Hero of Darkness

Kahn faced Elric who was not even half his height at this point as the latter finally decided to make a change in his life, embedding a spark of striving for betterment in his mind.

"You just saw that even if you're weak… you can still fight back and protect yourself, didn't you?" he asked while exuding a charismatic aura.

Elric nodded in response, feeling elated for the first time.

"I'm not always going to be around. So in the end, it will be you who has to take a stand for yourself.

I can teach you. But the important thing is…" he spoke in a serious tone.

"What is the purpose of you becoming stronger?

Will you run away while facing hopelessly intense training?

Or do you want to face discomfort and pain for now to become strong in the future?" he questioned solemnly.

"Do you want to be someone who can not only protect himself but also others who are suffering just like you… Or do you want to keep staying just the way you are now for the rest of your life?" he questioned in a firm tone.

Why was Kahn asking this question and letting the young Elric make a decision instead of leading the charge by himself to pass the trial?

Because he had figured out what the young and frightened him from the past needed the most.

In the end, the 12 year old Elric was but a child who was lost and all by himself.

Having no one to guide him or teach him the ways of life.

When a child falls and let's say they hurt themselves.

In their perception, when you say 'you're okay' and they know they're not because they are scared or they are hurt… It is very confusing to a child's mind.

To know that they're not okay but the person who's supposed to tell them 'what's what', is telling them that they're 'fine' despite knowing they're not.

It will always create a state of dilemma in the psyche of a growing child.

And it's true for both physically and emotionally etched traumatic experiences or abuses which often end up shaping the entire personality of that child as they grow up.

So even if all of this was just some trial or some illusion…

Kahn wanted to be that person for the young Elric.

The Guardian Angel and the Mentor he never had in the previous life.

And finally, after thinking for a long time… Elric made a decision and spoke.

"Teach me… how to become strong."

Kahn nodded in affirmation and shook hands with Elric now that they could corroborate at will.

2 Months Later.

A familiar scene appeared in front of Kahn.

This time, 8 kids were lying on the ground, completely unconscious while their faces were filled with bruises.

However, this time… it wasn't Kahn who did the beating to these kids who suddenly ambushed him while ganging up due to resentment in their hearts.

Elric was panting heavily while barely having the strength to stand on his feet.

In the past 2 months, Kahn had been training him like some remnant soul of an ancient master and teaching him self-defense as well as making his body through intense training which eventually raised Elric's stamina and endurance while giving him instincts to survive multiple enemies style combat.

And finally… when this opportunity came, he managed to make a firm stance for himself. His expression was that of containment and relief instead of feeling exhausted or acting like he was victorious.

For the first time in his life… Elric felt like he wasn't just some pathetic loser who couldn't even protect himself.

"You have done well, my disciple." spoke Kahn as he brushed off his imaginary long white beard with his palm.

But the very next moment…

Suddenly, the world around Kahn started cascading into transparent layers of glass as hundreds of golden threads emitted from Elric's body as he himself started glowing like a miniature sun.

His compassionate eyes and bright smile gleamed in front of Kahn as the feeling of fulfillment arose in his heart and mind.

"Thank you… for staying by my side.

From now on… I will never give up on myself." he spoke in a tone filled with gratitude.

The golden light aura in the surroundings and Kahn closed his eyes because of this blinding light.

With a peaceful and joyous expression… Elric had dispersed into the divine light and shot towards the sky.

Swoosh!

In the following moments, Kahn opened his eyes and looked around as the dazzling light finally subsided.

"Is this it? Is this the end of the trial?" wondered Kahn.

Soon, he felt changes happening to his body and now, Kahn had a solid body instead of some ghost form.

"I see. Him making the decision was the key to growing a different and firm mindset." he spoke with a sense of accomplishment.

But then… Kahn looked around the surroundings he was currently in.

Winds howled along with the passing cold breeze. At the time of midnight, in the glitter of lights from skyscrapers and malls along with multiple vibrant neon signs; the city life kept running as usual.

Amongst these sky-touching buildings and millions of people going about their lives, stood a man at the edge of the highest roof in one of such office buildings. He heaved a sigh, looked towards the bright moon and closed his eyes. Thinking and contemplating how and why his life came to be this way.

Kahn, who saw this brown-haired man with glasses while wearing a blue office coat who now stood close to the ledge of the parapet; shuddered in fear instantly.

"Man, why am I the only one living so miserably? Will anything for once, go the right way for me?

Why am I the only one always getting the short end of the stick?

It's as if the world itself is trying to tell me that I really don't matter at all." spoke this man with a tone filled with grief and desperation.

Kahn was terrified at this moment because how could he forget the most decisive day of his previous life?

The one in front of him was the person whose single decision changed Kahn's destiny.

This place, this environment and this scene were etched in his mind vividly since it was the memory…

Of the night he committed suicide.