Under the early light of dawn, Kai began his grueling training session with a steely resolve. He had a month until he would enter the Soul Master Academy, a precious stretch of time to prepare himself and lay the foundations for his journey. Determined to push himself to his absolute limits, he planned a rigorous routine. Taking a deep breath, he lowered himself into his first set of push-ups, whispering encouragement to himself: "I can do this. I can keep going. This is only the beginning."
The morning air was cool, but sweat already beaded on his forehead as he counted each push-up. By the time he hit fifty, his muscles began to burn, each movement becoming an effort of pure willpower. Yet he didn't stop. With every repetition, he told himself he was building strength, and that every ounce of pain would make him better. "I can do it. Just keep pushing," he thought, focusing his mind on the task while also focusing on the fact that he wouldn't use his Martial Soul to boost his capabilities to end training early.
Finally, he hit one hundred push-ups, his arms trembling from the strain. He took a brief moment to shake out the fatigue, but he knew there was no time to rest. Moving swiftly, he transitioned into sit-ups. The ground was hard, but he tightened his core, feeling the strain with each lift. "Come on, Kai," he muttered under his breath, "You can do this. Just a little more." By the time he reached fifty sit-ups, his abdominal muscles screamed in protest, but he kept his focus sharp, breathing through the burn, and pressed on.
At sixty… seventy… eighty… his body felt like it was on fire. But that was the point, he reminded himself. "Pain is weakness leaving the body," he thought, trying to convince himself to embrace the discomfort. When he finally reached one hundred, he lay on the ground for a moment, breathing heavily, his body protesting every movement. Still, he pushed himself to rise, mentally reminding himself of his goals, and the need to grow stronger if he wanted to succeed at the academy.
Without hesitation, Kai set himself up for pull-ups, grabbing onto a sturdy tree branch he'd found to support his weight. He hoisted himself up with difficulty, his arms already drained from the push-ups. But he grit his teeth, channeling all his willpower into each repetition. "One… two… three…" he counted aloud, each number a small victory. By the time he reached twenty, his grip weakened, his hands nearly slipping from the branch, but he pressed on. "Don't stop now. You're almost there," he thought, pushing himself harder, knowing that quitting would only set him back.
Around thirty, his arms shook uncontrollably, his muscles near the point of exhaustion. But he couldn't stop—not yet. "Just a little more," he kept telling himself. "I can do it. I have to do it." With sheer determination, he powered through the final pull-ups, feeling every strained fiber in his arms and shoulders. Finally reaching one hundred, he let go of the branch, landing on his feet with a stagger, barely able to catch his breath.
Kai's body was screaming for rest, but he knew he couldn't stop there. He took a few moments to breathe deeply, centering himself before starting his next round of exercises. Lunges, squats, and sprints followed, each one a fresh trial of endurance. His legs burned from the lunges, each step feeling like a monumental effort. He pushed through squats, feeling the strain ripple through his thighs, and then dashed in short sprints, his speed slowing with every lap as fatigue settled in.
With each repetition, he could feel his body nearing its limit, but Kai was relentless. "One more… one more…" he told himself. The thought of growing stronger drove him to keep pushing, even when his muscles felt as if they could give out at any moment. "This is nothing. I've been through worse. Just keep going," he repeated, his mind focused on surpassing his limits.
As he continued, Kai began circulating his Essence Flow technique, concentrating on drawing in spirit power and soul power. The technique allowed him to recover slightly, absorbing energy to fuel his movements. However, the process was burdensome, and using it continuously added to the strain he was placing on his body. Yet Kai welcomed it, viewing the difficulty as a necessary step toward strength.
The intense exercise and use of Essence Flow soon began to take its toll. His breathing grew ragged, his vision blurring slightly as he felt himself teeter on the edge of exhaustion. But he wouldn't allow himself to stop. Every part of him demanded rest, but Kai's spirit was unyielding. "I can do this. Just a little more," he whispered, almost as if the words themselves were giving him strength. His body wavered, but he summoned every ounce of resolve, forcing himself through the last few sets of his workout.
The sun had climbed high by the time Kai finished, signaling the arrival of midday. He had been training non-stop for hours, his body drenched in sweat, his muscles burning from the exhaustive strain. Yet, there was a quiet satisfaction in his exhaustion, a feeling that he had given everything he had.
For a moment, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, feeling the spirit power circulating within him. He could feel his body responding, absorbing the energy bit by bit, growing ever so slightly with each painful moment. Though it was a grueling process, he knew that these early days of training would set the foundation for the strength he sought.
