know.” the hawk shook its head. “I cannot interpret your dreams, but I can tell you with confidence that you should be careful on how you act inside that place. Although you may think of these forays as mere dreams, nothing is ever as simple in the world of cultivation. The Infernal Realm is a place of horrors and nightmares, and they may reach you even through your dreams.”

‘Another danger to worry about.’

“What about the mist?” Red asked. “What should I do?”

He had decided to confide in the hawk. It was his best opportunity to learn about these otherworldly matters, and the spirit seemed to be willing to teach him about it.

“The best course of action would be to remove it entirely from your body, but I’m afraid it won’t be that simple.” the hawk said. “Unlike your Moon curse, I know nothing about this force living inside your body. Demons from the Infernal Realm that can reach through dimensions and exert their influence in our world are rare, but they are all extremely powerful. I’m afraid that if I try to remove it from your body, I might kill you in the process and attract the attention of a being beyond what I or these grounds can possibly contend with.”

Red frowned. “Then what should I do?”

“Refrain from using those blood absorption powers.” the spirit said. “They seem to be the catalyst for your demonification, so you should never use them unless absolutely necessary. You may also take solace in the fact this demonic influence inside of you seems to have no interest in taking your body over at the moment, judging by the fact it has most likely kept your mind in a sane state. However, it is still a demon, so never be fully trusting of it. As for the future…” the hawk paused, considering his words. “The most important part is that you need to take control of your own fate.”

The boy was bewildered. He had been trying to do that the entire time, which was why he risked so much to win this trial. Yet, this mountain he sought to climb seemed to get taller and taller with every meter he ascended. How was he supposed to reach it like this?

“I am limited in the ways I can help you. However, I have judged you worthy of being my master’s disciple, so that alone makes you qualified to take on anything this world can throw at you.” the hawk said. “A true cultivator creates opportunity out of adversity and you must tackle all obstacles with such a mentality in mind. The forces you are matched against might seem beyond what you can deal with, but there is no such thing as impossible for a cultivator. Seek every opportunity to climb even one step further in this ladder to the top, and you will notice your horizons will grow. The world will be revealed before you, and more opportunities to climb even further will appear.”

Red felt something resonate within himself as he listened to the spirit’s words.

The hawk continued. “Analyze your problems with an open and rational mind. Be aware that even the hardest puzzles have a solution, and that there is nothing in this world that cannot be solved by an ambitious individual. This demon, this curse… Seek to understand them. If you cannot be rid of them, then seek to use them to your advantage. If that isn’t possible, then seek to suppress them until there comes a day where you can either use them or finally be rid of them. Gods, demons, sects, empires, cults - nothing is ever beyond you. Understand that this is the spirit of a true cultivator, and it’s more important to grasp this with all your heart than to have the best talent in the world…”

The spirit fell silent, and Red contemplated its words.

Finally, the hawk spoke up again, this time with a sadder tone. “These aren’t my words. It’s what my master said to me before he departed. He told me that this was the most important lesson to his future disciple, more valuable than any treasure he could possibly give you… I never agreed with him. I thought if one was allowed to live a peaceful and happy life, why seek more? Who cares about the world? About power? Ambition is the downfall of great men, and yet they all throw themselves into this abyss without a second thought.” the spirit stared at Red. “But you aren’t any different from them, are you?”

The boy shook his head. “I suppose not.”

“Indeed.” the hawk nodded. “Which is why you won this trial, after all.”

The spirit waved its wings, and the last mote of light flew towards Red. He touched it, and another manual fell into his hands. He read its title.

‘Storm’s Blessing.’

“This is a cultivation manual that my master created for his disciple.” the hawk said. “It consists of a set of circulation techniques from the Lesser Ring Realm up to the Spirit Core Realm. It also has multiple Spiritual Arts and a Vein Opening technique that you must use if you seek to practice them in the future. You can take this as a comprehensive inheritance for cultivation up to the Spirit Core Realm, and you will not lack for techniques or knowledge as you progress towards the fourth realm.”

Red examined the manual like it was the most valuable treasure in the world. He didn’t know exactly how much something like this was worth in the outside world, but it was still priceless to him.

“The Storm’s Blessing, as my master named it, consists mostly of water, wind, and lightning techniques.” the spirit said. “You may practice any of these elements and their techniques individually, but their true strength only manifests when all three of them are combined.”

“What if I don’t have talent with one of those elements?” Red asked.

“It shouldn’t matter.” the hawk shook its head. “There is also knowledge in the book about how to increase your elemental affinity. These methods are extremely rare, but I know you can accomplish them.”

The boy nodded. This was still something he would only need to worry about in the future.

“Is that it?” he asked.

“For rewards? Yes.” the hawk nodded. “Why? Were you expecting more?”

“I was.” Red didn’t deny it.

Although all of these treasures were extremely valuable, he was definitely expecting something that would promptly increase his individual power. All the manuals and pills were very useful for the future, but they wouldn’t do much for Red at this instant.

“My master was clear on his instructions.” the hawk said. “He didn’t want to give his disciple anything too valuable that would make their journey too easy. He said that the knowledge and manuals he has imparted unto you will be the tools which you will use to obtain those things yourself. The hard part will still be up to you.”

Red sighed. “Must everything be so difficult?”

He didn’t disagree with this rationale, but the boy thought he had proved himself plenty already.

“It must.” the hawk nodded. “My master said hardship builds character… I don’t agree with him, but I am not the one who made this place.”

Red didn’t push the subject. “So what now?”

“Well, that depends.” the hawk said. “Do you have any more otherworldly secrets you wish to tell me?”

The boy hesitated. “I have a few but-”

The spirit cut him off. “Do they concern your immediate safety?”

Red frowned. “… I don’t think so.”

“Then don’t bother.” the hawk shook its head. “Sometimes knowing too much about something can be very harmful - in literal ways, too. Certain beings in the world can feel when someone talks about them, and getting their attention is the last thing I want to do right now. If it wasn’t for the fact your life was on the line, I wouldn’t have even mentioned anything about that demon.”

That was understandable. Still, the boy would need to keep information about the blob to himself.

“How do I find this place again?” the boy asked.

“Once you reach the Spiritual Awakening realm, a mark will activate in your body.” the hawk said. “By that point, you will know how to enter these grounds again.”

“What about the bracelet?”

“Wear it around your wrist and it will do its job without any need of controlling.” the spirit said.

“… Then I guess this is it.”

“So it is.” the hawk nodded. “I will be sending you out with your companions.”

“Are they still alive?” Red asked.

“They are. In fact, since you won this trial, not even a second has passed.”

Red was confused. “How is that possib-”

The hawk waved its wings, and suddenly everything went dark.