A cool breeze blew from the tallest mountain of Valfikr Continent, Hamaral, over the lush forest of Barm as the sunlight shone brightly from the horizon. The fog dissipated signifying the dawn was here.

At the forest entrance, a boy was inhaling the morning air deeply with his nose and calmly exhaling from his mouth. Then with a smile, he entered the forest. Not long after that, another boy and girl appeared at the entrance.

“Ugh… why does Cain always go first, and not wait for us? Aren’t we supposed to practice together?” said the girl.

“Well, he is the one that always practice harder than us anyway,” The boy replied to the girl while scratching his head. “Come on then, can’t make Cain practice alone forever!” The boy continued, then they entered the forest.

Barm Forest was part of the most prosperous Kingdom in the Valfikr continent, Arozora Kingdom. The forest was located just in the outskirts of Aroum, the capital city of Arozora Kingdom. Between the forest and the capital, laid Palvaran Orphanage where the 3 kids came from.

In the Barm Forest, a man with big stature was walking in the forest, with brown hair and a bushy beard. He wore a dark green cloak, and simple clothing inside. When he reached a cliff, he saw the 3 kids. If someone saw them, they would think they were just kids playing around in the forest with a small branch stick, but upon seeing that, the man had another opinion.

“Hmm… such playful kids… pla-... nah, practicing in the forest, how fun, might join them later," the man let a little smile out, then continued walking deeper into the forest.

“Ouch! Ouch!” Cain put his hand on his head.

“You lose again," the girl was talking to Cain while writing on the ground with a twig. “Cain 0 - Higa 8.”

“Fuhahahaha, just admit it Cain, you can’t win against me! Hahahahaha,” the other boy - Higa, laughed with his hands on his hip.

“N-No! I’ll hit a score! Lexa! Prepare to put 1 on my name! Higa! Get ready! Hyaaahh!!!” Cain charged towards Higa, just after three steps a twig hit Cain’s head.

“Arrgh!! Lexa why’d you do that!?” Cain’s hands on his head again.

“It’s already noon, let’s have lunch, Aunt Germi made us steamed red potato," said Lexa.

“Oh you’re right, come on, Cain. Let’s eat first, then i’m gonna hit you again," Higa grinned.

“Yeah, yeah," Cain was annoyed.

They sat under a big tree.

“We’ve been doing this for month, right?” Higa said while stuffing red potato into his mouth. A bag full of steamed red potatoes in front of them.

“Yep, we’re gonna get stronger and become rich!” said Cain while clenching his fist in the air.

“We gonna make Aunt Germi stop worrying about us and make her happy!” Higa continued while stuffing more red potatoes in his mouth.

Aunt Germi was the only caretaker of the Palvaran Orphanage, she’s 54 years old. The orphanage was funded by a friend of Aunt Germi at the Capital.

Palvaran Orphanage only had five orphan kids, because orphaned kids were mainly victims from war, in this peaceful time, therefore, there were only a few of them. The only threat that still remains was the existence of a wild beast that roamed the continent. Many became a Hunter to slay such a beast to keep the balance between humanity and the beast.

Cain’s parents were one of them, until they met their end while on a quest slaying a savage beast that ran amok in the outskirt of Arozora Kingdom, the beast was slain, but the group of 17 that hunted it also perished. Only two returned to the capital. Palvaran Orphanage then took care of Cain because he had no other family, he was 5 years old when that happened. As for Lexa, she was taken in by Aunt Germi from the Capital because her parents died of illness. While Higa was an outcast of a certain family because he’s an illegitimate child, so the orphanage took him.

“Yes! That’s our dream after all!” Lexa replied to Cain and Higa, all of them laughed.

The sun made its exit with an orange gradient in the sky.

Higa and Lexa had went back to the orphanage to help Aunt Germi with food and chores. At night before sleep, they usually study basic knowledge with Aunt Germi.

In the forest, Cain was still swinging his branch stick.

“Huff huff… it's almost dark, time to go back then," Cain wiped his sweat on his forehead.

