I eagerly awaited the surprise that my dad promised me. I could barely sit still. When my mom was alive she used to surprise me all of the time. Whether it was the latest gaming console, a new phone, a smartwatch or even the latest chapter of the manga I was reading online. Ever since she died, I barely got any surprises. My old dad would give me presents but he would tell me upfront about them. Then that is when it hit me. What else could I possibly need? I have loving parents, a great home, and great friends, and I got accepted into an amazing school.
I kept thinking to myself. I was so focused I didn't even know we made it home. "HEY KIDDO!" My dad tried to get my attention. I looked around, and the darkness, which was slowly creeping, had completely taken over. If it weren't for the headlights, I would have trouble seeing anything. My dad got out of the car leaving me inside. Not too long after he left I could hear fidgeting. It seemed like someone was trying to open the door. I pressed my face against the door and saw another individual trying to open the door. For some reason, their silhouette seemed familiar, too familiar.
Suddenly, the door opened, and I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. "HI, Kai; long time no see," the lady said. "MOM!" I shouted. I have not seen her in a couple of years. Tears had begun flowing down my face. I rushed out of the car and leapt into her arms causing her to lose balance and fall. "I missed you, Mom!" "I missed you too. You're all grown up now. Soon from now, I won't be able to lift you anymore." I was so glad I got to see my mom again. "Wait. Why are you here? Aren't you busy protecting the kingdom?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Well you see, I'm done working there for now. Plus these next years are going to be important for you. So your dad and I have decided to stay close to home to help you with school and training." I was so excited that I couldn't utter a single word. "How does that sound kiddo?" my dad asked. I nodded in response as I initiated a group hug. My dad picked me up. I could see the pride in his eyes. "Your training starts tomorrow. For now, go get some rest since you have a busy day tomorrow." I heeded his words and went straight to bed after a long hot shower.
After that day, my mom and dad carried me for early morning jogging sessions to help build my stamina. After that were a couple of sets of push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, butt kicks, high knees, and, to finish it all off, a jog back home. At first, this exercise was strenuous, but gradually, it got easier to do. By the time I hit ten years old, it was a walk in the park. Also, I gained a lean physique because of my hard work. For most of the kids, using their magical abilities took a toll on their bodies but not for me.
Along with Melody and Darwin, I was at the top of the class. Whether it came to academics, physical training or magical proficiency, I became an absolute unit. Most of the kids were scared to spar with me except for one boy, Hiro Shima. He wasn't the brightest, but when it came to physical capability, he was on par with me. Heck, I would even dare say he was better than me. To wrap up classes before Christmas Break, our homeroom teacher put us in pairs to spar. To start this last session with a bang, she decided to give the class the fight they were dying to see, Hiro versus me.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I would also be lying if I said I didn't want to gauge Hiro's true potential first-hand. We entered the gym which was enforced with a magical contraption that emitted a force field that was designed to prevent the spectators from being hurt by any stray attacks. "Show 'em who's boss, Hiro!" his close friend Ellie Nightingale cheered. "You got this bro!" "Do your best Kaiser." Hearing both of my friends back me up from the pavilion, all my nerves had dissipated.
"You don't know how long I've been waiting for this Kaiser. After beating you, Imma make a name for myself here." "Don't be too cocky now. That might be your downfall," I responded. After the cue to begin, Hiro charged up his mana and sent a barrage of fireballs my way. To counter it, I conjured a shield which I used to block all of them. "Is that all you got? If so this match isn't going to go your way, Hiro!" He took my bait. He charged in to close the distance between us. In response, I conjured two daggers and began my attack.
I tried slicing him up but he effortlessly dodged each attack and parried each one. I limited the damage by concentrating my mana on each focal point of his attacks. I temporarily retreated to assess the situation. "He is using his fire at the bottom of his feet at the last moment to not only boost speed and agility but to confuse me with his movements. Maybe I can copy that." I pondered. I then conjured special boots to mimic his movement patterns and special goggles to read his movements better.
Because of my new gear, I wasn't solely on defence. It became an even match. Neither one of us could land the deciding blow, but as the match dragged on, it shifted towards my favour. His movements became sluggish, his attacks had less impact from them and I ended up landing more blows. Hiro got agitated and decided to try and finish me with one attack. Unfortunately, he spent up most of his mana so charging up his attack took longer than expected. I threw my dagger at his right hand to interrupt the attack and then dropped my other dagger while charging towards him. While he was still staggered I enforced my fist with a lot of my mana and punched him in the stomach.
The attack forced him onto the ground while he coughed up blood. He was rendered motionless making me the victor. I raised my hand to celebrate my win over Hiro. As a show of good sportsmanship, I helped him up, and with the help of Ellie, I carried him to the nurse's office and helped them apply first aid. Ellie thanked me as I walked off and I waved to give her my gratitude.