As he walked back to orphanage, his steps were heavy, his body aching with each movement. But inside, his spirit was alight with excitement and determination. He had a whole month to prepare, and he intended to make the most of it. The physical pain and exhaustion were only temporary, he reminded himself. With every drop of sweat and every aching muscle, he was one step closer to achieving his dreams.
The walk back felt like miles, his legs dragging beneath him, but he was determined to make it to the door. The familiar sight of the orphanage brought a flicker of relief, and as he stepped inside, the comforting warmth of home washed over him.
The caretaker, who had been waiting to welcome him back, smiled warmly upon seeing Kai. But as she stepped forward to greet him, Kai suddenly collapsed, his small body giving out under the strain. A gasp escaped the caretaker, her smile vanishing in an instant as she rushed to his side, worry etched on her face. Other caretakers and children gathered around, alarmed by the sight of Kai lying motionless on the floor. He was only six years old, a child who'd pushed himself far beyond his limits.
After a hurried examination, the caretaker quickly realized that Kai had fainted due to severe over-exertion. His pulse was weak, and his skin felt cold to the touch. The caretakers gently lifted him and carried him to his bed, surrounding him with expressions of worry and concern. As he lay there, the orphanage's doctor was called immediately. When he arrived, he took Kai's pulse, checked his breathing, and confirmed the suspicion—Kai's condition was due to extreme fatigue and weakness. It was a case of pushing his young body far beyond what it could handle, and the consequences had taken a toll on him.
Slowly, Kai's eyelids fluttered open, his vision hazy as he regained consciousness. His body felt heavy, an intense weakness enveloping him as he tried to sit up, only to feel a sharp ache coursing through every muscle. Before he could even say a word, the caretakers around him expressed their relief and worry, their voices scolding yet tender. "Kai, what were you thinking?" one of them said, her voice filled with concern and frustration. "You're just a child! This was reckless. You could have seriously hurt yourself."
Kai, still feeling disoriented, gave a small nod, acknowledging his mistake. Though the caretakers had raised their voices, he could sense the love behind their words, the genuine worry they felt for him. They were upset because they cared. And despite the rebuke, Kai managed a faint smile, realizing how lucky he was to have people who looked after him like this.
Seeing his faint smile, the caretakers softened, and one of them took his hand, gently apologizing for scolding him. "I'm sorry, Kai. We're just worried about you. You're only six, after all. There's no need to rush, no need to push yourself this hard. Promise us you'll be more careful?"
Kai nodded, understanding the wisdom in their words. "I'm sorry. I just… wanted to be strong," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The caretakers exchanged knowing glances, understanding that Kai had dreams and ambitions that drove him. They could see he wasn't like the other children, that he had a spirit full of determination, yet they also knew he was still so young and fragile.
As the day wore on, the other children came by to visit Kai, each bringing a small token of affection—a handmade card, a flower picked from the garden, or just a warm smile. Aran and Lei La, as well as Nina, Mira, Taro, gathered around his bed, filling the room with laughter and light chatter to keep his spirits up. They teased him a bit, poking fun at his "grand ambition" and how he'd ended up bedridden. But beneath the teasing, there was an undeniable warmth, a sense of family that surrounded him, and Kai couldn't help but feel a deep gratitude.
When the other children had left, and the room grew quiet, Kai lay back, his mind drifting to the events of the day. Boredom crept in, but his mind soon turned to the Gaia System that hovered in his thoughts. Curious, he pulled up his status window, his eyes widening at what he saw. While his soul power level remained at 1, a small indicator showed that he had already progressed to 28%—an impressive achievement for just one day of training. He smiled slightly, feeling a surge of pride despite the day's mishap. Yet, alongside his progress, a warning message flashed in bold letters:
[WARNING: Kai, remember that your body is still that of a six-year-old. Excessive training and strain can lead to severe consequences. There is no rush; take it step by step. A gradual approach will yield better results without risking your health.]
The words hit home, and Kai sighed, realizing he had indeed pushed himself too hard. He knew the Gaia System and everyone yelling at him while caring for him were right—his body was still young and fragile. Though his spiritual prowess was strong, his physical form was yet to match it. The message served as a sobering reminder, a call for caution. In his mind, he decided to take things slower, pacing himself instead of plunging headfirst into rigorous routines. And one has also note that Kai had done all the training without using Soul power or spiritual power. Though his body was strengthened due to obtaining a class and awakening two strong martial souls, his body was still too wwak to train like Saitama.
