Cole watched as the boy's face cycled through a series of emotions: disbelief, confusion, and a dawning sense of awe. He knew this was a lot to take in, especially for someone so young. "It's a strange world, isn't it?" he said softly.
Isaac finally found his voice, though it was barely a whisper. "Beyonder? pathways? what are you talking about?"
Cole leaned back against the table, taking a deep breath. "It's not an easy thing to explain," he admitted. "The world is more than what most people perceive. There are hidden currents, unseen forces that flow beneath the surface of reality. Beyonders are those who are able to tap into these currents."
He gestured to the objects on the table. "These tools help us to perceive and interact with those forces. The scrying stone, for example, allows you to focus your spirit vision."
"Spirit vision?" Isaac repeated, his brow furrowed.
"Yes," Cole replied. "It's the ability to see beyond the physical. To perceive the spiritual essence of things. Most people only see the material world, but Beyonders, particularly those on the Hermit pathway, can see more."
He picked up the spirit mirror. "This mirror, for instance, reflects not just your physical appearance, but also your spiritual self. It can reveal hidden aspects of your being."
Isaac stared at the mirror, remembering the distorted reflection he had seen. The glowing eyes, the strange symbols, the shadowy figure. it was all starting to make a disturbing kind of sense. "And the pathways?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"The pathways," Cole explained, "are like different roads a Beyonder can walk. Each one grants different abilities, different powers. They're connected to different aspects of the unseen world, different principles, you could say. There are many pathways, each with its own unique characteristics."
He paused, then focused his gaze on Isaac. "You seem to be aligned with the Hermit pathway. It's a path of knowledge, of seeking hidden truths and understanding the mysteries of the world.
Cole elaborated on the Hermit pathway, drawing upon his own experiences and knowledge. "The Hermit pathway is unique, even among Beyonders," he explained. "It emphasizes mental and spiritual growth over physical prowess. Those who follow this path often possess an insatiable curiosity, a hunger for knowledge that drives them to explore the deepest secrets of the world."
He described some of the abilities associated with the Hermit pathway: enhanced perception, the ability to glean insights from seemingly mundane objects, and a natural affinity for spiritual energies. He stressed, however, that these abilities came with a price. "The pursuit of knowledge can be a dangerous game," he warned. "The more you learn the more you're exposed to hidden dangers."
Cole's words painted a vivid picture of the Hermit's path. Isaac imagined himself delving into ancient texts, deciphering forgotten languages, and uncovering secrets that had been hidden for centuries. He felt a strange pull, a sense of destiny, as if this path had been waiting for him all along. Yet, there was also a knot of fear in his stomach. The dangers Cole spoke of were not abstract; he had seen them firsthand in the attack on the village.
"But how do you know?" Isaac asked, his mind still reeling. "And why me?"
Cole shrugged. "It's not an exact science. But the signs are there. Your ability to see things others can't, the visions you experienced, the way your spirit reacted to the mirror. they all point to the Hermit pathway. As for why you, well, some people are simply born with this affinity. It's a gift, in a way, though it can also be a burden."
He stood up and walked over to the window, gazing out at the endless ocean. The Silver Eel cut through the waves, a small vessel in a vast and unimaginable world. "This world is full of mysteries, Isaac. Things that defy explanation. The attack on your village is just glimpses of a larger reality that most people are unaware of."
He turned back to Isaac, his expression serious. "You've been given a rare opportunity. You have the potential to become something more, to understand things that others can only dream of. But it won't be easy. The path of a Beyonder is a dangerous one. There are powerful forces at play, both good and evil, and the mysteries you seek can be both enlightening and terrifying."
Isaac sat in silence, trying to process everything Cole had told him. It was a lot to take in. He had gone from being a confused boy who had lost everything to being told he was a "Beyonder" with a connection to a hidden world of magic and monsters. It was the kind of thing you would read in a fantasy book, not something that happened in real life. But the memory of the monsters, the searing pain in his head, and the distorted reflection in the spirit mirror. they were all too real to dismiss.
The weight of Cole's words settled heavily on Isaac's shoulders. He thought of his old life, the mundane routine, the simple joys and sorrows. It seemed like a distant dream now, separated from him by an unbridgeable chasm. Could he truly leave that behind? Could he embrace this new, dangerous reality? He thought of his father, and the possibility that he was gone. The pain of that loss was a heavy weight in his heart, but he realized that staying still wouldn't change anything.
Finally, he spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of trepidation and determination. "What do I do now?"
Cole smiled, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "That, Isaac, is up to you. You can choose to ignore this, to try to live a normal life. But I don't think you can. Not anymore. You've seen too much. Or you can embrace what you are, learn to control your powers, and seek your own path through this mysterious world. I can help you, if you want. I can teach you what I know."
He paused, offering Isaac a choice. "What will it be?"
Isaac looked at Cole, his gaze searching the older man's face. He saw not just a seasoned adventurer, but also a mentor, someone who understood the strange and dangerous world he had been thrust into. He thought of the vast ocean stretching out before them, a metaphor for the endless possibilities and perils that awaited him.
He thought of the monsters, and the fear he felt. But he also thought of the power he sensed within himself, the strange energy that thrummed beneath his skin. The Hermit's path was a path of knowledge, and knowledge, he realized, was the best weapon against fear.
A new resolve hardened within him. He would not be a victim of this strange world. He would learn its secrets, master his abilities, and forge his own destiny.
"I want to learn," Isaac said, his voice firm despite the tremor in his hands. "I want you to teach me."