After completing their last run with the stone packages, the master decided to give them a break. "There will be no training today," he announced that morning while preparing breakfast. Towan almost dropped his tea cup in surprise.

"Really? A day off?" he asked, with a mix of disbelief and enthusiasm.

The master nodded with a slight smile. "Yes, but I want you to accompany me to the village. I need to buy supplies, and your help will be useful."

Elliot, always more attentive, suspected that the master had an additional reason for taking them. But he said nothing, keeping his doubts to himself for later.

The village was a small but lively place. Wooden houses lined the main road, and market stalls were filled with merchants offering fruits, spices, and tools. Towan couldn’t help but look around with curiosity, while Elliot remained more reserved, observing the people closely.

"Bring this back to the dojo," said the master, handing them a bag of rice and another of vegetables. "I need to check something. I’ll meet you here in half an hour."

As they walked toward the fruit stalls, Towan suddenly stopped. "Hey, look at that!" he said, pointing to a bulletin board near the central square.

Elliot approached to read it. At the center of the board was a large, colorful poster:

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"ANNUAL DOJO TOURNAMENT! Demonstrate the power of your training and the honor of your dojo. Date: 15th of the Red Season. Sign-ups open until the 10th."

"A tournament?" murmured Elliot, as he read the details. "It seems like a big deal."

"This is perfect!" exclaimed Towan, almost jumping with excitement. "It’s our chance to show what we’ve learned! Imagine if we win, Elliot. We’d be recognized by everyone!"

Elliot, always more cautious, crossed his arms. "I doubt the master will let us participate. We’re just starting to improve."

Towan ignored him, his eyes still fixed on the poster. "I’ll ask him. I’m sure we can convince him."

Back home, Towan didn’t waste any time. After putting the supplies away, he went up to the master, who was sitting on the porch drinking tea.

"Master, we saw something in the village," Towan started, trying to sound casual. "A dojo tournament. Why don’t we participate? It would be a great opportunity for Elliot and me!"

The master didn’t respond immediately. He closed his eyes and took a sip of his tea. "A tournament, you say? And do you think you’re ready for that?"

"Of course we are!" Towan said, overflowing with confidence. "We’ve been training a lot, and now we’re much better."

Elliot, who was listening from the door, intervened with a calmer tone. "I think we still have a lot to work on to be on par with the others, master. But... it could be a good learning experience."

The master set down his cup and looked at both of them. For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then he sighed. "Alright. I’ll take you to the tournament."

"Yes!" Towan shouted, raising his arms.

"But," the master continued in a firm tone, "don’t expect to win. My intention is not for you to triumph, but for you to learn. Sometimes, losing is the best way to grow."

Towan frowned but said nothing. Elliot, on the other hand, nodded, understanding the master’s message.

"We’ll start preparing tomorrow," the master concluded. "It’ll be a long journey, and I want you to be ready for whatever you encounter there."