The sun scorched the sky in the fields on the day's set. A fierce battle was taking place as we engaged in combat; the sound of punches and kicks filled the air. We traded blows, evading and countering each other's attacks. I leaped into the air with a swift movement, delivering a powerful double jump kick that sent my father staggering backward. Landing gracefully on the ground, we locked eyes, both knowing the fight had concluded.
Breathing heavily, sweat trickling down our brows, we stood there, acknowledging each other's efforts. This momentous day my father marked the culmination of my training in Ele-ki. My father, having dedicated his time and effort to teaching me this ancient martial art over the past six years, deemed me worthy of the title of a master.
A sense of accomplishment and gratitude filled my heart as I realized the immense knowledge and skill I had acquired under my father's guidance. Our battle had not only tested my physical prowess but also reinforced the bond between us. We shared a moment of pride and mutual respect, recognizing the growth and transformation that had taken place.
My father congratulated me on my achievement with a nod and a smile. We knew this was just the beginning of my journey, as there would always be more to learn and discover. As a master of Ele-ki, I felt a newfound sense of responsibility and determination to utilize my abilities for the greater good.
The training session concluded, and we both retreated to rest and recover. I contemplated the path ahead, envisioning the challenges and adventures awaiting me. With the teachings of Ele-ki ingrained in my being, I was ready to face whatever obstacles came my way, embracing the strength and wisdom I had gained.
From that day forward, I would carry the legacy of Ele-ki within me, honoring my father's teachings and striving to uphold the principles of discipline, focus, and resilience. As a master of this ancient martial art, I vowed to use my skills for justice and protection, making a difference in the world and continuing to grow into the best version of myself.
It had been a staggering six years since my last conversation with Ken—Lyle, who used to visit occasionally. However, as of late, his visits have become scarce. Meanwhile, my Aunt Sarah had taken on the task of preparing me for adventure school, where my true journey awaited. Despite her guidance, a sense of profound disorientation had taken hold of me, leaving me feeling lost. My longing to seek wisdom from Grandleaf had grown insurmountable over time. The perils that lurked within the jungle had deterred me thus far, but tonight, a resolute decision crystallized in my mind. With just one month remaining until the commencement of the ranking tournament, I realized that I had to undertake this pivotal quest.
Physically, I felt prepared for the upcoming challenge, yet my mental fortitude remained uncertain. Three years had passed since Morgan left the island. He had participated in the ranking tournament, where he achieved an impressive third place in his group granting him a C class rank. The village elder recognized Morgan's potential and sent him to the Altas continent, specifically to the forest city of Keimal, home to the renowned adventure school bearing the name Keimal's Academy. Before his departure, Morgan confided in me his intention to join the esteemed engineer guild and become an inventor. His clarity of purpose stood in stark contrast to my own wavering aspirations. Thus, my need to consult Grandleaf and discern my true path became increasingly urgent.
Under the cloak of night, while my parents peacefully slumbered, I seized the opportunity to venture outside. Silently, I tiptoed through the darkness, embarking on my journey towards the hill where Grandleaf's branches stretched out, beckoning me toward enlightenment. Without hesitation, I leaped out of the window, swiftly traversing the distance to the hill. Arriving at my destination, I opened my senses, attuning myself to the symphony of the jungle. Years of rigorous training had endowed me with the ability to perceive any creature within a 5-mile radius. I sensed the presence of a group of monkeybirds, a herd of boarturtals, a solitary montilian, and a few forest cats. These were the only entities I perceived as potential threats. While the boarturtals were massive herbivores, they would attack if provoked. The raucous calls of the monkeybirds could attract other animals, and the swiftness of the forest cats posed a formidable challenge. However, my current distance from them provided some comfort.
Estimating the distance to Grandleaf to be approximately a mile and a half, I propelled myself into the jungle. Thanks to my training, I could now enhance my speed for ten-minute intervals, alleviating my fears. Darting through the trees with grace, a misstep caused me to slip and land atop one of the startled boarturtals. Confused, they scurried away, although I mistakenly assumed they were fleeing from me. Suddenly, a growl echoed behind me, and as I turned, I found a fearsome forest cat poised to pounce. Swiftly, I evaded its attack, taunting it with the words, "Too slow, kitty." At last, I discovered my path to Grandleaf's towering trunk.
