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Chapter 5 - Eren's Resolve to Train
The day was calm, the sky painted in serene hues of blue. Eren continued his daily practice of the Primeval Vitality Technique, undeterred by the absence of qi. He believed wholeheartedly that persistence would eventually yield results.
The Yin-Yang Symbol in his mind continued its slow, steady rotation, subtly refining his body. Unlike the visible growth of muscles through conventional training, this mysterious process strengthened his very bones and internal organs.
Though Eren still appeared frail and thin on the outside, his body brimmed with vitality. His once dull, tired eyes now sparkled with a deeper, mesmerizing clarity, full of determination and hidden strength.
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Eren's thoughts were focused on one goal: proving his readiness to practice martial arts.
He knew his transformation couldn't remain a secret, especially from his mother. Alina had sacrificed too much for him, and he couldn't bear to keep her in the dark. If revealing his progress would bring her happiness, it was worth it.
After another morning of training in the mountains, Eren made his way back to the Rieager estate. From a distance, he could see the bustling martial field where his cousins, the younger generation of the family, trained vigorously.
Their sharp voices and precise movements echoed across the grounds as they honed their skills in the Blue Lotus Style, the Rieager family's signature martial art. Though Eren was too far away to hear their words, he felt the familiar sting of being seen as "the weakling," dismissed by his peers without a second thought.
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Eren stepped into the inner courtyard, where his mother stood quietly beside the pond.
The small courtyard was a tranquil space filled with blooming flowers, vibrant greenery, and a crystal-clear pond teeming with playful blue carp. Alina's slender figure, standing gracefully amidst the serene setting, made her look like a living portrait. But there was a melancholy in her posture that betrayed her quiet loneliness.
From the doorway, Eren watched her for a moment.
He often overheard her whispered dreams and unspoken wishes, thinking he couldn't understand. But he understood enough: she wanted more for him, for their lives. To make those dreams a reality, he first needed to become strong.
Clearing his thoughts, Eren broke into a light run, calling out cheerfully, "Mother, I'm back! Look, I'm fine!"
Startled, Alina turned toward him, her wistful expression replaced with a radiant smile. It was as if her earlier sadness had never existed.
Eren's heart ached. "She hides her pain so well… always smiling for my sake."
"Mother, I'm truly fine now! I've recovered!" Eren declared, his voice filled with childlike excitement.
Alina looked at him, her eyes flickering with hope, though she maintained her caution. "Eren, whether or not you feel better, you mustn't push yourself. Your health is all that matters to me."
Eren knew it wouldn't be easy to convince her. Her cautious words didn't dampen his resolve.
"Mother, it's true! Didn't Grandfather give me that special soup made with purple ginseng two days ago? After drinking it, I started feeling different—stronger! I even ran today, and nothing happened!" he said with a grin.
Alina's eyes widened in surprise, though doubt lingered in her expression. "Are you sure, Eren? Tell me everything!"
Eren nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! After drinking the soup, I felt full of energy. So, I decided to try running, even though I knew you'd scold me. At first, I was nervous, but… nothing bad happened! And when I pushed myself, I felt fine—no breathlessness, no fainting!"
Alina's eyes grew moist, her emotions threatening to spill over. "You're not lying, are you?"
"Grandfather already checked my pulse and said it felt strong! He even called a doctor to confirm. But I wanted to tell you first, Mother!" Eren tugged on her sleeve with a bright smile.
Alina's composure finally broke. "My son… we've overcome it!" she exclaimed, pulling Eren into a tight embrace.
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Dr. Wu arrived shortly after to examine Eren.
"Master Rieager, I must say, this is nothing short of remarkable," the elderly physician declared, his voice brimming with joy. "The young master's body is not only healthy but stronger than most children his age. His internal organs are in exceptional condition—it's as if they've been reborn!"
Alina wept tears of joy as she held Eren close, her relief palpable. For years, she had carried the weight of worry for her son's fragile health. Now, those fears were replaced with hope and happiness.
"Mother, don't cry!" Eren said softly, wiping the tears from her face.
Even Marcus Rieager, Eren's usually stern grandfather, couldn't hide his astonishment. His expression was complex—joy for Eren's recovery mingled with a hint of regret. The child of his cherished daughter had suffered so much, and now, with his newfound strength, a brighter future seemed possible.
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That evening, Eren stood before his mother and grandfather, his voice steady as he made his declaration.
"Grandfather, Mother, I want to practice martial arts."
His words were simple but filled with determination. Marcus and Alina stared at him, momentarily stunned.
The boy who had once been frail and weak now radiated a quiet strength that made them believe—perhaps for the first time—that he was destined for greatness.
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