Just right when he turned around, a man with dark green robe came upon him.

“Whoaaa!!” Cain nearly fell.

“You okay, boy?”

“Yeah!! I was shocked though!” said Cain.

The man smiled.

“Who are you? Eh wait… Aunt Germi said you have to properly introduce yourself before you ask someone else’s name. Buuuut…” Cain put his hand on his chin.

“I already asked, so it’s too late right? Hehe," Cain scratched his head.

“Haha! No boy, it’s not too late, but I’ll make this exception by introducing myself to you. My name is Igo, and yours?”

“My name is Cain! What are you doing here, old man?”

“Gehh! Don’t call me old! I’m not that old!”

“Heeee… but you have a beard, only an old man would have ‘em right?”

“W-well that’s true but at least call me uncle, okay?”

“Nooo… old man Igo sounds cool!” Cain grinned widely.

“Cool? W-well if you think so,” Igo puffed his chest. “That aside, I’m here because I saw you guys practicing, looks like it’s already over huh?”

“Yeah, my friends already went back and I was just about to go back before you popped out. By the way old man you’re sooo huge!”

Igo’s figure was really big, He’s about 1.9 meters tall, that made Cain looked really small.

“People tell me that a lot,” Igo sat on a big root. “So, how old are you, Cain?”

“I’m… 10 years old!” Cain counted with his fingers before answering.

“You don’t go to school?” asked Igo.

“Nope,” Cain shook his head. “I live at the orphanage near the forest entrance,” he pointed towards the orphanage direction.

“Hmm… I see… So, why are you swinging that branch?”

“I’m practicing everyday to become strong!” said Cain proudly.

“Why do you need to be strong?”

“That’s because I want to get a job and have money! So, Aunt Germi won't worry about us! Or maybe get outside Arozora and see the world! And become an Adventurer!” said Cain with a wide smile.

In Arozora Kingdom, one person's ability and talent could determine his/her own future within the Kingdom. With enough knowledge, one could even compete for the King’s Throne.

“See the world eh? That’s fun…” mumbled Igo.

“What? I can’t hear you.”

“Hmm? Oh, that sounds fun.”

“Isn’t it?” Cain made a big smile.

“It’s already dark, let me walk you to the orphanage," said Igo.

“Okay!” Cain nodded.

Distance between Barm Forest to the orphanage only took 20 minutes by foot, and 1 hour to Aroum City.

They walked to the orphanage and when they arrived, Cain entered the orphanage to call Aunt Germi, but when Aunt Germi stepped outside from the front door, Igo was nowhere to be found.

Aroum City Palace

“Majesty! Where have you been!?” a white haired man shouted to Igo, he was Arozora Kingdom King’s aide, Dios. He was a close friend to Igo far from before Igo became the King, also titled as the Left Hand of the King.

“Dios, stop shouting, it’s not good for your back," the King laughed.

“You’ve been gone all day! Not accompanied by any guards! And you just skipped dinner with an important guest!” Dios kept shouting.

“Ooh crap!! I forgot about that! Oh, well whatever," said the King.

“And what are you wearing!? commoner clothes?” Dios pointed his finger to the robe that the King wore.

“Hey!! This is my favourite robe! And look at the color! It’s dark green! It’s Arozora’s Queen’s favourite color!”

“Haaahh… if the Queen were still alive, she’d totally deny it," Dios sighed.

“Hahahaha! You always guess it right!” The King gave a thumbs up to Dios.

“So, where did you go?”

“Just sightseeing around the outskirts of the Kingdom, and met a funny kid. He didn’t even know his King’s name!” The King laughed.

King Iligo Maxigun, the 57th king of Arozora Kingdom, had been ruling Arozora for 14 years. He grasped the King’s throne when he was 35 years old. The Kingdom of Arozora wasn't adopting lineage for a future King, instead anyone could become the King, even a child of farmer could become the Kingdom’s ruler if he/she had what it took.