As he lay there, Kai noticed a strange sensation spreading throughout his body—a tingling, almost like an itch that seemed to originate from deep within his muscles. Attempting to shift slightly, he felt the itch intensify, turning into a dull ache that spread through every fiber of his being. Though uncomfortable, he gritted his teeth, accepting the sensation as part of the recovery process.
Despite the pain, Kai could feel something else happening. His body was unconsciously circulating the Essence Flow Technique, absorbing spirit energy from the surrounding environment without his conscious effort. It was a result of his dedicated practice of the Essence Flow Technique over the past two years, a method that had now become so ingrained that his body continued it passively, even in his weakened state.
Though the energy flow was faint and the absorption rate slow, he could feel his body gradually recovering, the spirit energy weaving its way into his muscles, bones, and even his weary soul. This passive circulation was a blessing, helping his body heal even as he lay still. It was a small consolation for the strain he had put himself through, a reminder that while he had been reckless, his efforts were not in vain.
Reflecting on his experiences and the pain he now endured, Kai understood that he needed a more balanced approach. He could be ambitious, but he also had to be patient, to nurture his strength over time. The path of a Soul Master was a long one, after all, and he had only just begun. The feeling of spirit energy flowing within him reassured him, giving him hope that, with time, he would reach his goals.
Hours passed as he lay in bed, occasionally drifting in and out of sleep. The caretakers brought him meals, making sure he ate and stayed hydrated. Their kindness and attentiveness warmed his heart, and he felt a profound sense of belonging, a sense that this place and these people were his family. They looked after him not only because he was in their care but because they genuinely cared about him.
The days in bed were not lonely, though. The orphanage felt like home, and as news of his condition spread, Kai was visited frequently by his friends, siblings in spirit, and caretakers. Each one brought with them something warm: a smile, a story, or a few words of encouragement. Aran and Lei La, his closest friends, were among the first to visit him. Just a few days ago, they had both awakened their own master souls, each discovering a new power within them.
Aran had awakened a body-type Martial Soul, the "Eagle Eye." His eyes could sharpen his vision to incredible levels, detecting even the smallest movements and details. With this ability, Aran would be able to see in fine detail and analyze the tiniest elements in his surroundings. His excitement was clear as he shared this newfound power with Kai, telling him how he could now see things from a great distance.
Lei La, on the other hand, had awakened a rare Healing-type Martial Soul. Hers was the "Jade Tree," allowing her to manipulate small amounts of life energy and grass energy around her. Although it wasn't a large-scale power yet, it held immense potential, and she demonstrated by beating Aran to make a small scratch mark and healing it, making Kai smile. Both friends, now at Soul Power levels between 6 and 7, encouraged Kai to recover quickly so they could continue training together.
Their visits brought a sense of unity and purpose to Kai's recovery. As they talked and laughed, it felt like old times, and Kai's spirits were lifted by their optimism. He knew that they, too, understood the importance of perseverance and growth, and seeing their successes only strengthened his resolve.
Tang Wulin and his parents also visited, bringing warm food and heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery. Tang Wulin looked at Kai with admiration, eager to learn from his friend's dedication and courage. "Get well soon, Kai!" Tang Wulin said brightly. "We're all waiting to see what amazing things we'll be doing afterwards!"
As Kai lay bedridden after pushing himself to the brink with intense training, he felt a mix of frustration and determination. His body had collapsed from over-exertion, the soreness that clung to his muscles and the weakness that made every movement challenging Eventhough his willpower had not diminished and he knew he could still make progress by focusing his energy internally, his body was already suffering from extreme pain and ache making him difficult to move and causing constant fever throughout time.
Despite the soreness that made each movement a struggle, Kai began to circulate his Essence Flow Technique in order to get strong. This time, he was going deeper. The Essence Flow Technique was a meditative practice as much as it was a strengthening exercise. He visualized his inner spirit power as a river, a steady flow that he could shape, amplify, and refine. As he closed his eyes, his focus sharpened, and he could feel his energy becoming a tangible force. Slowly, he guided the energy through his body, allowing it to wash over the areas that ached the most. Every nerve, muscle, and joint tingled with a subtle warmth as his spirit power coursed through him, a soothing balm against the strain.
With each pass, the flow grew stronger. Kai's mind was a fortress, impenetrable to the discomfort that tried to pull him away from his focus.
Each day, he focused inward, circulating his Essence Flow Technique with unwavering concentration. Although his body was weak and confined to bed, his mind was active, channeling spirit power and cultivating his soul power. This meditation was his way of staying connected to his goal, even if his physical body couldn't keep up for the moment.
