Yozi Sung was just fifteen, filled with dreams of becoming a martial arts champion. Every spare moment found him training in his small room, where the walls were plastered with posters of legendary fighters frozen in dynamic poses—heroes whose skills he idolized. His wooden floor served as his dojo, worn down from countless hours of practice. He would practice his forms in front of a cracked mirror, where every punch and kick seemed to draw him closer to greatness. The thrill of possibility coursed through him as he envisioned himself on a grand stage, the crowd roaring his name. Yet, to his parents, his passion was a mere distraction, an obsession that took precedence over schoolwork. They often chided him to focus on his studies, believing martial arts would lead him nowhere. But for Yozi, it was a calling, a fire igniting his very soul.
As he walked to school one fateful day, the crisp autumn air filled his lungs. The vibrant colors of the leaves painted the landscape in hues of gold and crimson. He fantasized about the accolades he would receive, the championships he would win. "Just wait," he whispered to himself, determination pulsing in his veins. "One day, they'll see how serious I am."
Suddenly, the distant roar of an engine shattered his daydream. He glanced up just in time to see a car careening toward him, tires screeching on the slick pavement. Time slowed, the world blurring around him as he felt an icy grip of fear. In a heartbeat, he turned, but the impact was swift and merciless. A blinding flash engulfed him, and then, silence—a deafening stillness that swallowed everything whole.
In the void that followed, Yozi found himself suspended, drifting in a sea of darkness. Panic surged within him, but he couldn't speak, couldn't move. Memories flickered before his eyes—his mother's laughter, his father's stern face, the friends he had grown up with. They felt like distant echoes, fading away into nothingness. An overwhelming sense of loss gripped him, not just for his life but for the dreams that had burned so brightly within him.
"Yozi Sung…"
The deep, resonant voice sliced through the silence, filling the void with a commanding presence. It was both powerful and soothing, resonating through the depths of his consciousness. He strained to comprehend the source, feeling an invisible force pulling him closer.
"You were never meant to die this way."
Confusion swirled around him like a tempest. Who was this voice? Where was he? The questions raced through his mind, yet they remained unspoken in the vast emptiness. He had always believed in fate, but this felt different. Was he being punished for his aspirations, or was there something greater at play?
"Listen closely," the voice continued, unwavering. "I am the Power God. I have watched your struggles and your dreams. I see your potential, and I offer you a choice."
As the words settled, Yozi felt a strange pull, a force beyond comprehension. The Power God's presence enveloped him, a wave of warmth surging through him. "I will give you a second life," the voice said, "but it comes with a condition. You will not know true strength until your 20th year. Then, I will bestow upon you a power unmatched."
The weight of the offer hung in the air, heavy with implications. Faced with the chance to live again, to become the fighter he had always dreamed of being, Yozi felt a surge of hope. He envisioned himself training under the watchful eyes of masters, battling the strongest opponents, finally earning the respect he craved. But a nagging fear gnawed at him. Could he truly wait that long? What would he be without the strength he so desperately sought?
"Your life will not be easy," the voice warned, echoing through the emptiness. "You will face challenges that test your will and determination. But I promise you this: the reward will be greater than any glory you have known."
Thoughts raced through Yozi's mind, memories of the countless hours spent honing his skills, dreaming of greatness. He recalled the days when he trained until his muscles burned, practicing his forms until they felt like second nature. He thought of all the sacrifices he had made, the dedication he had shown, even when others doubted him. The journey ahead would be fraught with obstacles, but the chance to rise anew was too enticing to resist.
"I will embrace this second chance," he declared, his voice firm and resolute. "I will not waste it. I will become the fighter I was meant to be."
"Very well," the Power God intoned, a sense of satisfaction resonating through the void. "Your journey begins now."
With those words, the darkness shattered like glass. Light enveloped him, brilliant and blinding. He felt himself being pulled, spinning through a tunnel of colors and sensations. For a moment, he feared he might lose himself, but then the rush of adrenaline ignited a fire within him. It felt like he was being reborn.
As the light dimmed, Yozi found himself lying on a cool, hard surface. He blinked against the brightness, taking in his surroundings. He was in a small, unfamiliar room, its wooden beams and walls adorned with symbols he did not recognize. A heavy wooden door stood at one end, while a single window let in slivers of sunlight, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. He could hear the sounds of nature outside—the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the gentle murmur of flowing water.
His heart raced with exhilaration. This was not the world he had known. He felt different, as if something had shifted within him. Sitting up, he took stock of his body, feeling the strength that surged through his muscles. A spark of realization ignited in his mind—this was his second chance.
Just then, the door creaked open, and two men entered. They were dressed in simple yet elegant clothing, their expressions respectful but curious. The taller one had a chiseled jaw and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through him, while the shorter man wore a warm smile that conveyed both friendliness and authority.
"Welcome, Yozi," the taller man said, his voice deep and resonant. "I am Kato, and this is my brother, Jin. We have been sent to guide you."
"Guide me?" Yozi echoed, a mix of confusion and curiosity swirling within him. "Where am I?"
"This is the Kingdom of Eldoria," Jin replied, stepping forward. "You have been chosen for a great purpose. The Power God has given you a second chance, and you are destined to become one of the greatest warriors our world has ever known."
A rush of excitement surged through Yozi. The world around him pulsed with energy and promise, a stark contrast to the mundane life he had left behind. "But what does that mean?" he asked, struggling to grasp the enormity of what was unfolding.
Kato exchanged a glance with Jin before continuing, "It means you must train. Your journey will not be easy, but you have the potential to surpass even the greatest fighters of this age. However, your true strength will not manifest until you reach your twentieth year."
Yozi's mind raced. The prospect of becoming a warrior in a world filled with martial arts and mystical powers sent his heart racing. But the reality of waiting until he was twenty weighed heavily on him. "What if I can't wait? What if I can't handle the pressure?"
"Patience is a virtue, Yozi," Kato replied, his tone steady. "You will face trials that will shape you, teach you, and prepare you for the strength that lies ahead. You must trust in the process."
With a deep breath, Yozi nodded, determination settling in his chest. "I won't let this opportunity slip away. I'll train harder than I ever have before. I won't be the same kid who was hit by a car. I'll become something greater."
"Then let us begin," Jin said, his smile widening. "Your path to greatness starts now. Welcome to your new life, Yozi Sung. Embrace it, and let the journey unfold."
As they stepped outside, Yozi felt a wave of exhilaration wash over him. The sun bathed the landscape in golden light, and the air buzzed with the promise of adventure. This was his new beginning, and he was ready to seize it with every ounce of strength he possessed.