The Last Bargain

Chapter XX: The Path To The Hermit

The old man's voice was low and steady, carrying a weight that seemed to press down on Zento and Shin as they leaned in closer. His eyes, clouded and distant, seemed to see beyond the present, gazing into some hidden depth. He spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully, as if each one carried a hidden meaning.

"To understand the gods," the old man began, "you must first understand why they gave you power. The abilities you wield were not gifts... they were a test. A test of your spirit, of your will. But humanity... humanity has always failed this test. That is why the gods seek to undo what they have done."

Shin frowned, crossing his arms. "We've heard this before," he said impatiently. "That humanity was a mistake, that we've misused the gifts we were given. But that's not why we're here. We need to know how to get our friend back—how to reach him in the gods' domain."

The old man tilted his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "You wish to bring back one who has chosen to walk the path of shadows," he murmured. "That is no small task."

Zento stepped forward, determination etched on his face. "He hasn't chosen the shadows. He's just... confused, lost. The gods have manipulated him, preyed on his fears. We need to help him find his way back."

The old man's smile faded, replaced by a more somber expression. "To enter the gods' domain again is to challenge their will," he said. "And they do not take kindly to those who defy them. But if you are determined, there may be a way."

Zento's heart quickened. "Tell us," he urged. "Whatever it takes, we'll do it."

The old man's eyes darkened, as if shadowed by some unseen force. "The gods' domain is bound by their own rules, rules that are as old as time itself. To re-enter it, you must seek out a keeper of the old knowledge—a hermit who dwells deep within these forests, one who has long studied the ways of the divine."

Shin's eyebrows knitted together. "A hermit?" he asked. "And how do we find this person?"

The old man chuckled softly, his breath fogging in the cool night air. "He lives in the depths of the Silent Woods, where the trees whisper secrets and the air is thick with the presence of the gods. His name is Seimei. He is said to be mad, but some say he knows more about the gods than any living soul."

Zento nodded. "And you think this Seimei can help us?"

The old man's smile faded, and his expression grew serious. "If anyone can guide you to the threshold of the divine, it is he. But be warned... Seimei does not suffer fools lightly. His knowledge comes at a price, and his mind is... not what it once was."

Shin sighed, glancing at Zento. "So, we're supposed to find some mad hermit in the middle of a forest that's practically alive and convince him to help us? Great."

Zento nodded, his resolve firm. "We don't have any other choice. If this Seimei knows how to reach Yomi's domain, we need to find him. We'll take the risk."

The old man nodded slowly. "Follow the path that winds through the eastern woods," he instructed. "When you come to a stream that runs silver under moonlight, turn left. The trees there will seem to close in around you, but do not be afraid. That is the path to Seimei's dwelling."

Shin looked skeptical. "And what if we never find this stream? Or if it never appears?"

The old man's eyes gleamed with a strange light. "Then it is not meant to be," he said cryptically. "But if you are true in your purpose, the path will reveal itself to you."

Zento gave a curt nod. "Thank you," he said. "We'll find him."

They set off deeper into the forest, following the old man's directions. The path was narrow and overgrown, with roots and vines snaking across the ground, making each step a challenge. The air grew colder as they walked, and the trees around them seemed to whisper in a language they couldn't understand. It was as if the forest itself was alive, watching them, judging their every move.