The sun had barely risen, casting a pale glow over the mountainous landscape. Wang Wei stood before Hakan, his expression unwavering, as he gazed up at the towering peaks. The air was thick with moisture from the previous night’s rainstorm, but that didn’t matter to him. Today would be the beginning of Hakan’s transformation.

Wang Wei turned to Hakan, his voice cold and stern. “This is where your journey truly begins. If you want to become strong, if you want to unlock your potential, you’ll have to survive the next few weeks. It will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Even the strongest warriors in the world have fallen here.”

Hakan’s heart pounded in his chest. He had heard whispers of the brutal training that took place in these mountains—how it broke men and women alike. But now, standing at the foot of the towering cliffs, he could feel the weight of those rumors pressing down on him. His body, still aching from the previous night’s sparring, felt heavy, and the thought of enduring even more pain sent a shiver down his spine.

Without warning, Wang Wei took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. “You think you’ve suffered before? You think you’ve trained hard?” His voice was sharp, like a whip. “This will test you in ways you can’t imagine. Your mind, your heart, your body will be pushed beyond their limits. If you break, you’ll never stand again. But if you survive, you will become more than you’ve ever dreamed.”

Wang Wei turned and motioned for Hakan to follow. “Come,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

They began their ascent, weaving through dense forests, climbing steep hills, and navigating jagged rocks. Hakan’s legs burned after only a few minutes, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But he refused to fall behind. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he wasn’t just someone who had been overlooked because he lacked powers.

The trail grew steeper with each step. The air thinned, and the wind howled through the trees, biting at their skin. But Wang Wei moved with an almost unnatural ease, his pace unbroken as he led Hakan further into the wilderness. Hours passed, and the physical toll began to mount. Hakan’s muscles screamed in protest, his lungs were on fire, but he couldn’t stop. Not now. Not when he had come this far.

Finally, they reached the peak. The clouds parted briefly, revealing a narrow plateau that stretched out before them. The ground was rocky, uneven, and treacherous. There, Wang Wei turned to face Hakan, his expression intense.

“This is where it all begins,” Wang Wei said, his voice low and heavy. “From now on, you will train with me. You will endure trials that will tear you apart. You will face your limits—and then break them.”

Hakan nodded, barely able to stand after the climb, but his eyes burned with determination.

Wang Wei’s face softened, though his gaze was still fierce. “You lack power, Hakan. You may have the technique, the skill, but it’s all useless without the strength to back it up. Power is not just about force—it’s about resilience, about the ability to keep going when everything in your body screams for you to stop.”

Wang Wei dropped into a fighting stance and motioned for Hakan to do the same. “You’ll face me in combat, and I’ll show you just how far you still have to go.”

The first strike came without warning. Wang Wei’s fist shot forward with incredible speed, but Hakan was ready. He deflected the blow with a swift block, using his martial arts techniques to redirect the force. But before he could react, Wang Wei’s leg swept under him, knocking him off balance. Hakan tumbled to the ground, but he quickly recovered, his body aching as he pushed himself to his feet.

“No matter how good your technique is,” Wang Wei said, his voice steady but carrying a weight of experience, “if you lack the strength to support it, it’s worthless.”

The next series of attacks came faster, more brutal. Wang Wei’s strikes were a blur of motion—each punch, kick, and sweep designed to break Hakan’s defense. The force behind them was enough to shatter bones, but Wang Wei held back just enough to test Hakan’s limits.

Hakan’s heart raced as he fought to keep up. His movements were precise, calculated, but each strike left him more drained than the last. He felt his body giving in. Sweat poured down his face, mixing with the blood from a cut across his brow.

“Keep going!” Wang Wei barked. “You think this is tough? This is nothing compared to what’s to come. If you want to survive, you need more than just skill. You need strength. And you’ll get it. Here. Now.”

With a roar, Wang Wei delivered a devastating blow, his fist slamming into Hakan’s chest. The force was so great that it sent Hakan sprawling across the rocky ground. His vision blurred, and the world around him seemed to spin.