The system was called Ruler’s Truth, anyone could challenge the current king for the throne, but it’s not as simple as it seemed. The challenger must compete with the king from every aspect. Combat, magic, war tactic, economic knowledge, diplomatic capability, even art. If the challenger wins more than half from those aspects, he would be crowned king, if only half, the last King would still reign. Only Arozora Kingdom had this system in the continent.

Iligo beat the late king with overwhelming victory, winning in every aspect. His carefree attitude and kindness also made him loved by the people. From all aspects, combat was the main point of Iligo’s talent. Titled “The Mighty Iligo” by neighbor Kingdoms because no one in the Valfikr continent could beat him in combat.

Even with great power, Igo did not have a warseeker mindset, never had any intention to span territory of Arozora. Despite his prowess, he always treated other Kingdoms as friends, thus made the Kingdoms of the Valfikr continent treat him with deep respect.

The next day

Igo visited the kids in the forest.

“Hello kids," Igo greeted the kids.

“Ah, old man! You come again?” Cain stopped swinging his branch stick.

”Guys, this is the old man I'm talking about," Cain introduced Igo while Higa and Lexa approached Igo.

“Hello uncle, I’m Lexa and this is Higa," said Lexa. Higa waved both hands in the air.

“Ooooh, a well mannered one, unlike the one I met yesterday, pfff...” Igo glanced at Cain.

“Cain is always like that, he always get scolded by Aunt Germi everyday," Higa said that while laughing.

“Hehehe," Cain scratched his head.

“You are as old as Cain?” asked Igo.

“I’m 9 years old and Higa is 10 years old," Lexa replied.

“I see. Anyway, you guys want to become strong, right? Then how about this uncle teach you guys? I know a little bit of combat and magic.”

“You can use magic uncle!??” The Trio spoke at the same time except Cain, ‘old man’.

“Yes I can," Igo picked a small stone from the ground, he opened his palm and the stone was floating around above his hand.

Everyone was born with magic capabilities, it’s just up to themselves to hone their innate talent or not. About half the population of Arozora Kingdom learnt magic.

“This is elemental magic, earth manipulation magic, There’s two kind of elemental magic, manipulation and creation magic," said Igo.

He raised his other hand. Out of thin air, small rocks appeared and gathered at the center of his hand, those small rocks merged into a head sized rock, floating above his hand.

“And this is creation magic.”

“Wooaahh…” The Trio couldn't take their eyes off of the floating rock and stone.

“Know the difference?” Igo looked at the Trio.

“Yes! Manipulation magic is controlling what element around you and creation magic is uh… umm… make any magic from nothing?” Lexa answered with sparkling eyes.

“Hooo, short and on point answer!” Igo surprised at Lexa’s answer. “Just like what it’s called, manipulation magic is controlling the elements around you, and creation magic is creating any form of magic from nothing.”

Only 1 out of 100 people was blessed with the ability of creation magic. The rests were either only manipulation magic or no talent in magic at all.

“Teach us uncle!” The Trio cheered just like kids that just found a new toy.

“You can do combat technique too, uncle?” Higa asked enthusiastically.

“Hoho, of course,” Igo looked around. “Hmm there!” Igo walked towards a huge stone, about as tall as him. Igo took a stance, suddenly the ground under his foot cracked, and he threw a straight punch to the stone.

A breaking sound made a flock of birds flew from the trees.

Igo’s big fist was buried in the stone. He made a hole as big as his fist.

“That’s a simple technique called Jet Punch," Igo pulled his hand from the hole he made.

Cain and Higa just stood there with their mouths wide open.

“Teach us, uncle!” Cain back to his sense, and he didn't realize he called him uncle instead of old man.

“Then show me what you got from your practice all this time," Igo smiled.

“Me! Me!” Higa raised his hand and walked towards the stone that Igo hit.

“Hmm?...” Igo was curious, while Cain and Lexa looked at each other then looked back to Higa again.

Higa took a stance just like Igo did. With a serious expression on his face, he threw a punch to the stone.

