Power of Zero

Chapter 16: Survival Skills and Social Growth Practical Skills and Growth

Axel's teachings went beyond the basics of magic. His training encompassed every aspect of survival in the Land of Dreams and Legends. Cipher had come to understand that magic, while powerful, couldn't be relied upon for everything. There were no guarantees, no certainty. What if magic failed? What if he faced a situation where brute force or supernatural abilities couldn't provide the solution? It was those questions that motivated Axel's comprehensive curriculum.

The first practical skill that took Cipher by surprise was botany. Axel insisted that Cipher learn to identify plants—an odd request at first glance. But when Axel explained the necessity of knowing which plants could heal, which were edible, and which were poisonous, Cipher understood. The variety of flora in the Land of Dreams and Legends was vast, and a single misstep could be fatal. Axel's field lessons were long and exhausting, spent trekking through forests and meadows as they cataloged every plant in sight.

"Know the land, Cipher," Axel would say as he pointed to a small green plant. "This one can soothe burns, but this one?" He pulled up a vine with jagged leaves. "This could kill you within hours if you're not careful." Cipher's mind was overwhelmed with the sheer volume of information, but Axel was patient, repeating the same lessons time and again until Cipher could identify every plant at a glance.

By the time they finished, Cipher's hands were calloused from the frequent handling of plants and the constant writing in his journal. But the process had worked. He could now identify medicinal herbs, poisonous berries, and fungi that could either cure or kill. The knowledge felt like a burden at times, but Cipher couldn't ignore how vital it was. In this unpredictable world, being prepared was key.

Cooking, too, became an integral part of Cipher's survival training. At first, he couldn't understand why Axel insisted that he learn how to cook. "You can't rely on others forever," Axel would tell him, his voice stern yet caring. "You must know how to feed yourself. It's not just about survival. It's about being able to sustain yourself, no matter where you are."

It seemed a trivial skill, but as Axel taught him how to cook with the creatures they hunted—how to extract every ounce of nutrition, how to make use of every part of the meat—Cipher began to see the wisdom in Axel's insistence. Every ingredient had its purpose. He learned to use herbs to bring out the best flavor, how to prepare food in a way that would last longer on the road, and how to survive on minimal supplies when there was no time for a feast. Cooking was an art, one that required patience and attention to detail, qualities that Cipher was still learning to develop.

One evening, as Cipher prepared a meal over a campfire, Axel sat beside him, watching silently. Cipher was surprised when Axel spoke, his voice soft but thoughtful. "Food isn't just about sustenance, Cipher. It's about care. It's a way of telling the body, 'You're strong. You're capable. You can go on.' When you're out there, the world will test you. It'll try to break you. But if you can make a meal, if you can nurture yourself and others, then you'll always have something to hold onto."

Those words stuck with Cipher long after that evening. Cooking was more than just a way to survive—it was a small but important act of care. One that Cipher would take with him as he moved forward.

As the training progressed, Axel didn't just focus on physical skills. He also pushed Cipher to grow socially, something that had always been difficult for Cipher. At first, Cipher resisted, avoiding town trips whenever possible. Axel, however, made it clear that Cipher couldn't simply isolate himself. He had to learn how to communicate, how to engage with others. Every ten days, Cipher was sent to the nearby town to collect supplies.

"I'm not doing this to make you uncomfortable, Cipher," Axel would say, his voice firm but not unkind. "I'm doing it so that when the time comes, you can face the world without hesitation. Learn to communicate. Learn how to interact with others. The world may be harsh, but you'll never survive it alone."

Each trip was a struggle for Cipher. At first, the bustling townsfolk intimidated him. He could never find the right words to say, and every interaction felt like a battle. He would fumble over his words, and awkward silences would follow. But over time, something began to change. The more he visited the town, the more comfortable he became in his skin. People began to recognize him, and he began to understand the nuances of social interaction.

One afternoon, as Cipher stood in line at the marketplace, he overheard a group of villagers gossiping about a recent storm. He hesitated at first, unsure of whether he should interject, but something in him clicked. He stepped forward and asked about the storm, offering a friendly smile. To his surprise, the conversation flowed smoothly. The villagers appreciated his interest, and they even invited him to share a meal with them. It wasn't much, but the gesture spoke volumes.

When he returned to the church, Axel was there waiting for him. He could tell by the faint smile on Axel's face that his mentor had noticed the shift in him. "You did well," Axel said, his voice acknowledging the subtle growth Cipher had made. "The world is full of people, Cipher. You can't face it with walls built around you. Not if you want to succeed."

The lessons were tough, but each one brought Cipher closer to the man he needed to become. He wasn't just training to be a Knight of Light. He was training to survive, to interact, to thrive in a world that was constantly shifting beneath his feet.