But despite the pain, despite the overwhelming exhaustion, something inside Hakan refused to give up. He pushed himself to his knees, clutching his chest, his breath shallow and ragged. The words echoed in his mind—the words of his Master, of Wang Wei. Heart, mind, and soul. The ultimate trio.

He clenched his fists, ignoring the pain, ignoring the doubt. His heart burned with determination. His mind sharpened, focusing on nothing but the battle. And his soul—his soul roared with a ferocity that made him rise again.

Wang Wei watched him, his expression unreadable. There was no pity in his eyes, no encouragement. Just a cold assessment. “Good,” he said. “You’ve taken the first step.”

He gestured to the rocky plateau around them. “Tomorrow, we begin again. And the day after that. And the day after that. Until you no longer need to think about your technique, your form. Until every movement flows from your strength, from your heart.”

Hakan nodded, his body trembling with exhaustion. He could barely stand, but he knew deep down that this was what he needed. This was the path to power. Not through the gifts of the asteroid, not through the strength of his enemies—but through his own determination.

“This is just the beginning,” Wang Wei said, his tone firm. “Prepare yourself. The real hell starts now.”

As Hakan steadied himself, his body aching but his resolve stronger than ever, Wang Wei watched him closely. He couldn’t help but be impressed. Yesterday, Hakan had been unable to even deflect his blows, completely overwhelmed by the sheer force of his attacks. But now, despite the pain, despite the exhaustion, Hakan was already reacting faster, his movements sharper. It was as if the boy had learned in an instant, adapting in a way Wang Wei had rarely seen.

Adaptability, Wang Wei thought to himself. This one has it. He might not have power, but he has something just as valuable—the ability to grow, to overcome in the face of impossible odds.

And that, Wang Wei knew, was the true foundation of strength.

The next day came with a sky still heavy with storm clouds. The rain had not let up, and the air was thick with the promise of another grueling day. Hakan, though fatigued from yesterday’s ordeal, rose before the sun, his mind already steeled for what lay ahead.

He hadn’t slept much, his thoughts swirling around the fierce test Wang Wei had set for him. He had failed yesterday, unable to deflect Wang Wei’s strength, but there had been a flicker of hope. Today, he could feel something shifting inside him. The training, the pain—it had begun to forge him into something new. He wasn’t sure what it was yet, but he could sense the difference.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the mist, Hakan found himself at the training ground, drenched in rain once more. Wang Wei stood ahead, his figure imposing even in the relentless downpour.

“You ready?” Wang Wei’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, as if daring Hakan to say no.

Hakan nodded without hesitation. “I’m ready.”

Wang Wei grinned, a small, approving nod. “Good. Prepare yourself.”

The words were barely out of his mouth before he moved. Hakan barely had time to react, his body a blur of instinct as he stepped into a defensive stance, bracing for what was to come.

Wait… I can feel it, Hakan thought, the shift in his body’s reflexes. He had learned something overnight, though he didn’t know exactly what. When Wang Wei launched a strike, it was like his body had already prepared for it. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the blow.

Wang Wei stopped mid-strike, his expression unreadable, but his mind was racing. Yesterday, Hakan hadn’t been able to react to him at all. He had been too slow, too weak. But now, there was something different. A spark of adaptability in the boy’s movements. Hakan wasn’t just a blank canvas anymore—he was starting to understand the rhythm of battle, the flow of combat. He had learned to anticipate, to adjust.

Impressed, Wang Wei took a step back. “Good. You’re starting to adapt. But adaptation alone won’t make you strong.”

Hakan’s heart raced. He had done it. He had managed to react to Wang Wei’s speed, even if it was only a brief moment of success.

But Wang Wei wasn’t done. The smile faded from his face, replaced by a cold, calculated look.

“Now, we’ll see if you can survive this.”

Without another word, Wang Wei lunged forward with explosive speed. Hakan’s reflexes kicked in, but this time, there was no avoiding it. Wang Wei’s fist collided with his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. The impact felt like a thunderclap in his chest, knocking the wind out of him.

Hakan gasped, trying to catch his breath as he lay there, his body trembling from the force of the blow. But Wang Wei stood over him, expression unchanged.