Not as loud as Igo’s, but a break sound was heard.

Igo’s eyes widened. Higa just did like what he did. Although only half of Higa’s fist was buried to the stone, he did it just by seeing it once, just once. The ground on his feet only had a small crack. Even if it was just a basic technique, most people at least would be able to learn it in a day from a simple practice, or three to five tries for geniuses. But Higa, he did not even ask what to do.

“How’d you do that!?” Cain jumped to Higa.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Ehh? I just did what uncle Igo do.”

“Guhh! I won't lose!” Cain also took a chance on the stone. A punch was thrown, but only a cry of pain was heard.

Higa and Lexa laughed, Igo just face palmed.

“Then, how about you?” Igo looked at Lexa.

“Me? Um… I'm good at throwing things," Lexa picked two small stones from the ground, then threw the stones to the hole that Igo and Higa made, both of them hitting the mark.

“Ooh! Excellent!” Igo was impressed, the distance between Lexa and the stone was about 8 meters, for a 9 year old girl that was impressive.

“Then let's test your magic aptitude," Igo pulled out several stones from his waist bag. They were elemental stones. Elemental stones only had one purpose, to determine oneself of which elemental magic he/she had within.

Elemental magic had 7 elements; fire, water, wind, lightning, earth, holy and dark. There were many Non-elemental magic known, such as void magic, reaver magic and spirit magic. But unlike elemental magic, non-elemental magic could be learned apart from innate talent. Of course it was much harder than elemental magic to master.

Considered rare magic, reaver magic was double edged magic that cost the caster’s lifespan to use it, but had tremendous power. Also only few records shown that someone actually used reaver magic. Spirit magic was divided into 3 types, Spirit Beast, Spirit Plant, and Spirit Soul. It’s also considered an extraordinary talent. For void magic, it was shrouded in mystery, extinct hundreds years ago.

Igo lined up 7 elemental stones on the ground, each stone had a colored pattern on it, like red color with fire pattern.

“Who wants to try first?” said Igo.

“Me!” Cain moved forward.

Igo expected this, since he could tell Cain felt lag behind from his friends.

“Open your hand, I’ll put the stone on your hand one by one, concentrate your mind to the stone on your hand.”

Cain was anxious on what kind of elemental magic he had. Igo put the fire stone on Cain’s hand, then the stone glowed with a dim red light.

“Hmm… you have a knack for fire magic but it’s weak, very very weak, probably take decades to even master basic spells. You shouldn't even try to learn this element," said Igo.

Cain nodded.

One could learn more than one elemental magic, depend on his/her innate talent. Heroes from ancient times could even learn all kinds of magic.

Igo removed the fire stone from Cain's hand, then put the water stone. The result was just like the fire stone. Unfortunately, the rest of the stones only gave a dim glow.

Igo sighed. “Sorry Cain, you don’t have talent to use magic," “(What an unlucky kid,)” he thought.

“That's okay uncle! But you will still teach me, right?” said Cain.

Igo was a bit surprised, then gave a warm smile to Cain. “Yes of course. And Higa, you're next.”

“Okaaay," Higa replied.

Fire, water, wind, lightning stones all gave a dim glow on Higa’s hand. Finally, a dazzling glow when it was the earth stone’s turn.

“This… congratulations Higa, you have talent to practice earth manipulation magic!”

“Ouu yeaah!!!” Higa clenched his fist.

“Its up to you to practice it or not, if it's about earth magic, I may know a bit.”

“I will!!” Higa replied enthusiastically.

Holy and dark stones gave no glow at all. With that, it was Lexa’s turn next.

“So, Lexa, your turn," said Igo.

“Yes," Lexa walked towards Igo.

Fire stone gave a dim light, but when the water stone was on her hand, it was glowing brightly, it kept glowing. Then suddenly the water stone turned into water and wetted Lexa’s hand and the ground below.

”Woaah!!” Lexa was surprised.

“Superb! Congratulations Lexa! This is water creation magic!”

“Wha.. what? Lexa was confused.

