Filled with communicable energy, Sensei Mei's announcement caused laughter and excitement to echo across the busy training grounds.
Eagerly dispersing to their respective teachers for daily training sessions, each student had a sense of anticipation in mind.
Kai shared knowing glances with his friends - Leon, Ethan, and Aoi - before they headed off in different directions.
As Kai trained alongside Master Liang, the sparring session intensified. Kai's strikes displayed newfound strength, but no matter how hard he tried, Master Liang effortlessly evaded every attack.
After the spar, curiosity brimmed in Master Liang's eyes, mixed with surprise and concern.
"Kai," Master Liang began, his voice a mixture of astonishment and worry, "your strikes have gained considerable power. What did you do to increase your strength so rapidly?"
Catching his breath, Kai looked at Master Liang, a mix of awe and confusion reflecting in his eyes.
"I completed the whole body bone forging last night," he confessed, his voice tinged with amazement. "But I have to admit, it was much more painful than I anticipated."
Master Liang's hand swiftly connected with the back of Kai's head, causing him to wince in pain.
"You foolish boy!" Master Liang scolded, his tone filled with a mixture of frustration and concern.
"Didn't you read the instructions carefully? The bone refining process should be gradual. Start with one limb and gradually increase your vitality!"
Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, Kai admitted with a nervous laugh, "I...I must have missed that part."
A sigh escaped Master Liang's lips as his anger subsided.
"You could have seriously harmed yourself, Kai. Fortunately, you managed to endure the process without any severe consequences. However, you need to understand that the sudden rise in strength may come with its own risks."
Realization dawned upon Kai, and he nodded solemnly, the weight of his actions sinking in. "I understand, Master Liang. I won't repeat the same mistake again."
Master Liang's expression softened, and he placed a hand on Kai's shoulder.
"Good. From now on, you'll wear these weights," he said, revealing four 20-kilogram weights. "Attach them to your chest, both hands and legs. They will help you develop strength and control."
Kai's eyes widened at the sight of the weights, but he steeled himself for the challenge ahead. Determination gleamed in his eyes as he affirmed, "I will do as you say, Master Liang."
With their conversation concluded, Master Liang left Kai to attach the weights and continue his training. Kai diligently secured the weights, feeling their heaviness settle upon his body.
The burden served as a reminder of the lesson learned and the commitment he made to his growth.
As the final school bell rang, signaling the end of the day, the students made their way to Sensei Mei, who awaited them with a device resting on a table.
The device, called the VitalFlow, resembled a SpiritGauge but had a distinct design.
Sensei Mei addressed the students, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
"Today, we shall measure your vitality using the VitalFlow device. It will analyze a small sample of your blood and provide a reading of your current vitality level."
One by one, the students approached the table, taking their turns to offer a drop of blood to the device. Within seconds, the VitalFlow displayed their vitality readings. The results were as follows:
Kai: 20
Leon: 12
Ethan: 13
Aoi: 12
Jackson: 11
Sarah: 12
Alex: 12
Rachel: 11
Michael: 13
Emily: 13
Sensei Mei's eyebrows raised in surprise as she examined Kai's result.
She couldn't hide her curiosity and turned to Master Liang. "How is it possible for Kai to have this much vitality?" she questioned, her voice filled with astonishment.
Master Liang sighed, his frustration evident. "He performed a complete bone forging in just one night," he explained.
"He only read the part about the techniques and missed the crucial instructions for gradual progress."
A bothered expression crossed Sensei Mei's face. "Didn't he read the art copy we provided properly?" she exclaimed.
Master Liang shook his head. "He only focused on the techniques," he replied.
"But I have already instructed him to follow the proper process from now on."
Sensei Mei took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking again.
"Make sure he understands the importance of following instructions," she said, her voice firm. "We don't want anyone to get hurt."
Master Liang nodded in agreement, both of them sharing a sigh of exasperation.
As the day drew to a close, Kai walked home, joined by his friends, Leon, Ethan, and Aoi.
They engaged in a lively conversation, discussing their progress and sharing the excitement of their upcoming training sessions.
Reaching his home, Kai bid farewell to his friends, continuing his routine of practice and study.