“Yesterday, you couldn’t react to me. Today, you did. But you still lack the strength to back up your technique.”

Hakan struggled to push himself up, his muscles protesting, his body bruised from the earlier strikes. He had learned to adapt, but it hadn’t been enough. He could feel the weight of his weakness pressing down on him.

Wang Wei crouched down beside him, his gaze assessing. “The asteroid didn’t choose you for power, Hakan. But you’re not powerless. You have something deeper. Your heart, mind, and soul—those are the true foundations of strength. You have the potential to be great, but only if you’re willing to forge it.”

Hakan’s chest heaved with determination, his eyes burning with the desire to prove himself. The pain from his bruises, the fatigue from yesterday’s training—all of it faded into the background as he stood to face Wang Wei again.

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said, his voice steady, even as his body shook. “I’m ready.”

Wang Wei looked at him for a long moment, his thoughts turning inward. This one… has the fire to become something greater. He’s not like the others who rely only on their gifts. He has the heart of a warrior.

“Then let’s begin,” Wang Wei said, standing tall and ready to push Hakan past his limits.

Over the next few days, the training intensified in ways Hakan could not have imagined.

First, Wang Wei led him to the foot of a massive waterfall. The thunderous roar of the falling water was deafening, the mist from the cascade soaking everything nearby.

“Today, you train under the waterfall,” Wang Wei said. “One wrong move, and the force of the water will break your neck.”

Hakan swallowed hard as he stared up at the falling water, his mind grappling with the daunting challenge ahead.

“Position yourself under it,” Wang Wei instructed. “Stand firm. Let the water hit you with everything it’s got.”

Hakan hesitated for only a moment before stepping into position. The cold water slammed into him like a wall of force. He gritted his teeth, his muscles screaming in protest as the weight of the water threatened to push him down. He strained, trying to keep his posture solid, his legs bent slightly for balance.

As the water pummeled him, Hakan’s body trembled, but he refused to give in. His mind, his heart—they were in this fight with him. The water was relentless, but so was he.

Wang Wei stood off to the side, watching closely. This is where most would break, he thought, observing Hakan’s resolve. But this one... he’s different.

The next day, Hakan found himself carrying logs through the dense forest, the heavy weight of the wood threatening to drag him down with every step. The logs were massive, their weight almost unbearable, but Wang Wei had instructed him to carry them for miles, without stopping.

"Feel the weight. Let it test your strength," Wang Wei’s voice echoed behind him. “This is the foundation of power—strengthening your body to carry burdens even when the world is pressing down on you.”

Hakan’s arms burned, his legs ached, but he pushed forward, his breaths coming in sharp gasps. The logs felt heavier with every step, but there was no turning back. He had to keep moving. He had to get stronger.

Later that week, Wang Wei introduced another test: agility training. Hakan had to sprint through an obstacle course made of sharp rocks and narrow ravines. The ground beneath him was uneven, and the air was thick with humidity. There was no time to think, no space to second-guess himself. Every movement had to be precise, every step calculated.

Wang Wei shouted from behind, “Faster! Don’t think, just move! You have to be as quick as you are strong!”

And Hakan did. His body flew through the course, ducking under branches, leaping over rocks, and vaulting through gaps. He stumbled at times, but he never stopped. With every fall, he pushed himself harder, his speed and agility steadily improving.

Finally, the last aspect of his training was combat. Wang Wei fought him relentlessly, attacking from every angle, his strikes almost too fast to follow. Every time Hakan blocked or dodged one attack, another came, testing his reflexes and his resolve.

“You’re getting better, but you still lack the power to back up your technique,” Wang Wei said after another one-sided sparring match. “Strength comes from mastering your body. You’re not just training your mind or your skill—this is about forging a body capable of withstanding any challenge.”

Hakan’s chest heaved with exhaustion, but there was a fire in his eyes. His body was bruised and battered, his muscles were sore beyond belief, but something had begun to change. The pain didn’t matter anymore. With each drop of sweat, with every bruise and tear, he was becoming something more. Something stronger.

“I’m ready,” Hakan said through clenched teeth.