“That’s a common reaction from someone that was just declared blessed with creation magic. Dont worry, I also have a bit of knowledge about water creation magic," Igo smiled.

Actually it was not a bit, Igo was a master of 3 creation magic, water, wind and earth. He was also blessed with Spirit Beast magic, 3 Great White Lions were under his command. Another reason why he was called The Mighty Iligo.

“Then, onto the next stone, shall we?” Igo used his water magic to clean the water from Lexa’s hand, and then put the wind stone.

The wind stone was glowing brightly, then vanished, turned into breeze. The breeze made Lexa’s short hair fluttered.

“Great! Another creation magic! Wind element!”

“Really!?” Lexa’s eyes sparkled.

Igo smiled while Cain and Higa looked so surprised. Unfortunately, the rest of the stones only gave dim light.

“Ok then kids, that's it,” Igo put the stones back to his bag. “Let’s rest a bit, after that, I’ll teach you basic combat techniques and magic.”

“Yeaayy!!” The Trio seemed happy.

...

The sky’s dark, but even at night, the urban district of Aroum city was still lively. Lumines crystals illuminated the city. People of Valfikr stopped using fire as a source of light when they discovered the lumines crystal.

Igo walked on his way back to the Aroum City Palace. Because of the robe and head cover, none of the people that passed him knew he was the King.

While walking, Igo was evaluating today’s event. After the aptitude test and a day of training, Igo already saw full potential of Higa and Lexa, except Cain. Even after a day of practice of Jet Punch technique, he couldn’t pull it off. But he didn’t give up, and said he would keep practicing. Igo let a bitter smile. He already knew the outcome. If someone couldn't even learn the most basic combat technique after a day of practice while the strongest man himself guided him, he shouldn’t pursue the combat technique. He didn’t even have aptitude towards magic. But Igo didn’t tell this to Cain, he would observe Cain’s performance for a week first.

Talentless described Cain perfectly while Lexa and Higa were absolutely geniuses.

Igo arrived at the Palace. Dios was already standing at the gate. Two guards stood behind him.

“Haaaah… sightseeing again?” Dios sighed.

“Yeah and I found something interesting, want to know?” Igo grinned.

“That can wait. Kingsmight returned this noon from Markoot Ruins expedition, Your Majesty," Both of them walked to the inner part of Aroum Palace.

“Oooh, good news?”

“Indeed, they managed to salvage some artifacts and treasure from the ancient era. I will call Kingsmight to meet you at Throne Hall.”

“No need, let them rest, I’ll meet them tomorrow morning.”

“But they want to meet you as soon as you come back, Your Majesty.”

Igo a bit hesitant, but he finally agreed to meet them now.

“Then, please change to King’s attire before that.”

“Ooops, almost forgot!” Igo laughed while Dios sighed.

Kingsmight was a private army of King Iligo. Established 5 years ago, Kingsmight was different from the soldier of Arozora, they were the best of the best. Members of Kingsmight consisted of geniuses. They only answer to the King. Sometimes, some of the Kingsmight members were sent to venture uncharted land of Valfikr to reclaim the lost knowledge or technology and artifact. This time they were sent to Markoot Ruins, northwest of Arozora territory near the border of Ozo Kingdom. Now they had returned.

Throne Hall of Aroum City Palace was so grand, up to thousands of people fit there. The ceiling was about 9 meters tall, and 4 huge pillars supported the ceiling. It's already filled with Kingsmight members that weren't part of the expedition group.

Igo sat on the throne, wearing the King’s attire. Dios stood beside him.

Kingsmight only had 100 members. And they were ranked according to their ability. 1st rank was the Captain of Kingsmight, 2nd, 3rd and 4th were Vice Captains, those four were also called Kingspillar. 5th to 100th were non-titled.

Kingsmight was divided into four squads, each squad consisted of one leading Kingspillar and 24 members. Rank 5th to 28th were lead by the Captain, 29th to 52nd lead by the 2nd rank Vice Captain, and so on.

