Owen was given the opportunity to have one good look at the outside world before Kovinth quickly told him to pretend he was blind again. At first Owen wasn’t sure why but as he pondered it for a bit he suddenly realized.

‘If I fight with my eyes, I will be reliant on it for when I become blind again.’

But even still, Owen truly loved the beauty of the world. The colourful forests that stretched over the horizon, or the mountains that rose into the skies. Each had their own uniqueness that caused Owen to stare at them bewildered. Luckily, even though he loved the sight, he loved just as much the scent of the forests and the touch of the ground. This was why the moment he closed his eyes he didn’t feel any negative emotions towards this black abyss. He only felt a calming sensation run through his body as the he breathed in the Essence of the world.

As Owen walked through the mountain area, he felt the mud sink as he lifted his foot, but even still he continued to walk as meticulously as before lifting the foot only as soon as the other was perfectly flat on the ground. He continued like this for awhile before hearing a loud crashing noise.

Boom!

Although Owen wasn’t able to see he was able to picture a piece of lightning crash down onto the ground destroying one’s body. As Owen had already been told by Kovinth that that crashing sound was from the Lightning of Sloth. Even if it was as clear as day the lightning would crash down out of nowhere. Owen couldn’t help but want to ask but he felt it was too early so he remained calm trying to hide the curiosity on his face. Although Owen was able to hide most things, his curiosity was one that allowed Kovinth to read him like a book.

As Kovinth would laugh at this, he couldn’t help but give in and explain.

‘The Lightning of Sloth doesn’t just strike those that are lazy, but those who give up the Path.”

Was the only explanation Owen was given, but that was to explain what happened to those who didn’t prepare their hearts before hand. Owen wasn’t sure how many times he heard this thunder crash but he started to get used to it. He never thought for a moment that he would be hit by the lightning because he wanted nothing more than to restore his sight. However to his surprise, Kovinth told him that no matter, as long as he continued to breathe he would always walk the Path. This was the true benefit for using Breathing as a way to gether Essence.

Although the amount is considerably small in comparison to channeling, it was after all something you did constantly. Owen couldn’t help but sigh in admiration to his teacher. Whether it was someone who taught his Master or not didn’t matter, it was the fact that his master was willing to teach him this alone was enough to make Owen feel grateful.

Although everything was a bit overwhelming, Owen still took breaks to find food. Although most animals evolved that did not apply to all of them. Much like humans weren’t forced to walk the Path as well. The animals would have to instinctively choose to become a Devourer. Everytime Owen went out he would find some small game to cook for him and his Master.

It was quite easy as well, because the small animals were quite attracted to the melodic bells that run with every step, it allowed Owen to simply stroll on the mountain path and he would find some food. But at this moment, he realized the bells did not only attract small animals, but Devourers as well.

As Owen turned his body to face the direction of the oncoming Devourer, the scent finally arrived close enough for him to smell it. It was an overpowering smell of blood, rotten flesh was probably even stuck in between the teeth of the beast. It was finally at this point that a paw stepped out from outside the bush. It was not in a rush even after it knew Owen found out about its presence.

It was clear as a Devourer that it was strong. It didn’t fear anything being able to outrun it. This was because it was a evolved cougar. One of the fastest predators in the territory, nothing could escape from its grasp. But little did it know, that Owen had no intentions on escaping. In fact Owen at this moment had already taken out his short sword attached to his waist. Owen could only mutter softly.

“I couldn’t ask for more. After stepping on the Path, you will become the first crystal for me to absorb.”

It might sound like Owen was arrogant, but instead it was rather that Owen had to do it, or he would die. Words for the dead didn’t matter much so there was only the words for the victor left. But Owen wasn’t the type to talk after defeating his foe so he would announce the results before hand. To anyone else who didn’t know Owen, would think he was insane to fight such a beast while only just barely stepping on the Path.

But to Owen, there was no time for being weak. He had to get stronger and see the world with his own two eyes. This was the Path he chose, he naturally would do everything to achieve it. The cougar slowly moved into a crouching position ready to launch at any time. Likewise Owen bent his knees a little preparing himself for the fight.

He learnt previously that Devourers were the impulsive type so if he taunted them there was a good chance that they would fall for the bait. As such Owen stomped the ground. The mud exploded outwards and because the slightest action would cause the cougar to react it instinctively jumped out at Owen. At the same time Owen swung out his blade.