At home, **Saria noticed something off about Avoi.** He sat quietly at the table, poking at his food, which wasn't normal for her lively boy.
**"Avoi,"** she said gently, sitting beside him. **"What's on your mind? You're being awfully quiet today."**
Avoi hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. **"It's nothing, Mom…"**
Saria gave him a knowing smile. **"You know you can't keep secrets from me, right?"**
Avoi sighed, realizing he couldn't hide anything from her. **"Okay... The principal told me I could join the school's martial arts program."**
**Saria's eyebrows shot up.** "What? Martial arts?"
Avoi nodded. **"Yeah. He said I'd be a good fit, but I think he noticed what happened today..."**
**Her smile faded slightly as concern crept into her voice.** "What exactly happened, Avoi?"
---
**Avoi took a deep breath and explained the fight at school—how Jack and his friends had bullied Lila, and how he couldn't stand by and let it happen.** He admitted that he had knocked Jack and his friends down to protect Lila, but also how the principal had warned him about using violence.
For a moment, **Saria's face was serious, her lips pressed into a thin line.** But then, a hint of pride flickered in her eyes.
**"You stood up for your friend,"** she said, **"and that's a good thing. But you need to learn to control that anger, Avoi. Being strong doesn't mean using your strength every time something goes wrong."**
She gently placed a hand on his shoulder. **"Remember, a true fighter knows when not to fight. You have to use your strength to protect, not hurt."**
**Avoi nodded slowly, taking her words to heart.**
**"I'll come with you to school tomorrow,"** Saria said. **"We'll talk to the principal properly about this martial arts program."**
---
The next day arrived, **bright and early.** Avoi could hardly contain his excitement as he walked to school with his mom. **He kept bouncing on his feet, his thoughts racing about the martial arts class.**
When they arrived, **Saria gave him a reassuring smile.** "Wait here, sweetie," she said as she went inside the principal's office.
Avoi waited outside, pacing nervously. **Minutes felt like hours.**
Finally, **Saria emerged from the office with a bright smile on her face.** **"Good news!"** she announced, kneeling to his level. **"The principal said you can join the martial arts training!"**
**Avoi's heart leaped with excitement.** "Really? I can join?"
**Saria laughed, brushing his hair fondly.** "Yes, you can! But remember what I said—you're going there to learn control and discipline, not to fight recklessly."
Avoi nodded eagerly. **"I can't wait to start!"**
---
The next few days flew by in a blur. **Avoi couldn't stop talking about the martial arts class**—with Grandpa, with his friends, and especially with Lila, who had decided to join him.
---
Finally, the day arrived. **Avoi woke up early, packed his things, and went to school.** The school day seemed longer than usual, with each period dragging on endlessly. **Math felt like it took hours, even though it was only forty minutes. History felt even longer.**
At lunch, **Avoi, Lila, and Ren sat together outside under their favorite tree, eating their food and chatting excitedly.** Avoi told them again how excited he was for the martial arts class, his face glowing with enthusiasm.
**Lila grinned.** "I can't wait either. It's going to be so fun!"
After lunch, **Avoi and Lila headed to the martial arts training room,** which was situated in a large, open-air space behind the school gym. **The area was surrounded by tall bamboo fences, with training mats and equipment neatly arranged around the space.** There was a calm, peaceful aura about the place—like it was a space meant for focus and discipline.
---
Around **20 students had gathered there**, all wearing comfortable clothes, ready to begin.
Suddenly, **a tall, muscular man with a thick beard stepped into the training area.** His broad shoulders and powerful frame made him look like someone who had seen years of battle. **Despite his intimidating appearance, there was a warmth in his eyes.**
**"Welcome, everyone,"** the man said in a deep, steady voice. **"I'm Master Kyron, and I'll be your instructor."**
Avoi felt a surge of excitement. **This was going to be amazing.**
---
Master Kyron gave the students a small, encouraging smile. **"Before we begin, I want to know your limits."**
**He pointed to a set of weights near the mats.** "Each of you will take turns lifting these weights. Start with 10 kilograms and go as high as you can. This will help me understand where each of you stands physically."
**The students lined up eagerly.** One by one, they approached the weights, most of them lifting between **10 and 15 kilograms** before stopping.
When it was finally **Avoi's turn**, he walked up to the weights with confidence. **Master Kyron watched him carefully, curious to see what the boy could do.**
**Avoi grasped the 15-kilogram weight and easily lifted it.** Then, without hesitation, **he picked up the 20-kilogram weight—and then the 25-kilogram weight.**
The other students stared, their jaws dropping.
**Master Kyron's eyes widened slightly, impressed.** "Not bad," he muttered to himself. **"Not bad at all."**
Avoi set the weight down with a proud grin.
---
Once everyone had completed the test, **Master Kyron clapped his hands together.** "Alright, now that I know what I'm working with, let's begin."
He looked at the students, his expression serious but kind. **"Martial arts is not just about strength or winning fights. It's about control, focus, and respect. You will train hard here, and if you put in the effort, you will grow—not just as fighters, but as people."**
Avoi felt a sense of purpose settle in his chest. **He knew this was exactly what he wanted.**
The class began with warm-ups—stretches, basic movements, and some light sparring exercises. **Master Kyron's instructions were clear and precise, and he made sure to guide each student carefully.**
Though it was just the first day, **Avoi could already tell that this training would be tough—but he was ready for the challenge.**
As the session continued, **Avoi stole a glance at Lila,** who was doing her best to keep up. She gave him a quick smile, and Avoi felt a surge of happiness. **He knew they were in this together.**
And so, the **first step of Avoi's martial arts journey began.** It was only the beginning, but he felt something stir deep within him—**a spark of fire, ready to grow into a flame.**