The teacher stepped outside, his gaze sweeping across the training ground.
There, amidst a small gathering of friends, Sun engaged in rigorous practice, his determination etched upon his brow.
As the teacher called out, "Sun," his voice carried a mixture of admiration and warmth.
Startled, Sun's eyes darted toward the sound, locking onto his teacher's gaze.
Without hesitation, he made his way toward the figure.
"I didn't get the chance to properly congratulate you, Sun," the teacher spoke, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.
Sun's reaction, however, revealed a flicker of something deeper—a hint of a hidden struggle within.
But the teacher, perceptive as ever, reassured him, "Oh, don't worry about him.
There is nothing wrong with ethan." The weight of those words lifted from Sun's shoulders, his face softening into a more relaxed expression.
"Sun, come here with me," the teacher beckoned, and Sun complied, casting a glance back at his friends.
In that fleeting moment, Isaac, ever playful, made a funny face while giving a thumbs-up, while Cato watched the exchange with a quiet intensity.
As they walked together, the teacher spoke, his voice carrying a tone of utmost sincerity,
"Sun, you are the strongest among them all." Sun's eyes widened in surprise, questioning the truth in the teacher's words.
"Me?" Sun responded, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
"Yes, you," the teacher affirmed, emphasizing the strength that lay within Sun's being.
"Not only are you the strongest, but you are also the youngest." There was a subtle pause, as if the teacher wanted Sun to truly absorb the weight of his potential.
Gratitude washed over Sun's features, his voice a whisper of heartfelt appreciation. "Oh, thank you."
The teacher continued, his words infused with wisdom and encouragement.
"You should feel proud and embrace your strength, for being young and strong holds immense potential for the future."
Driven by an insatiable desire for growth, Sun revealed his deepest aspiration, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and yearning.
"I want to be even stronger, teacher."
A smile danced upon the teacher's lips, brimming with pride and unwavering support.
"That is why I am here, Sun," he replied, confirming his unwavering commitment to guide Sun on his journey toward greatness.
The rhythmic cadence of their footsteps carried them forward, their journey filled with unspoken understanding.
A gentle breeze rustled through the air, whispering secrets of their shared bond. Amidst their silent companionship, the teacher's voice broke through the tranquility.
"I heard that you used to train alone before I arrived," the teacher remarked, his tone tinged with genuine curiosity.
Sun's response, a measured acknowledgment of his past, echoed softly.
"Oh yes, I used to do that."
The teacher, his voice laced with gentle intrigue, delved further. "What is your goal behind this, Sun?"
Sun hesitated for a moment, his heart brimming with unspoken ambition. But before he could articulate his deepest desires, the teacher, perhaps sensing the intensity of Sun's unspoken goal, interjected,
"If you don't have a—"
"I have a goal," Sun interrupted, his voice carrying unwavering determination.
The teacher's interruption was met with an unwavering declaration, emphasizing the gravity of Sun's aspirations.
The teacher, momentarily taken aback, expressed his sincere apology, recognizing the importance of Sun's unyielding commitment.
"Oh, I am sorry," he murmured, granting space for Sun's voice to resonate.
With renewed resolve, Sun answered, "I want to be the strongest, stronger than anyone."
A quiet pause followed, filled with the weight of Sun's ambitions. The teacher, ever attentive, simply responded,
"Oh, is that so?" His voice, a gentle invitation, urged Sun to delve deeper.
"Yes," Sun affirmed, his voice resolute.
In that moment, his unwavering determination reverberated through their surroundings, as if the very essence of his being embraced the pursuit of unparalleled strength.
Words hung in the air, heavy with hidden emotions, as the teacher broke the silence.
"Sun, even though we speak and interact as if everything is normal, I can sense something beneath the surface. There's a lingering presence of hate or anger, perhaps even hatred, directed towards me."
Sun remained silent, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, where the village melded seamlessly with the gentle rolling hills.
The weight of their unspoken thoughts seemed to echo in the stillness.
The teacher pressed on, his voice tinged with remorse and vulnerability.
"Is it because of the things I did to you?"he asked, his voice quivering slightly. his eyes searched Sun's face, hoping for a glimpse of understanding.
Sun's expression remained guarded, his eyes reflecting a tumultuous mix of emotions.
The teacher, undeterred by the absence of an immediate response, took a deep breath.
he believed in the power of confession and explanation.