Usually one or two squads were tasked with an expedition quest while the rest were guarding the Palace or Aroum City with ordinary guards.

A squad of Kingsmight entered the Throne Hall. Led by a stern faced man with silver short hair, Bagulv Caral, the Captain of Kingsmight. They brought many big treasure chests.

“Your Majesty, we have returned," Bagulv bowed his head.

“Welcome back, Bagulv! You look fine, met your sister and wife?” greeted Igo.

“Me, my sister and my wife are fine, Your Majesty," Bagulv smiled.

“Good. So, what’s the hurry to meet me?”

“Yes, about that, the presence of beasts are growing faster than we expected, some villagers claimed they saw a horde of beasts crossing Ozo border.”

“Hmmm… I see, then double the patrol on every outer post," Igo looked at Dios.

“I’ll take care of that, Your Majesty," Dios replied.

“So, any souvenir, Bagulv?” Igo grinned.

“Hahaha, of course Your Majesty, we managed to retrieve some artefacts, and a bunch of high grade materials," Bagulv waved his hand to a Kingsmight member, then they opened the treasure chests.

Igo stood up and walked towards the chests.

He was checking the chests content when his eyes, fixed on an old looking huge shoulder armor.

“This… this crest, this can't be… this is the shoulder armor of Amaror!?” said Igo.

Amaror was an ancient hero from hundreds years ago, he was from Koro, now Ozo. Record said he was almost 9 feet tall. The shoulder armor was so huge, not even Igo could wear it.

“It is?” wondered Bagulv.

“That’s crazy, my body won't fit into that, can’t believe how big hero Amaror was.”

Kingsmight members were talking to each other.

“Dios, contact King Logu of Ozo, we found his ancestor’s belonging, and prepare to wrap this up, he’s gonna be super happy about this. And also mention that horde of beast to him.” said Igo.

“Understood," Dios nodded.

Igo checked the other chests, nothing catched his eyes. “Good work, Kingsmight!” Igo shouted, filled the hall with his voice.

“You must be tired, Bagulv. Go home, rest and make some noise with your wife!” Said Igo.

Throne Hall filled with laughs.

“Dios, let’s put these to into the Treasure Room," said Igo

Dios nodded.

…

Treasure Room

Treasure Room of Aroum City Palace was filled with national treasure goods, from high grade weapons, ancient armors, magic grimoire and even paintings. The only one that had access to the Treasure Room was Igo.

After Kingsmight members brought the chests to Treasure Room, they left the room, then Igo and Dios were compiling the items themselves.

“So, what did you find?” Dios asked Igo while putting high grade materials on shelves.

“Hmm?... ooh… I found diamonds in the rough.”

“I see… age?” Dios always knew Igo’s character, that’s why he knew what Igo was talking about right away.

“9 to 10. But one of them is talentless. Shame… even though he is the most hardworking one.”

“What are you gonna do then?”

“I’ll nurture them myself," said Igo

“It’s rare for you to take disciple.”

“They’re funny kids, you know I don't have a child, so it's something to me.”

Igo did not have any children, his wife; the Queen, died of illness after marrying him for 6 months. Because he was a devoted husband, he never took a second wife or any mistress and concubine. Even though many neighbor Kingdoms sent him marriage proposals, he always refused them.

“This is the last one,” Igo took out a bottle of red bluish liquid from the treasure chest. “Such pure concentrate, take this to the Alchemist Alliance. They should make use of this," Igo passed the bottle to Dios.

“Oh yeah, take this too, I want them in the morning," Igo took out a piece of paper and passed it to Dios.

Dios read what was written. “For them?”

“Yes, and we’re done here, let's go back.”

When Igo was walking towards the door, he saw a book encased with a glass box. Then he stopped.

“What’s wrong?” Dios looked at Igo.

“Book of Gomara," said Igo while walking towards the glass box.

“Ooh, that book, that's the most useless item in this Treasure Room, right?” Said Dios.

