Choice

While Mira's parents fought to protect her, she fled into the forest in search of the cave she had discovered.

Although she hoped her parents would survive, deep down she knew it was unlikely.

They weren't skilled fighters, and all she could wish for was a swift and painless death for them.

As she ran through the forest, Mira seethed with anger towards the bandits.

"Dammit! Those fucking bandits! When I become strong enough, I'll hunt down their worthless lives!" she vowed, her mind consumed by thoughts of revenge.

After some time, she finally reached the cave. Fortunately, it was unoccupied by any magical beasts.

The cave was small, with a height of about 1.5 meters and a width of just over a meter, gradually narrowing as one ventured further in.

Exhausted from her frantic journey, Mira found a comfortable spot in the cave and sat down to rest.

She needed to calm her mind, even though the loss of her parents weighed heavily on her heart.

"At least I had the chance to spend quality time with them and express my love," Mira murmured, her voice filled with both gratitude and sorrow.

"In a couple of days, I'll return to the village to see if anything or anyone is left. For now, I should cover the entrance to the cave and get some rest."

With these thoughts in mind, Mira ventured out of the cave to gather leaves, branches, and rocks to block the entrance.

Once she had completed this task, she returned to the cave and attempted to sleep.

However, rest eluded her, and she turned to meditation instead.

Mira spent the entire night meditating, finding solace in the practice.

As dawn approached, she realized sleep was futile and decided to rise from her meditation.

Feeling hungry, she ventured into the forest to collect herbs, berries, and fruits to sustain herself.

Returning to the cave, she consumed her meager meal and set aside some Ironhide Grass for later use.

Fatigued from her endeavors, she finally succumbed to sleep.

The hours passed, and when Mira awoke, she felt refreshed, having enjoyed three days of uninterrupted rest.

"Now it's time to plan for the future," Mira contemplated, recognizing the need to make decisions amidst her solitude. She weighed her options, recognizing the challenges they presented.

"The first option is to journey to Lunar Fox City, but it's a perilous 100-kilometer trek. I may hope for the aid of a benevolent traveling merchant, but what do I have to offer in return? The risk of encountering danger, both from beasts and humans, is high. I could end up captured and sold as a slave, subject to unspeakable horrors," Mira pondered.

"The second option is to return to the village and wait for the monthly visit from a merchant. This seems more favorable, as the merchant might assist me in reaching Lunar Fox City or another destination. Yet, I lack any valuable assets to offer, and my youth and vulnerability make me an easy target. Even if I arrive in Lunar Fox City, I'll be alone and defenseless, susceptible to the whims of arrogant young masters. No, that's not an option," Mira concluded with determination.

"The third option is to remain in the forest and train. It will be arduous, given my solitude and the dangers lurking on the outskirts of this rank 2 forest. Nevertheless, death in battle against a magical beast seems preferable to capture or exploitation," Mira resolved.

With her decision made, Mira resolved to stay in the confines of her tiny cave until she gained the strength to wield her scythe.

She calculated the immense weight of the spiritual scythe, estimating it to be around 4,000 to 5,000 kilograms.

To even contemplate lifting it, she would need to reach the Bone Forging Realm. Perhaps she would have to progress to Qi Condensation before leaving the safety of the cave.

"I will remain here and train until I reach the Organ Refinement or Marrow Tempering stage. Opening my meridians will facilitate further progress, but I must first complete Strength Training and Bone Forging," Mira determined, ready to embark on her solitary journey of cultivation.