"Well, even if you harbor hatred towards me," the teacher began, their words intertwined with a sense of self-justification,
"know that my actions were meant as a test. A test to assess your strength, to explore the depths of your resilience, because you have always voiced your desire to be the strongest."
A heavy silence hung between them, pregnant with unspoken grievances.
The sun cast long shadows across Sun's face, highlighting the strain etched there.
The unspoken wounds festered, threatening to rupture their connection.
Finally, Sun's voice pierced the stillness, laden with suppressed anger and the pain of betrayal.
"There is still anger, and perhaps even hate," he confessed, his words hanging in the air like a bitter gust of wind.
"You didn't have to beat me, especially after I had returned after coming so close to reaching the village."
The teacher's features softened, his eyes revealing a glimmer of understanding amidst their regret.
he sought to bridge the divide, to heal the wounds that had formed.
"It was merely a test," he reiterated, his voice tinged with sorrow.
"An examination of how you could confront and overcome the challenges that life will inevitably throw your way."
Sun's gaze intensified, his eyes locked with the teacher's, searching for sincerity within the words.
"On what?" he questioned, his voice a mixture of longing and vulnerability.
The teacher hesitated, his gaze shifting briefly towards the distant village.
With a sigh that carried the weight of his own insecurities, he finally replied,
"On everything. On the trials and tribulations that life presents. On the obstacles that will shape and mold your character."
In that moment, the village seemed to fade into the background, the sounds of life muffled by the intensity of their conversation.
Emotions swirled within Sun—a tempest of anger, disappointment, and the faint stirrings of comprehension.
Continuing their journey, their steps led them to a bridge.
As they approached, the bridge emitted faint creaks, its weathered timbers carrying stories of countless crossings.
Suddenly, as if compelled by an invisible force, Sun halted in his tracks.
His gaze shifted, fixing upon his teacher, whose eyes, like windows into the soul, gazed intently at the gentle flow of water beneath the bridge.
Sun mirrored the teacher's gaze, their eyes converging on the ethereal dance of the currents.
Sun's eyes widened slightly, his expression a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
The teacher's words echoed in his ears, carrying a subtle undercurrent of expectation.
"Sun, I heard that you possess knowledge of the surrounding areas, having spent time alone in solitude," the teacher began, his voice laced with a hint of admiration.
A sense of pride tinged Sun's response, his words infused with a quiet confidence.
"Yes, I am familiar with the surroundings, perhaps more so than others my age. Many of them seldom venture beyond the confines of our village."
The teacher, his eyes shimmering with a glimmer of intrigue, leaned in closer.
"In that case, Sun, I have a request for you."
Sun's attention sharpened, his curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
A pause lingered in the air, thick with anticipation, before the teacher spoke with an air of mystery.
"I want you to embark on a journey down the road that leads to this village. Explore what lies beyond its borders and observe everything you encounter."
Sun's brow furrowed slightly, seeking an explanation.
"Why do you want me to do that?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine curiosity.
A knowing smile played upon the teacher's lips as he shared his motives.
"I, too, have noticed something during my arrival here. I want to test your keen perception, your ability to discern the subtle nuances of the world around you. You aspire to be the strongest, do you not?"
Sun's gaze locked with his teacher's, a flicker of determination igniting within his eyes.
He understood the subtext of the challenge laid before him—a chance to showcase his strengths, to unravel the mysteries that lay beyond the familiarity of his village.
A moment of contemplation passed, and Sun's lips curved into a confident smile.
"I accept your challenge," he declared, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve.
The teacher's eyes twinkled with satisfaction.
"Very well. Prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Pack some food, for you will be venturing out until dusk. Consider it a test of your abilities, an opportunity to prove your mettle."
With a nod, Sun turned to make his preparations, his mind abuzz with anticipation.
This unexpected task offered a chance for growth, a step closer to realizing his aspirations of strength and self-discovery.
As he began his journey down the road, Sun couldn't help but glance back at his teacher, who called out to him one last time.
Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, the unspoken bond between them deepened.
"To the strongest," the teacher uttered, his words laden with profound meaning. Sun's smile conveyed his unspoken gratitude and determination.
With each step, he embraced the challenge, ready to face the unknown, and eager to emerge as an even stronger version of himself.
As Ian observed Sun interacting with his friends, a flicker of awareness ignited within him—an intuition that something was about to transpire. His gaze sharpened, scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement or disturbance.
"Someone is coming this way," whispered Ian to himself, the thought lingering in his mind like a faint echo.