Unfortunately, a formidable montilian blocked my way. Attempting to bypass it, I inadvertently collided with its tail, crashing into a nearby tree. Enraged, the creature charged toward me. Fueled by anger, I tapped into my inner strength, declaring, "Oh yes, I have something special in store for you, my friend." Harnessing my newfound power, I unleashed a mighty punch, aided by enhanced speed and strength, successfully subduing the young montilian. Seizing the moment, I quickly ascended Grandleaf's trunk, seeking solace within the safety of its branches.
Once I reached a secure spot among the branches, I found myself at a loss, unable to recall the exact location where I had first conversed with Grandleaf. Frustration building within me, I shouted into the air, "Grandleaf, are you there? It's Kyron, I need your guidance." Yet, my calls went unanswered. I sat with my back against the trunk, questioning whether it had all been a dream, a mere hallucination. Summoning my courage, I made one final plea, "Grandleaf, I need your help!" Time seemed to stretch on for what felt like an eternity until suddenly, the trunk parted, revealing a radiant, glowing light. A voice resonated from within, "Welcome back, young one."
My excitement knew no bounds as Grandleaf finally acknowledged my presence. With cautious steps, I approached the luminous heart chamber where Grandleaf's voice emanated. "It has been six cycles since we last spoke, Kyron Westbook. Tell me of your troubles." Filled with gratitude for being granted access once again, I thanked Grandleaf before divulging my concerns. "In two months' time, I will participate in the Barnust Ranking Tournament, embarking on a journey into the unknown. However, I am ignorant of the world beyond our island. Furthermore, six years ago, a mysterious man cloaked in black with peculiar markings arrived here to rid the island of a trimorphfia. My father refused to share any information about him, leaving me in the dark. I seek your wisdom and guidance."
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Grandleaf paused briefly, and then replied, "Three hundred years ago, each continent had five kings, and peace reigned. However, the Ordasians found themselves engulfed in a brutal war. When all seemed lost, the noble King Ara Centralbook seized absolute power, becoming the sole ruler of Gia. He established a master tournament, known as the Cloak, wherein the victors would join his organization. These individuals, known as S-rank fighters, are the strongest on Gia. Young Kyron Westbook, your destiny is awakening once more. But now, I must slumber. Farewell."
Grandleaf's revelation left me with more questions than answers. How many wars had my people endured? Why did the noble king seize control? Were the Cloak members allies or adversaries? Nonetheless, I had resolved to pursue my goal of joining an archaeologist academy, for I believed that by unraveling the mysteries of the past, I would uncover the path that lay ahead. After bidding farewell to Grandleaf, I discovered that it had once again extended its branches toward the hill, guiding me safely home. Utilizing my enhanced speed, I swiftly zipped along the path it provided, arriving at the hill in no time.
However, as I made my way home, I inadvertently bumped into my mother, who questioned my early morning excursion. Thinking on my feet, I told her I had gone for a morning workout. Concerned, she advised me to be cautious and to inform either her or my father whenever I planned to leave the house. Apologizing for my early departure, I bid her farewell with a kiss and watched as she flew off to the sky to attend to her work at the hospital. My father had already set out to tend to the farm, leaving me with a rare moment of respite. Seizing the opportunity, I decided to rest and recuperate from the eventful night that had unfolded.
As I woke from my deep slumber, the distant sound of voices floated down the stairs, gradually pulling me out of my drowsiness. Confused and curious, I made my way downstairs, hoping to unravel the mystery unfolding in our home. As I descended, I was greeted by the familiar face of my uncle Ashmore, twin brother to my uncle Zordan.
"Hey Kyron, I thought you were over at my place with Sarah. I'm delighted to see you. How are your studies coming along?" he warmly inquired. I responded, a hint of fatigue still lingering in my voice, "I'll be finishing my last lesson tomorrow, but what brings you here?"
Stepping into the living room, I was taken aback by the sight that greeted me. The room was brimming with more than 20 people, most of them colleagues from my mother's workplace at the hospital. I couldn't fathom why they had all gathered here. Confusion gnawed at me, wondering if this elaborate gathering was meant to celebrate my participation in the upcoming tournament, still three months away. But the presence of my mother's coworkers puzzled me further.
