Two Weeks Later
Elijah, dressed in all black, stared out the window, his mind buzzing with thoughts. His expression was neutral as he watched them cover 100 kilometers in minutes. Though his eyes were fixed outside, his mind was elsewhere.
"What are you thinking?" a voice beside him asked.
Elijah turned to see a woman in a beautiful red dress, sipping wine from a glass. Her black hair and slightly purple eyes were mesmerizing, and her smile only enhanced her beauty. Elijah always found himself amazed by her.
"Where are we going?" he asked, breaking his reverie.
"As I said before, a training vacation," Ava replied.
Amy, who was sitting across from them, smiled and said, "It's still training."
"Yes, but 'vacation' is in the name to make it sound more fun," Ava insisted.
"No, it doesn't," Elijah and Amy said in unison.
Ava put on a considering expression. "But you'll get to meet some young masters who might become your enemies, try new food because it's near the ocean, and meet some beautiful young ladies. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Yeah... yeah," Elijah admitted, feeling a spark of excitement.
"That's why it's called a training vacation," Ava added.
"Before we arrive, I need to explain something," Amy said as Elijah turned to her. "For beginners to gain better control of their elements, they need to create an Elemental Core."
Elijah nodded.
"An Elemental Core is created by absorbing elements from the atmosphere, which then forms a core within the person. These cores are classified into Tiers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The higher the tier, the stronger the element. But for you, it's different. You don't absorb elements; you create them inside your body, which is supposed to be impossible, but..." Amy trailed off.
"Yeah, I know, it's me," Elijah said with a smile, making Amy shake her head.
Ava opened her eyes and said, "Remember not to use Yin or Yang elements; they're too dangerous for your body right now. Focus on the Lotus Technique and that Kenshi of yours."
"Yeah, I know, but I haven't felt anything for a while," Elijah replied.
"That's because the damage is minimal and unnoticeable at first. Over time, those injuries will compound and become a problem," Amy explained.
'That technique suits him well. I wonder why that old fool told me to give it to him,' Ava thought. "Strange," she said aloud.
"What's strange?" Elijah asked.
"Oh, nothing," Ava answered.
"So, as I was saying, don't try absorbing the elements from the atmosphere. Focus on the Lotus Technique and limit yourself to only three elements, okay?" Amy instructed.
"You talk like I'll use all of them," Elijah said.
"Yes, you will. You act before you think," Amy retorted. "For the first three days, just enjoy yourself. We'll start training after that."
"You said there's a beach, huh?" Elijah mused.
"Yes, and as my lady said, don't make enemies," Amy warned.
"But I never try to make enemies. Those nobles are just too arrogant, and when I show them kindness, they look down on me," Elijah said calmly.
"Don't blame him; it's true. And we're here," Ava announced.
The motor started slowing down, revealing a huge place with a sign bearing a large 'S'. The resort covered over 3 kilometers, with the ocean's blue water visible not far ahead. The scene was beautiful, a stark contrast to the lawless city they had left behind.
Elijah's hovering car stopped inside the resort, and he looked around in amazement. Ava and Amy said, "Go look around; we'll check our rooms."
"He's already gone," Amy noted.
"What?" Ava looked where Elijah had been and saw he had headed straight for the food area. "Is food always on his mind?"
The beautiful ladies sighed and moved on.
Meanwhile, Elijah wondered if he was dead. The room was filled with food he never thought he'd see. Different smells, types, and tastes surrounded him. "Oh yeah," he said, disappearing and starting to eat everything he saw, dressed in a black T-shirt, shorts, and sandals.
After tasting and nearly eating everything in the cafeteria, he stepped outside to see the ocean for the first time. At the door of the motel, he looked at the beautiful ocean while holding pieces of meat.
"You're always eating something whenever I see you," a voice said as Elijah turned to his right.
A beautiful girl with red hair and eyes, wearing beach-appropriate attire, smiled at him. "Oh, hey, Ralgmen."
"The name is Elena."
"Elijah, what brings you here?" Elijah asked.
"This place is famous for royal and noble families," Elena replied, not answering his question directly.
Elijah didn't press further. "If you know this place, can you show me around?" he asked, thinking, 'This girl is powerful, really powerful. I feel the same way I did when I met Victor, but we're the same age.'
"Why not?" Elena agreed, and they started walking.
"How many times have you been here?" Elijah asked.
"This is my second time, but I don't like it much," Elena said.
"Why?" Elijah inquired.
"Can't you see? Everyone is staring at us. From the moment I appeared beside you, they're already gossiping," Elena said, but she didn't sound annoyed.
"It's understandable. Look at us. You're beautiful, and I'm handsome," Elijah said matter-of-factly.
Elena laughed. "I'm not talking about that. It's our family status—you being the young master of the strongest royal family and me being one of the Seven Miracles." She looked at him, seeing only a smile on his face.
"You're one of those Miracles?" Elijah asked, still smiling.
"Yeah," Elena replied, curious.
"I wanted to ask you this later, but how about a fight between us?" Elijah suggested.
Elena laughed. "Everyone who knows I'm one of the Seven Miracles always tries to gain my favor to increase their own status. But you just want to see why I'm called a Miracle."
"Yeah," Elijah admitted. "So your brother is Mike, right?"
"Yes, do you know him?" Elena asked.
Elijah nodded. "Met him at some party. I forget which one."
"Oh, that party. You made Victor excited; he really wants to fight you now," Elena said.
"Really? Is he here?" Elijah asked eagerly.
"No, but my brother is," Elena replied.
"Oh," Elijah felt a pang of disappointment. "Let's go see your brother then, while you show me around."
"Okay," Elena agreed, leading the way.