The Will

The sensation of Cavern King’s present torments Andreas like a meticulously sculpted statue, exuding an aura of solidity and sternness. This matches with what Andreas had heard about him. Despite his always serious nature, even the king couldn't suppress his laughter upon seeing young Andreas’ appearance, weak and emaciated. The laughter lingers in the air as the king slowly regains composure. "I can't believe my eyes. I expected so much more," he exclaims, his voice echoing from somewhere in the darkness. Andreas shivers, clad in scant clothing, as the cave's coldness permeates his bones. Despite the summer heat outside, this deep underground realm remains untouched by warmth. "Step forward, boy," the king commands. Andreas cautiously moves ahead, navigating the rough terrain with jagged stones strewn about. "Stop right there!" bellows the king, the echo resounding through the cavern like a mystical roar. Sunlight filters through openings in the cave's ceiling, casting pockets of light amidst the pervasive darkness. Andreas enters one of these illuminated alcoves, embracing the direct warmth that eases his discomfort. The king falls silent, and in this respite, Andreas's gaze wanders around his surroundings. Towering columns, both carved and broken, fill the cavern, but none stand upright. Instead, it seems as though they were forcefully embedded into the cave walls and floor, bearing clear marks of impact. The columns display the signs of age, with some disintegrating into dust and others shedding jagged fragments. Suddenly, the sound of leather cracking shatters the absolute silence, indicating movement in the darkness. Andreas searches for the source of the sound, but the brightness overwhelms his vision. Gradually, a figure materializes not far from him, stepping into the edge of the illuminated pocket. Andreas raises his arm to shield his eyes, yet the stark contrast between light and dark proves too intense to bear. His vision blurred, he can discern only a fleeting impression of a person that immediately intimidates him. "Is it flesh or forged from bronze?" crosses his mind. "The musculature... extraordinary! A single muscle pack is thicker than his entire arm... this is beyond human capability." The One's body remains partially obscured, intermittently touched by the light, yet the sight of it renders Andreas motionless with awe. The One takes a step closer, Andreas harbors no doubt; this must be the Cavern King. "I... um... I," Andreas stammers, attempting to introduce himself formally, but his astonishment stifles his speech. Before he can gather his words, the king interjects, his tone laden with solemnity. "I hope you won't perish under the torment I have prepared for you," he says firmly. "I have allowed you to enter my kingdom, despite it being forbidden to outsiders. Make no mistake, boy... This is not out of respect for your father or to maintain any semblance of peace. No, you are here to inherit the tool. It has chosen you. Try not to die just yet."