Yuri found himself wide awake. The events of the previous night replayed in his mind like a melody. Realizing what time it was, Yuri rose from his bed, his body aching from training and the unexpected battle.

He looked at his reflection in the mirror, his eyes meeting a gaze that was older than his ten years.

Without a second thought, Yuri put on his training clothes and stepped out into the chilly morning air. Everyone in the mansion was still asleep, oblivious to Yuri's resolve.

With each step around the mansion, Yuri’s resolve resounded in the rhythmic mantra, ‘I will become stronger.’ The words carried him through, lap after lap, until the final circuit was complete.

Exhausted, he allowed himself to collapse onto the cool earth, his breaths coming in sharp gasps.

Lying there, gathering his strength, Yuri’s ears perked up at the sound of a familiar voice cutting through the stillness. “60 pushups, situps, and squats,” it commanded, a directive that spurred him back into action.

"Yes sir," he said as he got into a pushup position. Yuri did 60 pushups, situps, and squats as fast as he could. When he was done, he collapsed onto the ground again, breathing heavily. He looked up to see his teacher standing over him.

"I heard you got attacked last night. We'll definitely figure out who sent him." Ren said as he helped Yuri get up

"Yea he was waiting for me in my room." Yuri said as he patted the grass and dirt off his back.

"Don't worry, we've increased security already. If someone wants you dead, they won't be able to get anything done here. I'm guessing they'll try again once you get into the academy and we won't be there to help you."

“Since you have the basics down already, we'll move on to sequences." His eyes gleamed with a wild excitement that was both thrilling and terrifying. "Everyday after workouts, you'll be fighting me and don't worry I'll make sure I lower my level to the preliminary realm."

"You won't be able to beat me," he said with a chuckle. "But you'll be able to learn and advance with your swordsmanship easily."

Acknowledging with a nod, Yuri gripped the wooden katana, feeling its balanced weight—a stark contrast to the lethal steel of a real blade. Together, they stepped into the courtyard.

As twilight embraced the sky, Yuri’s silhouette merged with the lengthening shadows of the training grounds. His mind wandered to the future, to the challenges and battles that awaited him.

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Seasons flowed like the relentless river of time. The courtyard, a silent spectator, observed the leaves’ journey from vibrant green to the rich tapestry of autumn, then to the serene white of winter, and finally to the hopeful green of spring.

A year of relentless practice had vanished like mist, each day propelling him ever closer to his destiny. With every controlled strike of his wooden sword, Yuri was not just honing his technique but forging his spirit into that of a true swordsman.

"You're not just learning to fight," Ren would say, his voice firm but fair, "you're learning to survive."

The katana now felt like an extension of his own body. His movements were fluid, a dance of precision and grace that had been honed through countless hours of practice, as well as memories from his past life. The sound of metal against metal was a constant rhythm in his life, a heartbeat driving him forward.

Yuri's resolve had been tested, but never broken. With each day, he grew stronger, not just in body but in spirit. The fear that had once clouded his eyes was replaced by fierce, a burning desire to protect those he held dear.

As he prepared for the challenges that lay ahead, Yuri knew that the journey would not be easy. The academy would be a crucible, a place where only the strongest would thrive. But he was almost ready. The lessons of the past year had forged him into a warrior, and he would face the future with the same unwavering resolve that had carried him this far.

With a final glance at the training grounds that had become his second home, Yuri sheathed his katana. The night was calling, and with it, the promise of a new dawn. Tomorrow, he would leave for a change of scenery.

Ren said he would take him to the forest of Mythmere. Where he would train for the next 3 months.

'He still hasn't said why we are going to the forest of Mythmere.' Yuri thought as he headed out of the courtyard and up to his room. He packed a small bag with the necessary items and went straight to bed after showering.

He had no idea what to expect, but he was eager to see what Ren had in store for him tomorrow.

The dawn of the next morning finally came. He grabbed his small bag of necessities and set off to meet his parents. He wanted to make sure he said good bye before he left. He arrived downstairs, his heart pounding with anticipation. His parents were already awake and waiting for him. They embraced him, tears streaming down their faces.

He kissed them both goodbye and set off. He had to start his journey now. He was ready for whatever the future had in store.

As he arrived in the courtyard, he could already see Ren waiting for him.

"Before you set off, understand you're going to have it very rough for the next 2 months. Your sole focus should be to endure and survive." Ren said as a dark portal materialized behind Yuri. "You're going to be facing a lot of danger and you'll have to rely on your wits and strength to make it out alive."

Before Yuri could even voice his uncertainties, Ren's foot swiftly hit him square in the chest, sending him flying back, spiraling into an abyss.

As Yuri tumbled through the void

He heard Ren's final words

"Goodluck, kid!"