The sun hung low over Orialis High, painting the sky in streaks of orange and crimson. The dojo smelled faintly of sweat and polished wood as Aether Yun finished the last stretches of the afternoon training session.
"Good session today," he said, wiping his brow. His friends—Riku, Kenji, and Miko—were sprawled on the mats, breathing heavily but smiling.
"You were amazing as always, Senior Yun," Riku said, grinning. "The way you moved… it was like watching water flow."
Aether shook his head. "I just do what comes naturally. You'll get there too if you practice consistently."
Miko nudged him playfully. "Naturally, huh? You always make it sound so simple. I'm starting to think you've got some secret superpowers hidden under that calm face."
Aether chuckled. "Maybe. But if I had powers, I'd be able to do much more than just teach you clumsy humans footwork."
Kenji groaned dramatically. "Clumsy humans?! I thought we were your devoted students!"
Riku laughed, sitting up. "Don't get cocky, Yun. Even you can be beaten."
Aether just smiled faintly, stretching his shoulders. To him, his abilities—his speed, strength, reflexes—were normal. He didn't know why he excelled at everything physical, or why his friends instinctively looked to him for guidance. It was simply who he was.
*****
After cleaning up the dojo, the four friends walked home together through the quiet streets. Aether kept his eyes forward, calm and collected, though he noticed a small tension lingering in the air.
"Senior Yun," Riku said hesitantly, "some guys from another class… they're looking for trouble. They've been talking about challenging someone. Maybe… you?"
Aether frowned. "I don't want trouble."
"They're bullies," Kenji added. "They've been picking on other students for weeks. They're strong, but… if anyone can deal with them, it's you."
Aether sighed. "Fine. But we handle this carefully. No unnecessary escalation."
A few blocks later, a group of five boys blocked the narrow street. Each one towered over the average student, and their expressions were cocky, almost predatory.
"Well, well… if it isn't the dojo genius," the tallest of them sneered. "We've been hearing a lot about you. Think you're so special, huh?"
Aether stopped walking. His hands remained relaxed at his sides. "I'm not looking for trouble."
"Oh, you'll find trouble anyway," another boy said with a grin. "How about we have a little sparring session? For fun."
Aether didn't answer. Instead, he shifted slightly, the movement fluid and controlled, almost instinctive.
Riku whispered behind him, "Senior… be careful."
Aether gave him a faint nod. "I know."
The first bully lunged at Aether, swinging wildly. Aether sidestepped, barely moving his feet, his body almost floating around the attack. The boy stumbled, off-balance, and Aether tapped his shoulder lightly to redirect him, sending him sprawling onto the pavement.
"Not bad…" muttered the tallest bully, cracking his knuckles. "You move fast. But let's see if you can handle this!"
The next attack came from two others at once. Aether ducked, weaved, and countered with precise strikes—not to injure, but to neutralize. Each movement was measured, fluid, and unexpectedly powerful. The fight quickly became a blur, a dance of anticipation and reaction.
Riku and the others watched in awe. Even without knowing it, Aether's natural reflexes and strength made him a formidable opponent.
The fight escalated. Punches and kicks flew, each side pushing harder. The bullies were strong, aggressive, and coordinated. Aether moved like water, meeting each attack with perfect timing.
Minutes passed. Sweat poured down their faces. Panting, bruised, but neither side yielded. It became clear: they were equally matched.
Aether's mind remained calm amidst the chaos. He analyzed each movement, each subtle shift in their balance, instinctively finding openings. With a sudden burst of speed and strength, he sidestepped the tallest bully's punch and twisted, using his momentum to flip him over onto the ground.
The other bullies hesitated, surprised by his precision. Aether didn't give them time to regroup. He moved with flawless timing, redirecting attacks, and one by one, each of the remaining bullies found themselves off-balance, neutralized without serious harm.
Finally, the tallest one stood alone, glaring down at Aether. "You… how are you so fast? So… precise?"
Aether smiled faintly, almost shyly. "I told you… I'm not looking for trouble."
The boy hesitated, then stumbled back, muttering curses under his breath. One by one, the others followed, leaving the street quiet once more.
Riku ran forward, clapping Aether on the shoulder. "Senior… that was amazing! You didn't even break a sweat!"
Kenji nodded vigorously. "You completely destroyed them! I mean… you didn't really hurt anyone, but—wow!"
Aether exhaled slowly, brushing dust from his uniform. "I just handled it. That's all. No one has to get hurt."
Miko looked at him with wide eyes. "Senior Yun… you're incredible. Seriously. How are you so… strong?"
Aether shrugged. "I don't know. I guess… I've always been like this."
Riku laughed. "You make it sound so casual. Honestly, you're not like anyone I've ever met."
Aether smiled faintly, but his mind was elsewhere. As he walked home that evening, he thought about the fight, about the way his body had moved instinctively, effortlessly. He didn't understand why he was so fast, so strong, so precise—but one thing was certain: he had saved the day without realizing it.
******
When he arrived home, Lyra and Darius were waiting.
"You're back late," Lyra said, concern flickering in her eyes. "Everything okay?"
Aether nodded casually. "Fine. Just… a small confrontation on the way home."
Darius's eyes narrowed. "A confrontation?"
"Nothing serious," Aether said. "They were just… testing me, I guess."
Lyra studied him quietly. "You handled it well?"
Aether shrugged. "I think so."
Lyra and Darius exchanged a glance. There was pride there, yes—but also unease. Even unaware, Aether's abilities were extraordinary. They were already aware that their son was far beyond normal, even if he could not see it yet.
"You should rest," Darius said softly. "Tomorrow is another day. And remember, strength isn't everything."
"I know," Aether replied quietly, heading to his room.
As he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, he replayed the fight in his mind. His body had moved instinctively, faster and more accurately than anyone else could manage. And though he didn't understand it, a small smile crossed his face.
He had won.
Not because he tried, not because he trained harder than others—but because he was naturally… exceptional.
And as he drifted to sleep, the quiet city of Orialis seemed almost aware, as if the streets themselves had witnessed the rise of someone who would one day stand apart from the rest of the world.