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I forgot to post 😅😂, to many things happened today, please don't chase me with speed mastery or bully me with animal instincts 🙏🏿😭
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"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
- Charles Darwin
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The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light across the sprawling temple grounds. A cool breeze rustled through the trees, sending the scent of pine and fresh earth into the air. Standing at the temple gates, Daniel Park and Zack Lee faced their master, Gongseob Ji, who was lounging casually on a stone bench. The once distant and aloof monk now looked at his two pupils with a faint trace of approval in his eyes, though his demeanor remained as sunny as ever.
Daniel wore a simple black tracksuit, the fabric clinging to his now well-toned frame, a testament to the grueling three months of training. His sharp features and intense gaze showed the confidence he had gained from their time here. Zack, on the other hand, stood beside him in a white sleeveless hoodie, his muscles bulging through the fabric, a slight smirk tugging at his lips as he adjusted the gloves on his hands. Both of them had grown immensely, not just in strength but in spirit.
Gongseob rose slowly, dusting off his robes as he approached the two. "So, you're really leaving," he said, his voice as calm and detached as ever.
"Yeah," Daniel nodded. "It's time. We've learned a lot, and we're grateful."
Zack chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Grateful? Maybe. But I could've done without all the weird chores you made us do," he teased, though his tone carried a sense of respect. "But thanks for everything, old man. You really kicked our asses into shape."
Gongseob raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "I thought the cleaning was your favorite part, Zack."
Zack's smirk widened. "Yeah, sure. But don't think for a second that I'm not gonna remember every time you made us scrub floors instead of spar."
Daniel laughed, glancing at Zack. "I told you it was training in disguise."
Zack shot him a playful glare. "Still sucked."
Gongseob chuckled softly, stepping forward and placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "You two have grown stronger, both in body and mind. But remember, the real strength comes from knowing when to fight and when to walk away. Don't forget that."
Daniel nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "He won't."
Zack gave a firm nod as well. "Don't worry, old man. We're not gonna waste what you've taught us."
With a final bow, Daniel and Zack turned and began walking down the path, their footsteps quiet against the stone as they left the temple grounds. Gongseob watched them go, his arms crossed over his chest. "Take care of yourselves, boys," he murmured, more to himself than to them.
....
Meanwhile, at the White Tiger Job Centre…
Warren Chae and Eli Jang stood in front of their respective mentors, Tom Lee and Manager Kim. The air between them was thick with the weight of everything that had happened over the past three months. Warren adjusted his black bomber jacket, his sharp eyes scanning the ground as he prepared to say his goodbyes. His physique had bulked up, his arms thick with muscle, and his stance was more grounded than it had ever been. Eli, on the other hand, was silent, his expression cold and distant as usual. His short-sleeved shirt clung to his defined frame, the marks of rigorous training visible in every inch of his body.
Tom grinned widely, his sunglasses reflecting the light from the windows. "Well, well, well, look who's all grown up. You two actually managed to survive my training," he said, laughing as he slapped Warren on the back. "Not bad, kid. I wasn't sure you had it in you."
Warren grinned sheepishly, rubbing the spot where Tom had hit him. "Thanks, Tom. Honestly, I didn't think I'd make it either, but here I am."
Manager Kim, who stood beside Tom, gave a rare nod of approval to Eli. "You've regained your edge," he said, his tone measured but respectful. "Just remember, experience doesn't end here. You've still got a lot to learn."
Eli's eyes narrowed as he nodded. "I know. I'll keep training. I can't afford to get rusty again."
Tom clapped his hands together, his grin widening. "Good, good! But don't forget to have fun, too. Life's too short to be serious all the time. You gotta live a little, right?"
Warren chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I've had enough fun for a while, thanks."
"Suit yourself, kid," Tom said with a wink. "Just don't be a stranger. I expect to hear about you breaking some skulls out there."
Eli turned to Tom and Manager Kim, bowing deeply. "Thank you for everything. I won't forget it."
With that, Warren and Eli stepped out of the White Tiger Job Centre and into the bustling streets, their time there officially over. The weight of their training hung heavy on their shoulders, but so did the sense of accomplishment. They had come far, and now, they were ready for whatever came next.
....
Back in the camp, Vasco stood at the peak of the mountain, his breath steady as he gazed out over the landscape.
Brekdak, standing beside him, watched silently as Vasco finished his final set of exercises, his body drenched in sweat. The months of training had turned Vasco's once young frame into a solid wall of muscle, his arms and legs thick with power, his movements sharp and precise.
Burn Knuckles, Vasco's loyal crew, stood a few paces away, each of them bruised and battered but stronger than they had ever been. The camaraderie between them was palpable, their bond forged in the fires of their intense training.
"Well, boss, looks like this is it," Jace said, his voice filled with admiration as he adjusted his glasses, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Vasco turned to his crew, a wide, beaming smile on his face. "Yeah, we did it! We're ready for anything now!"
Brekdak stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the group. "You've done well, Vasco. All of you. But remember, strength isn't just about muscles. It's about heart. You've got both, but you'll need to keep building them up."
Vasco nodded, his expression serious. "I won't forget, sir."
Brekdak gave a rare smile, clapping Vasco on the shoulder. "Good. Now go out there and show the world what you're made of."
Vasco grinned, his eyes shining with determination. "I will!"
....
Meanwhile, in a quiet part of the city, Jay Hong packed his things into a sleek black suitcase.
His room, once filled with the clutter of a carefree life, was now almost empty, save for a few personal belongings. Jay's expression was stoic as he folded the last of his clothes and zipped up the suitcase. He had spent the last few months training under the guidance of his mentor, honing his skills in ways that even he hadn't imagined possible.
He pulled on his signature black hoodie and grabbed his bag, glancing one last time at the room that had been his sanctuary for so long. There was no sadness in his eyes, only resolve.
As Jay stepped out into the night, the cool air hit his face, and he felt a sense of purpose settle over him. The world outside was waiting, and he was ready to face it.
With one last glance over his shoulder, Jay walked away, his footsteps echoing softly in the darkness.
....
As the days of training ended and each of them prepared for what came next, there was a sense of closure, but also of anticipation. Their training had pushed them to their limits, but now it was time to take what they had learned and apply it to the world outside. They were stronger, faster, and smarter than ever before, and each of them was ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
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End of the chapter
Author Out!