Just then, my father approached me, holding a flower transponder screen displaying the face of my uncle Zordan. His voice crackled through the device, "Kryon, my boy! How much you've grown! I've never had the opportunity to meet you in person, but I'm eager for you to meet your cousin Sil soon." Stunned and struggling to comprehend the situation, I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions.
Before I could gather my thoughts, my mother made her grand entrance, and the room erupted with cheers and "Congratulations!". I was utterly bewildered. Congratulations? But for what? As she drew nearer, she looked at me with eyes filled with pride and joy. She took hold of my hands and announced, "Hey there, my shining little star. Today, Mommy received a promotion, and in three months, we will be moving to Mal-ra, and our flight leaves at seven on Friday, coinciding with the day of the tournament."
My mind reeled in disbelief, and I found myself thinking, "What?!" It felt as though my world had been upended. For the past six years, I had dedicated myself to training for the ranking tournament, and nothing was going to stop me from competing. The words tumbled out of my mouth involuntarily, "But Mom, I don't want to go. I have the tournament in three months!"
The room fell into stunned silence, the weight of my words hanging heavily in the air. Sensing the resistance in my voice, my mother guided me outside, away from the crowd. She spoke gently but firmly, "Kryon, I'm sorry, but we have to go. I received a promotion today, and I am now the head chef at Ara Hospital. It's a significant opportunity for both of us."
Despite her words, my heart ached with conflict. I couldn't bear the thought of abandoning the tournament I had prepared for tirelessly. Desperation surged within me, and I pleaded with her, "Mom, Dad has trained me in Ele-ki. I'll be fine. Please, let me stay and compete." As I spoke, the air around us grew increasingly tense, as if the atmosphere itself was burning.
Looking into my mother's eyes, I witnessed a transformation. They began to glow with an otherworldly green light, and the porch beneath us started to crack under an unknown force. In that moment, it was as if I were a small tadpoletina, swinging in the protective shadow of it mighty evolution Mermidagon. My mother's voice, now laced with an undeniable power, cut through the air, "Your father and I have already discussed this, Kryon. There will be no more questions. I have spoken with the head of Ara Academy, and you will attend there. That's final. Forget about the tournament, and don't let me hear that you're considering entering."
Though a part of me yearned to reveal my own latent powers, the look in my mother's eyes left no room for negotiation. I reluctantly acquiesced, defeated by the weight of her decision. "Okay, Mom," I whispered, resignation seeping into my voice.
She smiled, relief washing over her, and replied, "That's a good boy. You're going to love it there, and who knows, maybe you'll make new friends." With those words, she turned and walked back into the house, leaving me standing in the cold darkness of the night, gazing up at the twinkling stars.
I pondered my predicament, realizing that the tournament was scheduled to begin at twelve o'clock. A flicker of hope sparked within me as I calculated that I might still have enough time to participate before my mother ever discovered my secret defiance. Determination welled up inside me, and I resolved to find a way to disguise myself, ensuring my mother remained unaware of my involvement.
The first person who came to mind was my aunt Sarah, renowned for her expertise in disguises. However, as I entered her room, I discovered her in a state of inebriation from the ongoing celebrations. Realizing it was futile to seek her help in that condition, I decided to approach her the following day.
Returning to my room, I assumed the role of an obedient son, patiently awaiting my departure. Once everyone had left our home, my mother visited me to reinforce her love and good intentions. "Kyron, you know Mommy loves you, right? I only want what's best for you," she whispered, her voice tinged with warmth and concern.
"I know, Mom," I responded, suppressing the turmoil within me. "I'm very sleepy now, okay?" She kissed me goodnight and left my room. As soon as she departed, I mustered the courage to sneak out of bed and quietly slipped out of the window, embarking on a clandestine journey.
Frustration and determination fueled my steps as I ventured into the night, seeking guidance from the starry sky above. A thought crystalized in my mind—I needed to test my own strength, to explore the world and uncover the secrets of the Ordasians. Joining an archaeologist guild seemed like the perfect path to fulfill my quest for knowledge and understanding.
With the tournament still burning brightly in my heart, I resolved to embrace my destiny as a seeker of hidden truths. The journey ahead would be filled with challenges and sacrifices, but the fire within me burned brighter than ever before.