33 Mental Struggles (2/2)
However, the old man constantly reminded Darius of the rewards that would follow his hard work like riches, fame, and power. Anything he desired would be at his grasp so long as he was able to master this elder's skills.
Multiple times did Darius ask one question. ”Will this kill me?”
Nonetheless, the elder also reassured Darius multiple times that becoming his disciple would not be lethal in any way. Rather, becoming his disciple would guarantee his safety for life. This was the true attraction for Darius.
It was obvious that this old man was someone important. If being his disciple could guarantee his survival in this cruel world, then Darius was all for it. Then again, Darius knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. The old man would most likely work him to the bone and then some. Judging from his initial requirements, being his disciple would be no walk in the park.
Darius had too much going on in his mind even by the time their conversation reached its end. He was not at all sure about what to.
Should he agree? Yes, the old man guaranteed his survival and happiness, but was it worth the pain or the risk? Not to mention the hard work. In fact, who knew if this old man was even telling the truth? Maybe this new sixth sense was a trick manipulated by the old man to get him to lower his guard. Maybe this was all an insidious plot to trick him again…
After a mental struggle, Darius decided to gather more information both on the old man as well as his own abilities. If the old man was correct, many powerful people would approach Darius to recruit him after the tests. Perhaps there were people more powerful than the old man, people who were better suited to guarantee his safety…
By the time their conversation had finished, it was already dawn. Darius had a sturdy body and mind, so he could go a few days without sleep, and everyone would be none the wiser.
After the old man had spoken his piece, he stood up and walked to the door. Just before he opened it, he looked back and said, ”Young man, try not to think so much. You have no training, so don't do anything fancy out there. Just keep these words to heart: if you kill them, they can't kill you.”
With these auspicious words, the old man left the room. ”If I kill them, they can't kill me.” Darius wasn't sure why, but these words struck a chord with him, reaching the deepest recesses of his mind. He kept saying them over and over again.
Darius also noticed that the old man said 'them'. In other words, 'them' could be anything. Darius quite liked this mantra. As someone who valued his life above all else, killing others to save his own skin was something he was more than capable of. Unbeknownst to the young man, a vicious glimmer ran through his mind as he thought about the upcoming test. He didn't know it himself, but he was looking forward to the test!