Despite Malcom's attempt to brush off the eerie encounter from his dream as a figment of his imagination, the unsettling feeling lingered like a dark cloud over his mind. He couldn't shake off the memory of the mysterious individual's sinister proposition, and the ominous aura that surrounded him in that dream world still sent shivers down his spine.
With a forced smile, Malcom greeted Lord Minato, his mentor and trainer, trying his best to appear composed and untroubled. But Minato, wise and perceptive, saw through the facade and noticed the lingering unease in Malcom's eyes.
"Is something bothering you, Malcom?" Minato asked with genuine concern.
Malcom hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether he should confide in his mentor about the unsettling dream. But he couldn't let his fear or doubts overshadow the progress he had made in building a relationship of trust and respect with Lord Minato.
"No, it's nothing serious," Malcom replied, trying to sound casual. "Just a weird dream, that's all."
Minato studied Malcom's expression for a moment, sensing that there was more to the story than he was letting on. However, he decided not to push further, respecting Malcom's privacy. Instead, he changed the subject and invited him to the living room.
As Malcom followed Lord Minato, he couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to step inside his mentor's home. The imposing and mysterious figure of Lord Minato had always intrigued him. Minato was renowned for his mastery of a very strong power, and he had taken Malcom under his wing a month ago to train him in the ways of combat and self-discipline.
In the living room, Malcom noticed the walls adorned with ancient weapons, artifacts, and symbols of power. It was evident that Lord Minato had a long history of training and wisdom, and Malcom felt honored to be part of that legacy.
"You've come a long way in your training, Malcom," Minato began, breaking the silence. "Your dedication and progress have impressed me."
A surge of pride filled Malcom's heart. The acknowledgment from his mentor meant everything to him. "Thank you, Lord Minato. Your teachings have been invaluable, and I promise to keep improving."
Minato nodded approvingly. "I have noticed your determination, but remember, true strength lies not only in power but also in understanding the consequences of our actions," he advised, his gaze piercing yet compassionate.
Malcom's mind flashed back to the dream, and the words of the sinister individual echoed in his thoughts. He wondered if his mentor's words were somehow connected to that haunting encounter.
"I understand, Lord Minato," Malcom replied, trying to maintain his composure.
Minato smiled warmly. "Good.
Minato said to Malcom,"I have prepared a meal. Dig into the food" he said smiling.
As Malcom tasted the sumptuous meal Lord Minato had prepared for him, tears welled up in his eyes, overcome with emotions he had suppressed for so long. His denial of the food offered was fueled by a lifetime of hardship, growing up in poverty, where every meal was a struggle, and hunger was a constant companion. The gesture of kindness from his mentor struck a deep chord within him, but he couldn't help but feel unworthy of such compassion.
Lord Minato, however, saw beyond Malcom's bravado and recognized the pain and pride intermingled in his student's heart. He spoke gently yet firmly, "Malcom, do not mistake my actions for sympathy. As your mentor, it is my responsibility to ensure your well-being, both as a warrior and as a person. Eating well and training hard are crucial for your success in the tournament, and I want you to reach your full potential."
Malcom hesitated for a moment, his heart torn between his past struggles and the opportunities that now lay before him. "I don't want to be a burden," he said, his voice wavering. "I'm used to not having much, and I don't want anyone to pity me."
Lord Minato's expression softened, understanding the weight of Malcom's words. "You are not a burden, Malcom. You are my student, and it is my honor to guide and support you on your journey to win the tournament. Your past does not define your future," he reassured.
Minato's words resonated deeply within Malcom's soul. It was the first time someone had looked past his poverty and treated him with genuine care and respect. But it was also a struggle for him to accept such kindness without feeling indebted.
"I just want to make my mother proud," Malcom confessed, his voice trembling. "She's always been sick, and I've never been able to provide much for her. The tournament is my chance to change that."
Lord Minato listened attentively, realizing the immense burden Malcom had carried on his young shoulders. He could see the fierce determination in his student's eyes, the desire to rise above his circumstances and become someone his mother could lean on.
"Malcom, you have the strength and the potential to become a great warrior," Minato said firmly. "And I will help you achieve that. But you must also learn to accept help and support from others. You do not have to carry the weight of the world on your own."
As Malcom continued to eat the food before him, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the flavors he had never experienced before. Each mouthful felt like a revelation, a taste of abundance he had only dreamed of. But alongside that joy, a tinge of guilt still lingered, thinking of his mother and her struggles.
"Why did you divide the food into two?" Lord Minato asked gently, noticing the portion Malcom had set aside.
With tears brimming in his eyes, Malcom explained, "I don't have much money, so I divide the food to share with my mother. It's not enough, but it's all I can do to make sure she doesn't go hungry."
Minato's heart ached for the boy before him, realizing the depths of his sacrifices. "Malcom, don't worry there is more where that came from.Just eat to your satisfaction and when you are done,I will package lots of food for you to go and give to your mom.I will even accompany you to your house" Lord Minato said.
Malcom's eyes widened in astonishment and gratitude. He had never imagined such kindness and generosity from anyone before. A mix of emotions washed over him, and he could no longer hold back his tears.
Lord Minato wrapped an arm around Malcom's shoulders, comforting him as he let his emotions flow freely. "You are not alone in this journey, Malcom," Minato said softly. "I am here for you, not only as your mentor but as someone who cares about your well-being. We will face the challenges together, and I will support you every step of the way."
With those words, a sense of warmth and acceptance enveloped Malcom's heart. He realized that he had found not just a mentor in Lord Minato but also a father figure, someone who saw his worth beyond his circumstances and was willing to invest in his future.
As Malcom continued to eat, he felt a newfound determination taking root within him. He knew that with Lord Minato's guidance and support, he had the chance to become the strong warrior who had a high percentage in winning the tournament.And, above all winning the tournament ,would help him pay for his mother's operation and also provide for her mother in many ways he had never thought was possible.
In that moment, as tears mixed with the taste of the delicious meal, Malcom felt a profound sense of gratitude. He knew that his life was about to change, not only as a warrior but also as someone who had found a mentor who believed in him and saw his potential. Lord Minato's words echoed in his heart, assuring him that he was no longer alone on this journey—a journey that held the promise of a brighter future for both him and his beloved mother.
Despite the tough demeanor Lord Minato maintains, he can't help but feel compassion for Malcom's impoverished living conditions. Walking him home, he asks about Malcom's burning desire to win the tournament. The answer touches Lord Minato's heart, as Malcom reveals his sole purpose—to cure his sick mother. Though the prospect of an early monetary solution is presented, Malcom refuses, determined to achieve success through his own hard work.