Imagine for one moment, all sound fading away as light dims into complete darkness. You are alone and there is nothing else besides your self. Gradually, a light begins to form and sound begins to return. At first, they return so slowly you hardly notice, but soon you are flooded with sensory information that all say one thing: You are no longer where you once were. Looking around you realize that you are in the middle of a bamboo forest with green sunlight shining through a canopy of Bamboo leaves. The bamboo stalks serenely sway as you feel the wind breeze easily through the forest. The forest floor is soft and cushiony as you walk around trying to get a bearing of where you are. For every step you make you hear the soft rustle of leaves and smell an indescribable aroma that warms the heart. The sound of birds chirping seems to come from everywhere and nowhere in particular. It is neither loud nor quiet, but perfectly resonated to match the quiet atmosphere of the bamboo forest. Despite not knowing where you are, this place induces an inescapable sense of peace.

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As you continue walking, you begin to hear in the far distance a sound that’s distinctly out of place. Unlike the soft rustle and whisper of the forest, the sound carries far and wide like the ringing of a bell. You begin walking towards the sound and as you do it becomes louder and more distinct. It’s the sound of metal striking metal interwoven with human voices. As you continue to walk, you reach the edge of a clearing and finally see where the sound is coming from. You’ve stumbled onto the middle of a deadly battle!

With breathtaking speed, both combatants swing their swords with deadly accuracy and killer intent. Their techniques and maneuvers are so complex and complicated that you can barely keep up. In an odd way, the battle seemed like an elaborate dance where each partner knows what the other will do. But suddenly, in one deft stroke, one of the combatants kills the other. Shocked, you take a step back rustling some leaves. The victor sees you and begins brandishing his sword as he heads in your direction.

You realize that this man could easily outrun you, so you desperately look around for a weapon to defend yourself. While doing this you notice a sword strapped to your back, and you draw the weapon. The sword feels strangely comfortable in your hands, as if you’ve used it before, and you fall into a defensive stance as you await your attacker. Your mind calms and your body relaxes as you automatically envision all the attacks your enemy could possibly make and your defenses to them. You suddenly realize that you are better than this man, and that he cannot hurt you. Smiling you await his first move; let him come….