By the fourth day, a small breakthrough occurred. Kai's soul power increased, reaching Soul Level 2. This achievement came faster than he had expected, a result of the Essence Flow Technique combined with his own determination. Though his body was still recovering, he felt a renewed sense of vitality flowing through him, a reward for his dedication. He knew that such rapid progress wasn't sustainable, but it was a moment of pride nonetheless—a glimpse of the strength he could achieve with time and patience.
On the fifth day, as his strength returned and the worst of his aches faded, Kai finally felt well enough to sit up without much pain. His friends and caretakers were thrilled to see him recover, each one celebrating his improvement with warm hugs and cheers. Tang Wulin, Aran, Lei La, and the other kids gathered around him, offering playful encouragement while asking him to promise not to do something as dangerous as this ever again.
Kai smiled, grateful for their advice. "You're right. I'll be careful next time." He knew they were speaking from a place of understanding—they had seen him at his best and his worst, and they were committed to helping him grow in every way possible.
That evening, as he lay in bed, Kai opened his status window to check his progress. To his delight, his soul power level showed 2
This small but significant achievement fueled his excitement for the journey ahead. Just then, a notification from the Gaia System appeared, and Kai read it with focused attention:
[Dear Kai, please be cautious with intense training. The body of a young soul scholar is still fragile and requires gradual conditioning. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to setbacks, not progress. Proceed step by step, allowing time for natural growth and adaptation. This is essential for long-term success and avoiding unnecessary injuries.]
On the night of the fourth day, unable to sleep, Kai immersed himself fully in the meditation, embracing the sensation of the energy flowing and strengthening within him. As he continued, he noticed something new—a faint yet discernible resonance. It was as if his spirit power was responding to his dedication, intensifying with every cycle of his technique. The Gaia System, though silent, seemed to acknowledge his perseverance, amplifying his growth through the energy Kai channeled. His heart beat steadily, a rhythm that matched the ebb and flow of his inner power.
Hours passed as Kai continued, unaware of the world outside. His focus was absolute, his will as unyielding as steel. In this state, he reached what he could only describe as a point of clarity. It was a sensation he had felt before in brief glimpses but had never been able to sustain for this long. His spirit power began to condense, becoming denser, and his energy channels, though still tender from overuse, adjusted to the new intensity with surprising resilience.
Slowly but surely, he felt his spirit power inching closer to a higher state—a more refined level of control. Each cycle of Essence Flow Technique brought him closer, yet it was not enough. The barriers were being felt weak, and he felt his reserves running low, but Kai was not one to give up easily. His mind whispered to him, "Just a bit more. I can do it."
The hours continued to drift by, and with each moment, his spirit power swelled, pushing against the boundaries of his current level. Kai's breathing grew labored, his body instinctively resisting the strain, but he would not relent. He had committed himself to this process, and he was determined to see it through. In the back of his mind, he knew he was approaching a threshold—a point at which his spirit power would break through.
The hours continued to drift by, and with each moment, his spirit power swelled, pushing against the boundaries of his current level. Kai's breathing grew labored, his body instinctively resisting the strain, but he would not relent. He had committed himself to this process, and he was determined to see it through. In the back of his mind, he knew he was approaching a threshold—a point at which his spirit power would either break through or collapse back.
With a final surge of effort, Kai pushed his energy one last time, feeling the strain as his spirit power expanded and surged. His body trembled, and his spirit energy felt as if it would tear him apart, but just as he felt he could bear no more, there was a release. A sensation of pure, radiant energy flooded his system, enveloping his body in a wave of warmth and strength. Kai could feel it—a breakthrough. His spirit power had risen, reaching the level he had fought so hard for.
The Gaia System's notification appeared before his inner eye, confirming the advancement. [Congratulations, Kai. You have reached Soul Level 2.]
It was a simple message, but for Kai, it was monumental. He could feel the physical effects as well. His body, though still weakened, felt lighter, stronger, and more resilient. The aches and soreness that had once weighed him down now seemed distant, replaced by a newfound sense of vitality.
His muscles, though not visibly different, felt energized, as though they had absorbed some of the strength from his breakthrough.
Kai continued his meditation, now focusing on stabilizing the new energy within him. He knew that a breakthrough without consolidation could be dangerous, so he spent the next few hours circulating his spirit (or soul) power, gradually acclimating his body and mind to the new level of energy.
To Be Continued...