Adam, an eight-year-old boy, stood before Raoul, a renowned martial arts master. It was logically impossible to form a core in less than 2 months, that's why many feared to follow the path of martial arts.
The path of martial arts was a long and arduous one, and only a handful of practitioners existed on the whole "new continent". Most avoided this path in pursuit of fame and power, and yet an 8-year-old boy had managed to feel and absorb mana in just five days. This news could shock the entire continent.
Adam beamed. "It's a core, right?"
Raoul took a deep breath and finally said, "Congratulations, you can now learn martial arts."
At these words, Adam went wild with excitement. He jumped and cheered, unable to contain his happiness. "So, what's next?" he asked, still jumping.
"Well," Raoul said, now genuinely interested in training the young boy. "Although it is still small, you can now learn the basics of the '12 Gates Sutra Martial Arts.' I will teach you the first form, or the 'first gate.'"
"Yeaaaahhh!!" Adam was overjoyed "Which move will you teach me first Hein Raoul?"
"First of all," Raoul said, "from now on, you must address me as 'Master,' not Mr. Raoul."
Adam bowed respectfully. "Yes, Master!"
"From now on," Raoul continued, "every morning, you will train your body through physical exercises. In the afternoon, I will teach you the basic techniques to unlock the 'first gate,' and at night, you will absorb mana and make your core stronger."
Adam was ecstatic. He had always been fascinated by Raoul's martial arts abilities and had dreamed of learning from him. And now, his dream was finally becoming a reality.
Every day, Adam trained harder than he ever had before. He ran until exhaustion and did physical training until he could no longer stand. In the afternoon, he watched Raoul perform basic moves and imitated them. And at night, after dinner, he locked himself in his room and absorbed mana until he fell asleep.
For two weeks, Adam followed this routine. And then, one morning, he woke up feeling different.
"Is it me, or is my body lighter than before?" young Adam thought to himself as he effortlessly executed the moves he had seen his master perform just the day before. He threw his fists and legs into the air with ease, feeling a newfound strength coursing through his veins. He had always known that he was special, but now, as he gazed upon his own body, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.
"I guess I'm ready to unlock the 'First Gate'," Adam said with a grin.
As he approached his master, Raoul noticed a remarkable transformation in Adam. His previously faint aura was now clearly visible, a strange sight for a boy his age and height.
"How big is it now?" Raoul asked, referring to the size of Adam's core.
"About the size of an apple," Adam replied nonchalantly.
"This kind of fast progress is unheard of, even for me," Raoul remarked. "It took me two years for my core to reach that size."
Adam's rapid progression stunned Raoul, but it also motivated him to train the young boy even harder. He was eager to see what level Adam could attain.
"Okay, I'll show you the basic moves to unlock the 'First Gate' again," Raoul said, but Adam interrupted him with a shocking statement.
"I think I'm ready to unlock the First Gate now," Adam declared.
Raoul felt a shiver down his spine. He was considered a genius among his peers, but even for him, it took three years to unlock the First Gate, considered one of the most difficult to master.
"Are you sure?" Raoul asked, trying to believe Adam but still struggling with the enormity of the statement.
"Yes, master," Adam replied with a determined look in his eyes.
"Okay, show me," Raoul said, taking a couple of steps back.
Adam closed his eyes and took three deep breaths. He then took a fighting stance and began performing the basic moves he had seen Raoul perform. Suddenly, he remembered the second part of the movements he had only seen in the book his master had given him. His fist pierced the air with speed, his hips rotated as he executed acrobatic air kicks, leaving Raoul in awe.
After about five minutes, Adam finished the whole set of movements, even the ones Raoul had not performed in front of him.
"I will now begin," Adam said, opening his eyes. His body was drenched in sweat, and a clear aura was emanating from him. He closed his fists, took a different fighting stance, and declared, "First Gate Opening."
The pressure around Adam increased, causing the ground to crack under its weight. Small rocks began to levitate around him, and then a surge of red aura erupted from his body like a volcano.
Raoul was in disbelief, feeling goosebumps all over his body. Adam slowly raised his right arm and opened his fist.
"No way !" Raoul thought as he saw Adam raise his arm.
"First Gate, Second Move: 'Lilian Blade,'" Adam called out. All the mana that was erupting from his body focused on his right arm, forming a mana blade. When the blade of energy fully formed, he declared, "First Gate, Fifth Move: 'Blink.'"
In an instant, Adam disappeared and reappeared in front of a tree behind Raoul, slicing it with all his might. Raoul, who was so mesmerized by Adam's achievements, was not focused enough to see his final movement. When he realized Adam had disappeared, he turned around and was brought to tears.
The tree was cut so deep it was about to fall at any moment.
"What a genius !" Raoul whispered, tears streaming down his cheek.