Echoes of Healing

Chapter 7: Echoes of Healing

As the gentle light of dawn filtered through the trees, Dante stirred from his slumber, his eyes slowly opening to the new day. His body felt remarkably different, devoid of the pain and discomfort that had plagued him from his battle with the beetle-like creature. His gaze dropped to his left hand, and there, to his astonishment, was no sign of the bite wound that had been there just the day before. His finger had miraculously healed overnight.

Intrigued and amazed by this unexpected turn of events, Dante's thoughts turned to the injured puppy he had saved. With a sense of trepidation, he searched the area and spotted the puppy playing joyfully with a stick. Dante's heart swelled with relief as he realized that the puppy was also completely healed. He decided not to disturb the playful scene and instead settled down for a moment of meditation.

Seated in a comfortable position, Dante closed his eyes and focused on his breath, letting the world around him fade away. In the stillness of his mind, he pondered the events of the previous day and the mysterious healing that had taken place. A thought crossed his mind—perhaps it was the power of the pillar, the source of the world's magic, that had mended his finger and healed the puppy's wounds.

As he meditated, a soft sound reached his ears, causing him to open his eyes. Three deer-like creatures were approaching the tranquil pond, their graceful movements entrancing. They lowered their heads to drink from the pond's water, and Dante watched closely. His attention was drawn to one of the deer-like creatures—it appeared sickly and weak. However, as it sipped from the pond, a remarkable transformation occurred. The creature's vitality was restored, its body rejuvenated by the water's touch.

Dante's eyes widened with understanding. The pond's water possessed incredible healing properties. It was the reason why the puppy had been healed, and why his own finger had regrown overnight. A sense of awe washed over him as he considered the possibility that this place might be something akin to a holy sanctuary, untouched by danger and overflowing with life-giving magic.

Whispering the realization to himself, Dante mused, "Maybe this place is holy… That's why I've never encountered a single dangerous creature in these three years." With newfound insight, he approached the now-playful puppy, who seemed friendly and eager for companionship. Dante extended a hand, and the puppy nuzzled against him affectionately. In a moment of unspoken connection, Dante named the puppy "Roger."

Together, Dante and Roger frolicked by the pond, their laughter and playfulness filling the air. For the first time in years, Dante felt a sense of purpose. He had been alone in this enigmatic world, but now he had a companion to care for. As the day progressed, Dante's thoughts turned to his training. Discipline and Stoicism were deeply ingrained in him, and he felt a renewed determination to complete his tower and achieve his goal.

A striking sight caught his attention—an immense black stone adorned with words that held immense meaning. Inscribed on its surface were the words "I will be strongest in this universe." The words echoed with Dante's true desire—to gain strength so formidable that he could protect those he loved. Memories of his friends from his past life surfaced, and he silently vowed to never let them down again.

In this serene oasis, amidst the whispers of the forest and the echoes of healing waters, Dante found himself embracing a newfound purpose—to be a guardian of strength, a protector of life, even in a world where he was surrounded by the unknown.