In an instant, the entire world flashed before Takeshi's eyes. Since he had gotten used to it by now, he wasn't even caught off guard by it.
The sentence Renji said before — See you in a month's time — really intrigued him.
A month is thirty days? He then came to a conclusion: So it's roughly the same as on Earth. I wonder if a year is also 12 months?
He wanted to think further, but the sight he saw once he returned to the real world left him speechless.
He was no longer in the lush forest.
He was now standing on a ridge of an incredibly tall mountain.
The sky above him was filled with grayish clouds that looked like thunder could pour out at any second.
A sharp wind surged through the mountain, and as Takeshi looked into the distance, he saw that he was above the clouds — and he also saw various large mountains surrounding the one he stood on.
After taking the change of scenery in, he realized that he was at the Stormwind Mountain Range.
So the old man's wish really worked. Such incredible power, Takeshi thought to himself, amazed by the display of the old man's power.
He knew that the man was extraordinary from the way he had dealt with all of those skeletons with a single snap of his fingers, but this was simply beyond Takeshi's understanding.
Clinging to the wall of the mountain, he slowly started to move down the narrow path.
And as he did, he thought further about the man's power:
How could the book not mention any of this? Such powerful people existing in this world is amazing, yet the book only focused on Takeshi.
As he walked down the path, he was also amazed — and terrified — by the strength of the wind blowing against him.
He felt like it could blow him away if he didn't provide resistance.
After a bit, he managed to get to the end of the path that led into a cave carved into the side of the mountain.
Inside, the cave was incredibly spacious and illuminated by the light coming from a gap in its ceiling.
Thick roots protruded from the ceiling and walls, seemingly stemming from the trees that were above.
The cave consisted of a path that curved in a C-shape, and in the middle was a big hole — at the bottom of which was a pond.
From that hole, a stone statue towered.
The statue was of a man wearing thick, layered warrior armor and flowing robes.
He had a frowned, devilish look on his face and horns protruding from his forehead, forming a crown before his luscious, long hair.
Behind the man's back was a ring of taiko drums and in his hand a lightning bolt.
Takeshi carefully looked at the statue and thought,
It's incredibly similar to the statue of the God of Fate and Fortune. Could this be another god?
After admiring the statue for a short moment, Takeshi continued to venture deeper into the cave. He didn't wish to linger longer than necessary.
He followed the cave further ahead until he reached a slope that led toward the surface.
He quickly climbed up and emerged.
Before him were various winding paths covered in grass and surrounded by trees.
Since the mountain was so massive, it allowed for actual walking space on top of its maze-like surface.
He didn't know which of the many paths to go down.
He stood still and thought,
Which one do I pick? Well… there really is no wrong choice, since I don't even know where the man I'm searching for is.
Just then, as he was about to go forward, a streak of light flashed behind him.
Takeshi quickly turned, and less than a second later, a loud boom echoed all the way through the mountain.
Then he heard a voice from behind him.
"Don't be afraid. Lightning and thunder are normal occurrences here."
Takeshi turned quickly, placing his right hand on the hilt of his sword.
Standing before him was a short old man using a staff to walk.
Seeing Takeshi ready to draw his weapon, the old man let go of his staff, raised both hands in the air, and said,
"Please don't! I mean you no harm!"
Seeing this, Takeshi eased up.
He thought,
I really just almost pulled a blade on an old man. I truly am pathetic... but what can I do? I'm in an unknown world. I have no idea who's a friend or foe.
He then looked at the old man and said,
"I apologize. You just caught me off guard."
Realizing that Takeshi meant him no harm, the old man relaxed as well.
He bent down to grab his staff and replied,
"Don't worry. It was a misunderstanding."
After a short pause, he asked,
"Now tell me, young man, what are you seeking here on Stormwind Mountain?"
Takeshi looked at the small and fragile old man and answered,
"I was told that somewhere on these mountains, there is a great master who can help me hone my skills."
Hearing this, the old man's eyes lit up.
He smiled at Takeshi and said,
"The one you are looking for is the Great Wind Sage of Stormwind Mountain. He is a herald of the mighty God of Wind and Storms."
He paused and placed a hand on his chest with pride.
"He is also my master."
The old man's words left a deep impression on Takeshi and sent him into thought.
Great Wind Sage? Herald of a god? He must be incredibly powerful then…
And then his thoughts landed on the last sentence the short old man had said.
Master?! How old is this guy's master supposed to be if he's already this old? Ugh, my brain's not functioning... It doesn't necessarily mean the master is old just because the disciple is.
Then the little old man asked,
"Who told you about the Great Wind Sage?"
After a brief moment of hesitation, Takeshi answered,
"A snake in the Forest of Fortune."
The old man's expression shifted into one of confusion.
He muttered,
"Forest of Fortune…"
Then he looked back at Takeshi and said,
"I've never heard of that place. It must be pretty far away, then."
As Takeshi heard this, a single question echoed in his mind:
How far have I 'traveled'?
The old man shook his head and continued,
"Never mind. Do you want me to guide you to the Master? Keep in mind—it'll be a lengthy journey."
Takeshi thought to himself,
I really am incredibly lucky for all the puzzle pieces to fall into place like this…
He then cleared his throat and replied warmly,
"Yes, please."