Wang Wei gave him a rare, approving nod. "Good. But remember, this is just the beginning."

And so, Hakan’s training continued, each day pushing him closer to the strength he had always longed for.

The rain had stopped, but the wind still howled through the mountain peaks. Wang Wei sat in silence, gazing at the training ground where Hakan lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving earth, his body exhausted, his breathing ragged.

Days ago, Wang Wei had been convinced that training Hakan was a waste of time.

"Master Liang Jun," Wang Wei had said, standing before the old warrior as they watched Hakan struggle through his first test. "This boy is too weak. He lacks power. He wasn’t chosen by the asteroid, and it shows. No matter how much he fights, he will never stand against those who were truly blessed with strength."

Liang Jun had not reacted immediately. He simply watched Hakan in silence as the boy continued pushing himself, despite his failures.

Then, the Master spoke. "Power is not always given, Wang Wei. Sometimes, it is forged. Do not be so quick to judge him."

Wang Wei had clenched his jaw. "You trained me to be strong. But he doesn’t have what it takes."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Liang Jun’s piercing gaze had locked onto Wang Wei’s. "Then train him to have it."

Wang Wei had left that conversation frustrated, believing it was a mistake.

But now… as he watched Hakan stand back up, even when his body should have given up, he felt something shift inside him.

This boy… no, this warrior, had adapted to everything thrown at him. He had no powers, no gifts from the asteroid, yet he survived training that would break even the strongest men. He refused to stay down.

For the first time in a long while, Wang Wei felt something rare—respect.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. Then, he turned toward where Master Liang Jun stood, watching from a distance.

Wang Wei took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Master."

Liang Jun gave a knowing smile. "So, you see it now?"

Wang Wei exhaled sharply. "I was wrong." He shook his head, glancing back at Hakan, who was still pushing himself even after collapsing moments ago. "I doubted your judgment, and I was blind. But I see it now. This boy—he has the potential to be the strongest of us all."

Liang Jun nodded approvingly. "Then continue training him. Push him beyond his limits."

Wang Wei smirked. "You don’t have to tell me twice."

The next morning, the sun rose over the mountain, casting long shadows across the training ground. Hakan’s body still ached from the brutal exercises of the past days, but his resolve had only grown stronger.

Wang Wei approached him, arms crossed. "You’ve endured hellish training. But that was just the foundation. Now, we see if you can survive in real combat."

Hakan’s breath steadied. He knew this was coming.

Wang Wei gestured toward a massive, open field on the mountainside, its ground rough and uneven. "No more tests. No more exercises. Today, you fight for real."

Hakan squared his stance, his muscles tense, his heartbeat steady.

"Against who?"

Wang Wei’s grin was sharp. "Me."

Beyond the secluded forest where Hakan’s fate had taken a different path, the world moved forward relentlessly. The emergence of the towers had reshaped civilization, giving rise to new powers, alliances, and ambitions.

The once-chaotic struggle against the monsters had settled into an organized war, one fought by heroes and the guilds they built. These guilds became the pillars of society, their influence rivaling that of nations. Each guild sought dominance, power, and the treasures hidden within the towers.

Yet, amid the ceaseless march of progress, a single piece of news sent shockwaves through those who once knew him.

A government official, flanked by two armored guards, stood before the grand estate of the Raihan Family. His face was devoid of emotion, his words rehearsed and mechanical.

"We regret to inform you that Hakan Raihan has been declared deceased. His remains were never recovered, but based on the circumstances of the attack and eyewitness reports, there is no possibility of survival."

The moment those words left the official’s lips, Soren turned and walked away without a word.

His mother gasped, stumbling back as her hands covered her mouth. Tears formed in her eyes, but no sound escaped her lips. His father, always the pillar of strength, merely nodded. His face was cold, unreadable—perhaps out of guilt, perhaps out of denial.

But Soren…

Soren slammed the door as he left, his body shaking with an emotion he couldn’t contain.

The estate's servants and guards watched him storm off, his hands clenched into fists so tight that blood dripped from his palms. He didn’t stop. He didn’t turn back.

He walked.

Then he ran.

Then—he ignited.

