The Unknown Path: A Call Beyond Reality

Chapter 24 – Questions and Answers

Unconsciously, Unknown looked in the direction the voice had come from.

He saw a figure, though nothing about him was clearly visible. Still, something about the figure felt familiar.

But because he couldn't make out any details, Unknown couldn't identify what that familiar thing was.

His consciousness wasn't fully awake—it was like someone recovering from anesthesia.

But Unknown quickly regained his awareness and looked around in a sudden motion.

He saw that Ibrahim was awake, seemingly muttering something nonsensical.

Seeing Ibrahim's condition, Unknown became cautious and called out:

— "Uncle, uncle, what's wrong?"

Ibrahim turned to him and looked into his eyes.

His emotions were clearly jumbled, but he chose to stay silent about whatever was happening to him.

Then he said:

— "Listen to him."

He pointed to the figure Unknown couldn't clearly see.

The figure smiled…

Then spoke in a confident, youthful voice:

— "What a wonderful meeting—to have us all here together."

Unknown was puzzled and wanted to ask what he meant.

But the figure spoke first:

— "I know what you're thinking, but you don't need to know that right now. You'll understand in the future."

Unknown was starting to get annoyed with this kind of vague answer—something that had happened to him before.

But he didn't care too much this time.

He looked cautiously around and asked the figure:

— "My uncle and I were on the verge of death, surrounded by endless water. How did we survive? And where are we now?"

After asking, Unknown carefully examined his surroundings. The scenery was truly breathtaking.

The figure smiled again and said:

— "Well… to be honest, I wasn't expecting to see you in a place like this—especially at this particular time.

This has never happened before, and it's quite surprising… especially for someone like me, who has been through countless events.

Anyway, I won't go into details."

He paused, then continued:

— "I asked…"

(He seemed to be choosing his words carefully.)

— "I asked your uncle Ibrahim a question. I heard his answer.

Now I want to hear your opinion—your answer as well."

Unknown was confused by this man's odd words, but he nodded in agreement.

The man then began to tell a story:

— "Once upon a time, a man appeared in the world out of nowhere.

He was incredibly gifted—he loved to explore and discover everything.

Eventually, he was transferred to a world where he could grow stronger.

And indeed, with his ambition and extraordinary talent, he began to rise in rank.

At first, he was cautious—one mistake could kill him.

But over time, as he grew stronger, his confidence grew.

And since he was so gifted, no one could challenge him in an even fight.

With his growing confidence, he started to challenge those stronger than him.

At first, he only targeted the weakest among the higher tiers.

He won some, lost some—still, that was a feat no one had ever accomplished before.

His confidence and pride grew further, and he began to challenge average fighters from higher levels.

That's when his first crushing defeat happened. He was utterly destroyed—almost killed—

had it not been for someone who saw potential in him and intervened.

He was devastated and angry…

But he learned that there were things beyond his current reach.

Still, he couldn't accept that.

Deep down, he felt he could be more.

And so, he trained himself to a degree that would drive any normal person insane.

He challenged the same person who had crushed him.

And the same thing happened again.

But this time, he wasn't sad or angry.

He was filled with resolve to overcome it.

He kept improving himself even further.

Little did he know…

That person who crushed him was one of the top geniuses of his generation.

Eventually, he grew strong enough to defeat even that genius.

He thought he had finally bridged the gap between him and ordinary fighters at the higher tier.

But he didn't realize that he had just surpassed the strongest among them.

Everyone was shocked by this achievement.

But he wasn't satisfied. He kept pushing forward… until he reached the end of his path.

Yet, he still felt… he needed more power.

He didn't realize how long he had been walking this path of strength.

And even if he did, he wouldn't have cared.

Eventually, he reached a wall.

He had hit the maximum limit of how strong he could become.

No matter how much stronger he got—it was useless.

It was like adding a quark to a star. Meaningless.

Still, he didn't give up.

He kept searching for power.

But nothing worked.

He walked this path alone… forged it alone…

But all in vain.

So tell me…

What would you advise this man to do if he still wants to grow stronger?"

Unknown looked at the mysterious figure with a strange expression.

Who was this man that suddenly appeared and told this bizarre story?

Unknown thought for a while, then asked:

— "You said he used to compete with others, right?"

The mysterious man replied:

— "Yes."

Unknown raised an eyebrow:

— "Then why doesn't he draw inspiration from them? He's not alone.

Sure, he might be an extraordinary genius or something like that—but there are others too, right?

You said he used to compete with someone before—and that's what pushed him to grow.

Having people to talk to and compete with is crucial for self-improvement.

In your story, this man was alone from the start.

He could compete with others when he was weaker.

But once he surpassed them—who could he compete with?

Then again… he doesn't even need to compete.

He could just observe others—their methods—their ways.

That might spark inspiration he could never find if all he sees is himself.

You know, in stories… sometimes, even seeing a single raindrop can inspire someone.

Now apply that to people—to differences—and he'll find so much to learn from."

Unknown was impressed by his own words.

It had been a long time since he'd thought this deeply.

But he didn't know that what he had just said…

would unleash something terrifying across countless others.

The mysterious figure looked at Unknown with wide eyes—astonished, as if understanding something profound.

Then… he smiled.

He vanished.

The world around Unknown and Ibrahim twisted into colors and distortions.

And then… a book appeared next to Unknown.

As the distorted world settled and returned to normal,

both Unknown and Ibrahim heard different, mysterious voices...