“Yeah, this book contents is about combat techniques and magic. Yet no one ever learned from this book," Igo opened the glass box and took the book. The book was neither thick nor thin. The cover of worn out leather spoke its age. Embossed pattern with faded golden color was the only thing that made this book eye catching.

Igo opened the book, first page only had a sentence. “For the talentless and … - Gomara.” The … part was unreadable, perhaps due to age. Surprisingly, not a single paper had been torn. Even though most of the papers had turned yellowish brown, it’s still in readable condition. Only the first page had unreadable words. This book had been here forever, no one ever knew the exact where or when this book came from.

Because not even the most talented from many era could learn from this book, this book was the only item from the Treasure Room that could be freely borrowed by people of Arozora.

It's from the Treasure Room, so people thought this must be a special book. Countless people had borrowed this book to learn it, but always failed. Be it genius or talentless. They always return it after a week or a month, complaining not even one of the techniques was learnable. Probably most of the damage on it’s worn out cover was because of being thrown by them.

Gomara was a hero from the ancient time, some said he was even much older than the age of Amaror of Koro. Records only mentioned him of a mysterious person blessed with unrivaled strength and vast knowledge. But suddenly he vanished, and only this book remained.

Igo flipped the book, only half of the book had content, the other half was empty. Igo also tried this book before, but he learnt nothing from the book.

“I’ll take it," said Igo.

“For the talentless one? You realize no one could learn from it, right?” asked Dios.

“Yeah, but the sentence ‘For the talentless’ always caught me.”

…

Next morning

Igo, with a wrapped package on his back met the kids at the forest entrance. Only Higa and Lexa were there. “Yoo kids. Huh? Where's Cain?” asked Igo.

“Hi uncle, Cain is already practicing from dawn," Lexa replied.

“Is that so? Alright then, let’s go.”

“Okay!” said both Higa and Lexa.

They met Cain in the forest. Cain was already soaked with sweat.

“I have gifts for you kids," Igo opened the wrapped package he brought.

“Waah!! Gift!” The Trio seemed happy. Cain immediately stopped his training.

“This is for you," Igo handed a high quality training spear made from wood to Higa. The length was perfect for Higa’s height.

“From what I observed yesterday, you’re most suitable to use a spear," said Igo.

“Wohoo! Thank you, uncle!” Higa raised his spear.

“This is for you," Igo handed Lexa a set of throwing knives, also made from wood.

“Waah! It’s cool! Thank you, uncle! Lexa gave him a cute smile.

“And last, this is for you, Cain," Igo handed Cain the Book of Gomara.

“Eeehh!! Why am I the only one who gets a book and not a weapon?” said Cain, but he still took the book.

“Hohoho, it’s not an ordinary book, kid. It’s a special combat arts book! Not even I can learn from this, but maybe you can and you will become as strong as me!”

“Really!? Then, thank you, old man!!”

“Not old man but uncle!” Igo said that while pinching Cain’s cheek.

Higa and Lexa laughed.

“Oh yeah, I can't train you everyday, so only 4 days a week," said Igo.

“Eeh, why is that, uncle?” asked Higa.

“Well I’m an adult, I have some business to attend to," Igo could not say he shouldn't leave Aroum City Palace Kingless everyday.

“While I'm gone don't slack on your training, got it?”

“Okay!” they replied happily.

Igo also told the kids, if they wanted get a job they might want to become a Kingsmight, a seasonal salary of a Kingsmight member was enough to make you live through 3 years without any job. Or Hunter, their income was quite good, and they usually took quests outside the Kingdom, they were the best option to make make money while experiencing the outside world. Or even a mercenary, though mercenary was not really popular right now because it was a peaceful time.

To become a member of Kingsmight, they must pass the exam entry that was held every 3 years. And must be 19 years old or older.

The Trio agreed they’ll try for Kingsmight in the future.

…

Three days later

“Morning kids," Igo yawned.

“Oh, it’s uncle Igo," Lexa looked at Igo with 3 balls of water floating around her hand.