Flames erupted around him, scorching the earth as he propelled himself into the sky. The air trembled with heat as he soared toward the mountains, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. His mind was a storm of emotions—grief, fury, loss—all burning hotter than the flames surrounding him.

A roar of pure agony tore from his throat as he reached the peaks. He dove downward, slamming into the rocky terrain, sending molten cracks spiderwebbing through the cliffs. He punched a tree, and it exploded into cinders. Then another, and another. He kept going, flames surging from his fists, his breath ragged.

Every strike brought back a memory.

Hakan teaching him how to throw his first punch. Hakan shielding him when their father was angry. Hakan ruffling his hair and calling him “little flame.” Hakan, always smiling, always telling him to be strong.

But he hadn’t been strong enough. He hadn’t been able to protect his brother.

"How…?"

"Why…?"

His brother—his only brother—was gone.

His vision blurred as he collapsed to his knees, the flames around him dimming. His fingers clawed at the ashen ground, his body trembling as the weight of reality crashed upon him.

And then, for the last time in his life, Soren cried.

He sobbed until his body ached, until there was nothing left inside him but the echo of loss. The cold night wind carried his grief into the vast, indifferent sky.

By the time dawn arrived, the boy who had once laughed so easily was no more.

From that night onward, he was known as the Dragon Prince, a warrior of terrifying might, and one of the most feared figures on the continent. And he vowed—never again. The world that took his brother would never take another from him.

Far away, in a high-rise tower overlooking the city, Iffah sat in her private quarters, surrounded by her guildmates—The Silver Valkyries, an all-female guild known for its elegance and lethal precision.

One of her subordinates entered, her face pale.

"Guildmaster… I bring grave news."

Iffah turned, her usual composed demeanor softening with concern.

"What is it?"

The woman hesitated, then finally spoke.

"Hakan Raihan is dead."

For a moment, nothing changed.

Iffah blinked, her lips parting slightly as if she had misheard. Then, as the words truly settled in her mind, she felt something crack deep inside her.

Dead?

Her chest tightened, her hands trembling. She tried to speak, but no words came. Her breath quickened. Her vision blurred.

And then—she fell.

Her knees hit the cold marble floor as a sob wracked through her body.

The guild members rushed to her side, concern filling their eyes, but she couldn’t hear them. Her hands clutched at her heart, as if trying to stop the unbearable pain that tore through her.

"No… no, he’s not…" she whispered, shaking her head violently.

She had seen Hakan at his lowest, had held his hand when he felt like the world had abandoned him. He had promised her—he had promised—that they would always be together.

But now he was gone.

Tears streamed down her face as she let out a wail of pure despair.

No matter how strong she was—no matter how many battles she had won—she couldn’t fight this.

She had lost him.

Forever.

To the world, she remained the radiant beacon of hope—the Valkyrie of Dawn, known for her kindness and unwavering resolve. But inside, a part of her had shattered beyond repair.

In the following months, both Soren and Iffah changed.

Soren's White Dragons became one of the most feared guilds in existence, known for their brutal efficiency and overwhelming power. There was no joy in his victories, no satisfaction in his growth. He simply kept moving forward, because stopping meant remembering.

Iffah’s Silver Valkyries solidified their dominance as an elite all-female guild, their discipline and precision unmatched. Though she still smiled, still carried herself with grace, those who truly knew her saw the lingering sadness in her eyes.

Both of them had reached the top of the world.

But both had lost something they could never regain.

Far away, in a distant land, Hakan still lived—but the world that once knew him had already buried him.

In a hidden sanctuary untouched by the chaos of the outside world, Hakan sat in deep meditation, unaware of the pain his absence had caused. He had abandoned the past, seeking strength beyond what anyone could imagine.

Yet, even as he pushed forward, forging his own path, the echoes of his name haunted those he had left behind.

And when he returned, the world would not recognize him.

But it would remember.

Hakan gasped as he hit the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through his already broken body. His arms trembled, barely able to lift himself. His vision blurred from pain, his muscles screamed for mercy, but Wang Wei gave him none.

