The sun had not yet risen, but a bluish-gray light was already brushing against the rough walls of the cave. A cool breeze slipped between the rocks, carrying with it the scent of moss, humus… and that temporary stillness one doesn't dare disturb.
Outside, Hei Tian was watching the forest.
He had woken early. For an hour, he had been studying tracks, counting marks on the ground, listening to every rustle. This wasn't just a trip to look for food — it was a lesson. A confrontation with reality. The kind of silence in which you learn more than in a thousand speeches.
Inside the cave, Chen was gathering his belongings. Yun Lue stretched silently, still groggy, while Mu Liang was still sleeping, his face peaceful.
When Chen joined Hei Tian, he quickly understood the young man had already found a trail.
"You saw it?" Hei Tian asked.
The elder nodded.
"Boar. I'd say not far from here, maybe an hour's walk to the east. There's a stream in that direction too."
Hei Tian clenched his fists. He knew what that implied.
"You think I can go?"
Chen looked at him for a moment, then sighed.
"Not alone. We'll go together. Yun Lue will stay here with Mu Liang."
A little later, they were on their way, leaving the two children behind in safety. Yun Lue had protested — weakly — but she understood. She took Mu Liang's hand, speaking softly to keep him from being afraid.
---
The path east was dense, overgrown with twisted branches. Chen led the way with his short blade, slicing through vines like a seasoned hunter.
It took them almost two hours to reach the stream.
"Fresh water," Chen murmured, leaning down. He filled a gourd, then handed the other to Hei Tian. "Drink."
The young man obeyed, his hands still trembling with adrenaline. Every rustle in the leaves made him tense up. His mind was on high alert, but his body… still faltered.
If he failed, what would become of the others?
A heavier rustling. Chen froze.
"He's here," he said.
The boar burst from the bushes like a black and brown flash. Chen leapt to the side, and Hei Tian tried to back away, but his foot slipped on a wet rock.
He felt the beast's breath graze his leg — then the fall. The dull pain of impact. He heard his own muffled cry, followed by a hiss.
Chen had reacted. One swift, precise motion — his blade sliced the air and cut deep into the beast's flank.
A scream, a stomp, then… silence.
The beast collapsed. Hei Tian slowly got back up, breathing hard, heart pounding like a mad drum.
Chen stared at him for a long moment.
"You were scared."
He nodded. He didn't try to lie.
"Good. Remember that feeling. It's what will save you. Not arrogance."
Hei Tian stayed silent, but his eyes burned.
He understood.
---
They butchered the beast, taking pieces of meat they could carry. Then they filled their gourds and began the journey back.
By the time they returned to the cave, the sun had risen.
Mu Liang ran toward them, eyes shining. Yun Lue sighed in relief.
"Did you find anything?"
Hei Tian laid down the meat wrapped in thick leaves, still warm.
"Enough to last a few days."
Yun Lue looked at him with gratitude… but also with something new in her eyes. He was no longer just a companion. He had become an anchor.
Mu Liang approached, hesitating.
"Can I… can I know your name now?"
Hei Tian remained silent for a moment. Then he simply answered:
"Hei Tian."
Mu Liang smiled timidly.
"My name's Mu Liang. I think I want to become strong too."
Hei Tian placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then start by eating."
And in that cold cave, deep in an indifferent world, an invisible light had just been born.
---