“Your water control is getting good.”

“Thank you uncle!” Lexa smiled.

“Hi uncle!” Higa was thrusting his spear repeatedly.

“Nice form Higa.”

“Old man! I made it! I managed to do a Jet Punch!” Cain appeared from behind a tree.

“Huh? What?”

“I can do Jet Punch.”

“Really?” Igo seemed unconvinced.

“Yes!” Cain nodded proudly.

“Then show me," Igo rubbed his beard, curious.

Higa and Lexa were also curious, they stopped their practice to watch Cain.

“Alright!” Cain stood in front of the big stone that Igo and Higa used during demonstration.

Cain took a stance with his left foot in the front. Same as a Jet Punch initial stance. But when he threw a right hand punch, his right foot also took a step forward.

A breaking sound could be heard.

Cain’s fist was buried in the stone, he made a hole on the stone just like Igo did, his full fist was buried.

“(What… he really did it?)” Igo was deep in thought, couldn't believe that Cain actually learnt it despite he was talentless.

“See?” Cain grinned.

When Cain took his hand out from the stone, suddenly cracks spread from the hole he made.

“Uwaah!?” Cain surprised himself as he was getting away from the breaking stone.

The stone just broke down into pieces.

“Wha-what!? The stone is….” Igo was amazed.

“Cain! That's so cool!” Higa jumped to Cain.

“I didn't know the stone would break," said Cain.

“That’s amazing, Cain!” Lexa was also amazed.

Igo was still deep in thought. He realized its not simply a Jet Punch. Jet Punch force actually came from twisting your hip while concentrating your power on your fist and keeping your feet still to maintain the center of gravity.

But Cain took a step, when his right hand moved, his right foot was also moving forward.

For Igo, it’s easy to break that stone, but a Jet Punch was only for piercing, not designed to break a whole big stone into pieces. The basics of how to do it was almost the same, but the output was totally different.

“How is it, oldman?” asked Cain.

“Huh? Oh, it's amazing, Cain," Igo went back to his senses.

“Um... it's actually not a Jet Punch. It’s a technique from the book you gave me," said Cain.

“Hmm… is that so?... Wait… what did you say!?” Igo’s eyes widened.

“It’s a technique from the book you gave me.”

“Are you joking right now, Cain?”

“Eeeeh…  why would I? It’s in here, look," Cain took out the Book of Gomara.

“It’s called Shattering Fist or something,” Cain opened the book. “Wait… it was here!” On the second page!” Cain flipped page two and three back and forth.

“It’s gone!” Cain was confused.

“Lemme see it,” Igo took the book. “Yeah… it's gone… I remember it’s full of writings and drawings up to half the book, but now, the second page is empty," Igo’s face looked so serious.

He flipped through where the page started to empty.

“This!!!…”

There’s a page that Igo remembered that was not supposed to be there. “Interesting… to have such mechanism… but what for?” mumbled Igo.

Book of Gomara was as mysterious as its author. From what Igo could understand, the moment someone was able to learn any technique from the book, the book would reveal other content from the empty space but also erase the learned page.

“Cain, since when were you able to do this Shattering Fist?” asked Igo.

“Hmm… this morning, before Higa and Lexa arrived.”

“Any other techniques you learnt?” another question by Igo.

“No, just this one, I started to practice it exactly when you gave me this book.”

“I see…” he also understood now what type Cain was.

He took longer time to learn something, but when he mastered them, it's explosive.

“Haha… hahahahahah!” Igo started laughing.

“Old man are you okay?” said Cain.

“It’s nothing! I'm just happy!” Igo smacked Cain’s back.

“Aw! Aw!”

Higa and Lexa looked at each other, confused.

“Learn a lot from this book alright!” Igo returned the book to Cain.

Cain nodded.

“Now go back to your training, kids!”

“Okay," said the Trio.

“(To actually met someone who could learn from the Book of Gomara in my era, I’ll make sure to nurture him!)” Igo’s deep thought.

Thus, days of hard training and practice begun.