"Is this all you’ve got?" Wang Wei’s voice was sharp, cutting through the haze of exhaustion. He stood over Hakan, completely unharmed, his stance unshaken. "You said you wanted to be strong. But strength isn’t about how many times you stand. It’s about how much you can endure before you finally break!"

Hakan barely heard him. His body was past its limits. His bones ached, his muscles torn, his will wavering. He had trained relentlessly. He had survived hell. And yet—

He was still too weak.

A memory flashed before him—

"You are a disgrace!" His mother’s voice cut through his mind like a blade. Her cold eyes bore into him, filled with nothing but contempt. "A good-for-nothing idiot. I can’t believe you’re my son."

Another memory—his father’s disappointed glare.

The world had left him behind, deeming him unworthy because he had no powers.

Another—his younger brother standing before him, power radiating from his hands as he saved Hakan from another humiliating defeat. "Stay back, brother. I’ll handle this."

The shame burned hotter than any wound. He was the eldest, but he was always the one who needed saving.

And then—the worst of them all.

The look in her eyes.

His fiancée. The woman he had once dreamed of standing beside, the one he had sworn to protect. She had watched him fight. She had watched him lose.

She also had to protect him despite being a man he was the one being protected.

Hakan’s breath caught. That moment had shattered him more than anything else.

"You were not chosen."

That thought echoed in his mind like a curse, a brand burned into his soul. The asteroid had passed him by, granting power to the world, but leaving him empty.

"You will always be weak."

A fist slammed into his gut. Hakan choked, spitting blood onto the ground. He wanted to scream. He wanted to rage against the heavens. Why? Why was he never enough?

No.

A small ember burned within him. A single thought that refused to die.

I am not nothing.

He grit his teeth, forcing himself up onto one knee.

I don’t need to be chosen.

Wang Wei’s foot crashed into his ribs. He tumbled back, pain splitting through his side.

But—

I will forge my own path.

He grabbed the ground beneath him, fingers digging into the dirt, steadying himself.

I am not weak. I never was.

He rose again, staggering but standing. Wang Wei’s eyes narrowed. "Still getting up?"

Hakan breathed heavily. "Yeah."

Something changed. A shift, like the universe itself had taken notice.

And then—

Mind. Body. Soul.

Three forces, three aspects of his being, separate but now merging as one.

His thoughts became sharper. Every movement of Wang Wei, every breath, every twitch of his muscles—Hakan could see them. He could read them.

His body, though battered, felt lighter. It no longer resisted his will—it moved with it.

And his soul—his very essence—ignited.

For the first time, Hakan was not just fighting.

He was the fight.

Wang Wei charged, his fists a blur. Hakan didn’t think—he knew. His body flowed with the attack, his foot shifting ever so slightly. Wang Wei’s strike missed by a hair’s breadth.

A flicker of shock flashed in Wang Wei’s eyes.

Hakan countered. His fist slammed into Wang Wei’s chest. Not just a strike—a strike with purpose, with force, with everything he was.

Wang Wei staggered back.

Hakan exhaled slowly, his stance unshaken.

For the first time, Wang Wei looked at him not as a student, not as a weakling—

But as a warrior.

Hakan wiped the blood from his lips, his breath coming in slow, measured intervals. His body screamed in agony, every muscle torn and bruised from months of relentless training, yet something had shifted within him. His mind was clear. His body, though battered, moved with newfound ease. And his soul—his very essence—felt like it was burning, alive with a force he had never known before.

Across from him, Wang Wei stood tall, his expression unreadable. The air between them was heavy, charged with an intensity that neither of them could ignore. The master had beaten him down countless times, breaking him, testing him, forcing him to the brink of despair. Yet now, for the first time, Hakan wasn’t just enduring.

He was ready.

Wang Wei’s eyes narrowed. “You’re different.”

Hakan exhaled slowly. “I am.”

A flicker of something—approval, perhaps—flashed across Wang Wei’s face before he vanished. His speed was inhuman, a blur of motion that had always been too fast for Hakan to follow.

Not this time.

Hakan saw it. His mind, his body, and his soul worked in unison, processing Wang Wei’s attack before it even fully formed. He shifted his stance ever so slightly, his body reacting instinctively.

