A Dark Destiny

Chapter 31

My footsteps and Mei’s echoed as we made our way down the dimly lit stairway. The further down we went, the more I felt the terrifying feeling that I felt earlier sink in deeper. If I wasn’t going down the stairs with Mei, I would probably go mad with fright and run back up the stairs and away from this place.

I noticed that the deeper we went, the hotter it became. Hell is a place where people burn, so I shouldn’t be surprised. I guess this is why this place is used to practice fire. I wonder how it looks.

Before I could even ask Mei how much further we were going, we reached the bottom of the stairs. We were in a large circular room brightly lit up by fire torches hanging on the wall. The ceiling was dome-shaped, and I found myself staring upwards at the red-colored ceiling. It reminded me of the churches with dome-shaped roofs with colored glass panes. They glittered like red rubies.

The floor looked to be made of black marble, as did the walls. Close to the walls were small wooden benches behind a wooden fence. It felt like a circular courtroom, where the jurors and those who came to witness a court case sat. I guess that was where the students sat away from the open space, watching others use fire. They should’ve thought of putting up protection around the boundary, considering that we are dealing with a dangerous element.

As I looked around the circular room, up ahead was a black metal door. Judging by the huge padlock on the locking system, it was off limits.

I continued to look at the door, and for a moment, I thought I heard something coming from behind it. Thoughts start to wander in my head about what could be behind that door. It also brought out that terrifying vibe that I had earlier. This time, it was more intense.

“Welcome to the practice room,” said Mei, bringing me back from my thoughts. I turned to look at her. She stood at the center point of the round, made-up arena. I turned to look at the door briefly, but it wasn’t there anymore. It’s like it suddenly vanished.

I started to approach Mei and said, “I just saw a big black dungeon door just now.” I pointed to the wall where I saw it.

"Oh, yes," said Mei, looking at the spot I had pointed. "That leads straight to hell."

I turn to look at Mei with a raised eyebrow. "Don't demons find their way up here?"

"They can't when the door is locked. Don't worry; that door has been locked under a protective spell for years. No demon has ever gotten out. Though I highly advise not to approach it."

I look fearfully at Mei. What could possibly happen if I get too close?

She seemed to have read the question on my face as she said, "You don't want to creep yourself out when you get too close. People tend to hear things that they only happen to hear in their nightmares."

Well, I won't be coming close to that door, hopefully. I turn to the empty wall on which I saw it, trying to shake off the feeling.

"Now, let us begin our lesson," said Mei, bringing me to the situation at hand.

When I turned to look at her, a small portion of the floor in between us fell open. A black, round orb came from the opening of the floor and floated up in the air. It was shining black under the red light, and I couldn't help but stare at it.

"We won't be having the usual fire element lesson throughout when you're with me," said Mei. "I'll also be teaching you some combat skills."

"You must be a real master at martial arts, I'm guessing," I said, hoping not to offend Mei with my statement.

Mei gave me a smirk. "That's because it's essential if you want to survive. Not every supernatural being can learn combat skills, and some just aren't as good as others. You've already shown that you've got potential for becoming better at it."