Aka opened his eyes, dressed himself, and headed to the training grounds to observe his disciple. The boy who once could barely rise from his bed was gone. In his place stood someone confident, shoulders held high, carrying an imposing presence. Months of fighting both his instructors and hired warriors had hardened him, sharpening his instincts and experience. On Aka's final day as his trainer, Chen requested a serious duel.
Aka did not refuse. Wanting to see how far his disciple had come, he lunged forward and initiated the fight. When Chen saw Aka charging toward him, instead of retreating or standing still, he moved even closer. He focused all of his physical energy into the muscles of his legs, pushing his speed to its limit, and aimed to drive his hand into Aka's abdomen. Yet, instead of what Chen expected, Aka did not slow down upon seeing his disciple approach. At the very moment Chen's attack was about to land, Aka redirected his physical energy into the muscles of his calves, thighs, and hips, amplifying his jump and leaping upward.
Chen was startled when he suddenly saw his master's feet at eye level. Still, his reaction did not slow. He immediately ducked, preventing Aka from striking his head. However, whether Aka had anticipated this move or adapted with astonishing speed, he placed both feet onto Chen's shoulders and stood balanced atop him. Chen grabbed Aka's legs and threw himself forward, crashing to the ground. Aka would have fallen with him, but by focusing his physical energy into his feet, he broke free from Chen's grip, leapt once more, and landed cleanly on both feet.
Chen, meanwhile, lay on the ground. Before he could get up, Aka began kicking him. Since no physical energy was infused into those kicks, Chen did not suffer serious damage. Aka stepped back slightly and waited for Chen to rise. Understanding that his master was giving him a chance, Chen quickly pushed himself up and advanced.
Aka then focused all of his physical energy into the muscles that propelled his movement, drastically increasing his speed as he closed the distance. Chen attempted to sweep Aka's leg, but having already predicted that his master would see through such a move, he suddenly executed perhaps the simplest attack imaginable—a straight uppercut. Aka, not expecting such a basic strike, took the hit.
With that, Aka congratulated his disciple and ended the duel. He granted Chen ten minutes of rest before fighting Kang. As Chen rested, he replayed the fight in his mind over and over, trying to refine himself further.
When the time came, Chen stood up and faced his instructor, who waited on the field with his spear. The fight began immediately.
Kang retreated slightly, holding his spear forward and waiting for Chen to approach. Chen did exactly that—slowly. His steps were measured and calm. Then, in an instant, he accelerated. Just as his master had done before, he channeled physical energy into his calves, thighs, and legs and leapt high. It was not as perfect as Aka's technique, but it was sufficient—exactly enough.
Seeing Chen descending from above, Kang raised his spear and attempted to impale him midair. Chen caught the spear before it could pierce him, clung to it, and let himself fall downward. Kang immediately tried to thrust the spear forward with Chen still holding on, but Kang's strength was not enough to overcome Chen's grip reinforced by physical energy. Left with no other choice, Kang released the spear, grabbed Chen's leg midair, and slammed him into the ground.
Chen barely had time to comprehend how his instructor had thought so quickly before finding himself on the ground. The real problem was that Kang was now straddling him and raining down punches. Instead of guarding, Chen rapidly stabbed and withdrew the spikes of his gauntlets into Kang's body again and again. Kang punched back with all his strength, yet even that did not seem to be enough.
As this exchange continued, Chen noticed Kang slowing down. He grabbed a handful of dirt from the ground and flung it into Kang's face, catching him off guard and managing to throw him off. Now, it was Kang's turn to be beaten.
Chen mounted Kang and punched him mercilessly. But he did not merely punch—each strike drove the spikes of his gauntlets into Kang's flesh before tearing them out again. At some point, Chen lost himself completely. All he wanted was to kill his instructor, and with that intent, he continued the assault.
After several blows, a hand grabbed him from behind and slammed him to the ground. A single kick knocked him unconscious. Of course, it was Aka who had intervened. If Chen had not been stopped, Kang would have died. Although the Blood Will within Chen had not grown further due to months without killing, it had not disappeared—and whenever given the chance, it did not hesitate to surface.
Aka hurriedly took the medicines he had prepared beforehand and applied them to Kang. He carried him to his bed, lit several healing incenses, and completely sealed the room. Afterward, Aka returned to the training grounds, placed Chen onto a wooden platform, and began meditating beside him, continuing until Chen awakened.
Chen opened his eyes on the familiar wooden platform, finding his master beside him, deeply focused in meditation. When Aka noticed Chen stirring, he spoke.
"So I passed out again, huh?" Chen said. "Did I beat Instructor Kang, Master? I can't remember."
"Yes," Aka replied. "You won—and you nearly killed him. At this point, I doubt anyone will be able to stand against you in the heir's duel. My work is finished, disciple. Never forget that you are my student, and never abandon your calm. That is my final advice."
"Master, may I make you an offer?" Chen asked.
"There's no harm in asking. What is it?"
"Master, I've already told my father how serious I am about this, and he accepted it. So if you agree, I want to continue acknowledging you as my Master—from now on and in the future."
"You know that an heir cannot have a formal master, Chen," Aka said.
"Yes, Master. I know. That's why, even if you are my master in truth, I want you officially as my advisor—more formally, my strategist. I've discussed this with my father as well, and he fully accepted you. If you wish, you may take on this role at any time."
"Chen… thank you," Aka replied.
Though he did not show it, Aka had achieved his goal. Crude as it might be, he was now officially the master and advisor of the village's future lord. This meant that if he fled with 29, he would have a safe harbor to hide in—at least for a time. From now on, all he had to do was complete his mission successfully, return, and finish his remaining tasks until the day he would take on a mission together with 29.
If you've read or taken a look, thank you so much. If you have any thoughts — good or bad — please leave a comment. I'll probably see and reply right away. Thanks again, and I wish you a great day.