Wang Wei’s fist cut through the air where Hakan had been just moments before, missing by the smallest margin.

Hakan countered.

His fist drove forward, a precise strike aimed at Wang Wei’s center. The master twisted, barely dodging, but Hakan was already moving. A knee snapped upward, forcing Wang Wei to raise an arm in defense. The impact sent vibrations through both of their bodies, but Hakan didn’t stop.

He pressed forward, striking with fluid, relentless precision. Every attack had weight, purpose—no wasted movement. Wang Wei blocked, deflected, and countered, but for the first time, he was on the defensive.

A grin spread across the master’s face. “Good.”

He retaliated, his blows coming faster, harder. Hakan weaved through them, his body moving with an awareness he had never known. A fist shot toward his ribs—he twisted, letting it graze him before delivering a brutal elbow to Wang Wei’s shoulder. The master staggered, but only for a second.

Then, the real fight began.

Wang Wei surged forward, his attacks a storm of power and technique. Hakan met him blow for blow, his movements precise, his strikes devastating. Dust rose around them as the ground cracked beneath their feet. The mountains echoed with the clash of their battle, each impact sending shockwaves through the earth.

Hakan felt it—an energy surging through him, guiding him. Every strike he threw, every movement he made, was backed by more than just physical strength. It was something deeper, something primal.

Wang Wei’s fist flew toward his face. Hakan caught it.

Time seemed to slow.

Wang Wei’s eyes widened slightly as Hakan tightened his grip. Then, with a roar, he twisted, flipping the master over and slamming him into the ground. The impact sent a shockwave through the earth, dust and debris exploding outward.

For the first time, Wang Wei lay still, staring up at the sky, breathing heavily.

Then he laughed.

A deep, satisfied laugh that echoed through the mountains.

Hakan, chest rising and falling with exhaustion, took a step back, his fists still clenched. His body was broken, but he felt unstoppable.

Wang Wei sat up, shaking his head. “Eight months ago, you were nothing but a boy clinging to the past.” He looked at Hakan with something akin to pride. “Now, you are a warrior.”

Hakan didn’t smile. He simply nodded.

Because this was only the beginning.

Wang Wei dusted off his robes, his expression thoughtful as he turned to Hakan. "Your basic training is complete," he said, though his voice lacked the triumph one might expect. It carried weight, as though the next words were a burden. "You have honed your body, sharpened your instincts, and tempered your will. But strength alone is not enough. Tomorrow, you will face your final trial."

Hakan, his breathing steady despite the ache in his muscles, met Wang Wei's gaze. "What is the final trial?"

Wang Wei hesitated, his brows furrowing in uncharacteristic concern. "The Master will explain," he said at last, gesturing for Hakan to follow.

The two walked in silence through the winding mountain paths, the cool night air brushing against their skin. Wang Wei’s usual confidence seemed subdued, replaced by a pensive energy. As they approached the large wooden hall, the faint glow of lanterns flickered against the dark sky, and the scent of burning incense filled the air.

Inside, Master Liang Jun sat cross-legged on an elevated platform, his presence as calm and unyielding as a mountain. His eyes opened, settling on Hakan with a gaze that seemed to weigh his very soul.

Wang Wei bowed low. "Master, he is ready."

Liang Jun studied Hakan for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Wang Wei. "You are troubled, Wang Wei," he observed.

Wang Wei straightened, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face. "Master, the Valley of Death is unforgiving. Hakan has proven himself resilient, but he is still untested. Perhaps the Forest of Wrath would be—"

The Master raised a hand, silencing him. "The Forest of Wrath is a trial of survival, but it does not demand mastery of the self. Hakan has come too far to walk a lesser path. He must face the Valley."

Turning to Hakan, Liang Jun gestured for him to approach. "Come."

Hakan stepped forward, feeling the gravity of the moment. The Master rose, his movements deliberate, and began walking toward the back of the hall. "Follow me."

The three of them descended a narrow, hidden staircase, lit only by the faint glow of crystals embedded in the walls. As they walked, Liang Jun spoke.

