Ryan's daily training routine had become his habit. Each day before the sunrise, he sprinted around the Earth Tower, feeling the cool morning air against his skin. After that, he tackled hundreds of sit-ups and push-ups.
His body had transformed into a muscular and toned form. Each time he saw himself in front of mirror, he would flexed and posed.
He felt a surge of pride, especially under Fen's watchful gaze. Even though Fen was calm, Ryan still felt a mix of intimidation and respect, which pushed him to strive for improvement.
But as he will train with other students, worries crept into his mind. What would his academy experience be like? Would he be thrown together with other students? Would they mock him?
After he showered and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in his room, Prabin came to escort him to the training field.
Meanwhile, Fen had slipped away, citing hunger and a need to hunt.
Today, Ryan was set to train with Cedric Granite, his only instructor for basic earth element. Cedric was a seasoned martial artist. He was in his late forties, standing five feet eleven. His athletic build showed years of hard work.
Cedric had calm green eyes. His silver-gray hair was neatly trimmed. He wore a dark brown instructor's robe with earth element design. It made him look wise.
"Good morning. I'm Cedric Granite, your instructor," he said with a warm smile.
Ryan bowed slightly, "Good morning, Master Cedric. I hope you'll be patient with me."
Cedric chuckled. "Don't worry. Patience is my specialty."
Ryan looked around, curiosity bubbling inside him. "Will I be training alone, without other students?"
Cedric nodded. "For now, Ryan, your training will be solo. You'll follow The Timestream's guidance. But don't worry, you will spar with other students soon enough."
"Oh, I see," Ryan replied, feeling a little more at ease.
He then asked, "As for meals, will I eat alone in my room or with the other students?"
Cedric raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You can choose. Some prefer the quiet of their rooms. Others enjoy the company. It's up to you."
***
"Alright, when do we begin training?" Ryan asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
"Shall we start now? Unless you have more questions?"
Ryan thought for a moment.
"Let's start now," he said, determination igniting in his eyes.
With that, Ryan's training began.
Ryan's training began with a simple idea: connecting his energy to nature.
Morning training sessions were vital. "Today, Ryan, we focus on inner balance," Cedric said as they sat cross-legged on the grass. "Quiet your mind, breathe deeply, and feel the earth's energy."
Ryan felt restless. "My mind wanders," he admitted.
"Observe your thoughts, but don't engage," Cedric instructed."Imagine roots growing from your feet, grounding you."
Ryan closed his eyes. He focused on the grass beneath him. "I feel more centered," he said.
***
Next step of his training in few weeks was grounding exercise. The aim was to connect his energy with the earth.
Under Cedric's watchful eye, Ryan walked barefoot. He felt the cool grass and rough patches of dirt. Each step helped him tune into nature's vibrations.
He practiced "tree hugging." Embracing the trunks allowed him to absorb the trees' energy. He also did "earthing" exercises. Lying flat on the ground helped recharge his spirit.
Breathwork was vital. It aligned his heartbeat with the earth's rhythm. Physical conditioning changed for Ryan. Cedric designed a special regimen for him. It included yoga-inspired stretches, martial arts movements, cardio, and progressive weight training.
Each exercise improved his flexibility, agility, and strength. As Ryan trained, he felt his muscles loosening. His coordination improved. And his endurance as well.
Cedric combined grounding with physical training. This meant performing tai chi-like movement outdoors. Ryan also practiced qigong to tap into his internal energy.
Outdoor activities added more challenges. Rock climbing pushed his limits. Parkour tested his agility and focus. Mindfulness meditation during these exercises deepened his bond with nature.
Through this holistic approach, Ryan noticed real changes. He gained physical fitness and mental clarity. Resilience grew, too. His connection to nature strengthened, and so did his spiritual awareness.
Cedric observed closely. "Your grounding and physical training have aligned your body and mind," he said. "You're ready for next training."
***
Ryan stepped into the busy dining hall for dinner. His heart raced. Other students looked at him. Their eyes were filled with curiosity. He felt their stares and quickly picked an empty table.
As he ate, the feeling of being watched wouldn't leave him. The silence felt heavy.
Just as he finished, two senior students approached. They looked around twenty.
"Mind if we join you?" asked Elijah, a confident one.
"Please do," Ryan replied, relieved to have some company.
Elijah and his friend, Lucas, sat down.
"You're new here, right?" Elijah asked, studying Ryan.
"Yeah, I started training with Instructor Cedric," Ryan said, trying to sound casual.
Lucas nodded. "I am Lucas. And this is my friend, Elijah."
"Nice to meet you. I am Ryan."
"Ryan?" They both exchanged glances.
"Are you the one who was with the Fenrir?" Elijah asked.
"Ah… yes." Ryan hesistantly replied, confusion edged in his heart.
They both exchanged glances again, and then nodded.
"I see." Lucas said, "You are the chosen. You are famous in GoT."
Ryan perplexed, "Famous?"
"Yes, many Guardians are talking about you, the chosen." Elijah added.
"What is exactly the chosen mean?" Ryan still confused.
"Umm… you will be the next GoT leader. It hadn't been any leader in GoT since hundred of years." Lucas explained.
Ryan frowned. "Actually I am nobody. I also wondering why I received this kind of burden."
Elijah and Lucas exchanged glances again.
"Well… Normally other peoples will become arrogant with this kind of treatments, but you seem different." Elijah giggled. "Okay, we decided, we will be your friends."
Lucas corrected, "It will be more like we are your underlings."
Ryan was taken a back. "No, no. I told you, guys, I am nobody. I will be very happy if I become your friend."
Elijah and Lucas exchanged glances again, but this time with wide smiles on their faces.
Elijah leaned in with a friendly smile. "Maybe we can offer some guidance sometimes. In your trainings, I mean."
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that," Ryan said, his smile widening.