The morning sun filtered through the trees, bathing the forest in warm light as Takeshi stood in the middle of a clearing. His shirt lay discarded nearby, revealing a lean but growingly muscular frame, his fists clenched tightly. The energy coursing through his body demanded release, and he knew he needed to hone this newfound power.
The first test of the day was strength.
----------------------------------------
The Forest Trembles
Takeshi faced a towering tree, its trunk thick and unyielding. He took a deep breath, grounding himself. Then, with a roar that echoed through the woods, he drove his fist into the tree's base. The impact resonated like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves through the ground. The tree shuddered, splintered, and finally toppled over, crashing into the undergrowth with a deafening thud.
He moved to the next tree, repeating the process. Each punch grew more precise, more powerful, as he learned to channel his strength effectively. Splintered wood and fallen trunks littered the clearing by midday, a testament to his relentless effort.
----------------------------------------
Testing His Limits
Takeshi's focus shifted to stone. He approached a large boulder, its surface rough and weathered. He squared his shoulders and struck it with a kick that sent shards of rock flying in every direction. Though the boulder cracked, it did not yield. Undeterred, Takeshi unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, his movements swift and brutal. After what felt like hours, the boulder finally shattered, its remains scattered like pebbles.
Sweat dripped from his brow as he gazed at the wreckage, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. He found another, larger boulder and hoisted it onto his shoulders, veins bulging as he strained against its immense weight. With a grunt, he carried it across the clearing, his muscles screaming in protest but refusing to give in. By the time he set it down, he had pushed his body to a new threshold of strength.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
----------------------------------------
The Wild Challenge
The forest held more than trees and stones. It was home to fierce predators, and Takeshi decided to test himself against them. Deep in the woods, he encountered a bear, its massive frame towering over him. The creature roared, its claws slashing through the air as it charged.
Takeshi didn’t back down. He dodged the bear’s swipe with ease, his reflexes sharper than ever. When the moment came, he struck—his fist landing squarely on the bear’s chest. The beast staggered back but recovered quickly, lunging again. Their battle raged on, man against nature, until Takeshi finally overpowered the animal. The bear slumped to the ground, stunned but alive, its eyes watching him warily as it retreated into the woods.
----------------------------------------
The Speed Awakens
As his strength grew, Takeshi realized another potential waiting to be unlocked. He began running through the forest trails, his feet pounding the earth. At first, he was just fast. But with each day of practice, his speed became something extraordinary. He raced down steep mountain paths, his balance unerring as he weaved around obstacles. The world blurred around him as he pushed himself harder, testing how far he could go.
Long distances became trivial. He would race for hours without feeling the fatigue that once plagued him. His body adapted to this grueling pace, his endurance growing to superhuman levels. He could sense the air shift as he moved, feel the rhythm of his muscles working in perfect harmony.
----------------------------------------
Strength and Endurance
Days turned into weeks as Takeshi trained relentlessly. He combined his newfound strength with speed, learning to strike with devastating power at impossible velocities. His punches became whirlwinds, and his kicks cracked the ground beneath him. His endurance allowed him to train from sunrise to sunset without pause.
By the end of his training, Takeshi stood at the edge of a mountain, his chest heaving but his mind sharp. He had tested the limits of his body and surpassed them. The oni's power had awakened something primal within him, but it was his discipline and determination that had allowed him to master it.
As he gazed down at the sprawling forest below, a thought crossed his mind. This power was not just a gift; it was a responsibility. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw strength coursing through him, and whispered to himself, "I will use this strength wisely. For myself... and for others."
With that, he descended the mountain, the wind rushing past him as he raced toward an unknown future.