"A warrior's strength is not in the weapon they wield but in their understanding of it. A blade is an extension of your will, a manifestation of your discipline. Without purpose, even the sharpest sword is useless." He glanced back at Hakan. "Do you understand?"

Hakan nodded, his mind racing to absorb the wisdom.

The path opened into a cavern illuminated by a waterfall cascading from above, its roar muffled by the depth of the sanctuary. Behind the waterfall, a faint green glow pulsed, drawing Hakan’s attention.

"What is that light?" he asked.

Liang Jun’s lips curved in a faint smile. "You will see."

They stepped through the waterfall, the cool spray drenching them briefly. Beyond it lay a vast chamber filled with countless weapons, each displayed on pedestals or resting against the stone walls. The green aura emanated from the walls themselves, casting an otherworldly glow over the room.

Liang Jun gestured to the array of swords, spears, and other weapons. "These weapons carry the essence of those who forged and wielded them. But a weapon is not simply chosen by the warrior—it chooses you as well. Step forward, Hakan, and find the weapon that calls to you."

Hakan stepped into the hidden armory, the cavern illuminated by a soft green glow that seemed to breathe with the life of the mountain itself. The cascading waterfall behind them roared like a guardian, its mist cooling the air as they entered the sanctuary of weapons. Before him lay an array of blades, each whispering their own silent call, waiting for the hand that would wield them.

But his eyes were drawn to a pair of swords lying side by side, their luminous gradient of dark blue fading to light blue glinting under the enchanted light. His heart quickened as he approached, the aura around them almost magnetic. He reached out, hesitating for a moment before wrapping his fingers around the hilt of the larger sword.

The moment he gripped it, a wave of warmth surged through his arm, traveling straight to his chest. It wasn’t the warmth of fire, but something deeper—like the steady pulse of a heartbeat syncing with his own. The sword felt impossibly light yet unyielding, as if it were an extension of his very soul. His fingers curled around the intricately patterned hilt, the texture smooth yet firm, grounding him with its presence.

He reached for the smaller sword with his other hand. This time, a sharp jolt of clarity shot through him, like a splash of cold water on a foggy morning. The smaller blade felt nimble and alive, humming faintly as if

eager to move. Together, the swords balanced each other—one exuding quiet strength, the other vibrant energy.

Hakan held them both, his breath catching as he realized how natural they felt in his grip, as though they had been waiting for him all along. The weight, the balance, the connection—they weren’t just weapons; they were an unspoken promise.

Liang Jun observed silently, a faint smile on his lips. “The swords have chosen you as much as you have chosen them,” he said, his voice carrying a note of reverence. “These blades will mirror your journey, Hakan—resilient yet adaptable, fierce yet graceful.”

Wang Wei nodded in approval, his stern demeanor softening. “You’ll learn to wield them with time. They’ll test you, challenge you, but if you respect them, they’ll become your greatest allies.”

Hakan tightened his grip, the swords responding with a subtle hum, resonating with his growing determination. He could feel their potential, their untapped power. The path ahead felt less daunting now, as though these blades were a reminder that he was no longer alone in his fight.

“What will you call them?” Liang Jun asked, his gaze steady.

Hakan looked down at the blades, their radiant gradient gleaming like twilight fading into dawn—two opposing forces merging as one. He tightened his grip, feeling the pulse of their energy, the silent promise they carried. These swords were more than weapons; they were a testament to his struggle, his perseverance, his will to forge his own path.

A name formed in his mind, one that embodied both the darkness he had endured and the light he now sought.

“Eclipse Fang,” he said, his voice steady with newfound resolve.

Liang Jun gave a satisfied nod. “A fitting name. Now, let us see if you’re worthy of carrying them into the Valley of Death.”

"Thank you, Master," Hakan said, his voice filled with resolve.

Liang Jun placed a hand on his shoulder. "Rest well tonight, Hakan. Tomorrow, the Valley of Death awaits. Prove yourself not just a warrior, but a master of your own strength and purpose."

As Hakan left the sanctuary, the twin swords sheathed at his side, he felt the weight of the journey ahead. But for the first time, he was ready to face it.