Chapter 12: Hard Training
In this world, strength is not just about body size or speed in battle. Strength is measured by unmatched levels, and everyone who reaches a certain level is honored with a title that reflects their achievements. This strength is divided into several levels known as the Power Ranking, a system that determines who is the strongest and who needs to train more.
The World Power Rankings start from the weakest and end at the legendary level. At the bottom, there are those called Martial Novices, those who have just started their martial arts journey. As they train and master the flow of energy in their bodies, they rise to Martial Apprentice, and then to Martial Adept, Martial Master, and Martial Champion, where each level grants them greater power, the ability to face many enemies at once, and even destroy armies.
But the last two levels—Martial Lord and Martial King—were the most mysterious. Those who reached the Martial Lord level could easily destroy the battlefield, but Martial King was a level that most people could barely imagine. Not many could reach this level, and only a few knew how far this power could grow. Above all was Martial Patriarch, a level higher than Martial King and almost unattainable, even by the founders of legendary families like the Everia family. And at the highest peak, there was Martial God, a mythical level that no one had ever reached. Even the founders of the Everia family had come close to reaching it, but they died before they could truly reach it.
Within the Everia family, only a few truly knew the difference between a Martial King and a Martial Patriarch, and no one knew how much power a Martial God possessed.
Eric stood there in contemplation, realizing that even though he had reached the Martial King level, his journey to mastery had only just begun. His power was far greater than when he was a Martial Master, but before him was a greater shadow—the shadow of his father, Duke Alaric, who had reached a level he could not yet reach. To Eric, his father's power was the benchmark. Even though he had reached the Martial King level, he knew that it was only a fraction of what he would need to protect those he cared about and face greater threats that might come.
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Eric walked to the Everia family's private training room located beneath the palace, far from the eyes of others. The room was known only to a few people—including himself. A place steeped in history, and also a means to strengthen the power of the family's successors. This was where he would face the greatest challenge of his life—mastering the power of the Martial King that had just awakened within him.
As he entered the room, he remembered the World Power Ranking that he had just thought about. He knew that even though he was already at the Martial King level, he was still far from reaching his full potential. There was so much to learn, and so much more to master.
Martial King is a title that is only given to those who can master high-level spiritual power, a power that can control and conquer the world with courage and strong will. Before, Eric could only imagine how great that power was, but now he knew very well how deep this world was, and how much effort he would have to put in to master it.
However, behind all that, there was one reality that he could not avoid: Duke Alaric, his father, was at a higher level than him. No matter how great Eric's power was, it was not enough to match his father who had reached a higher level than Martial King. Martial Patriarch, a title almost equivalent to Martial King, was the last achievement the Everia family had ever had. Eric knew very well that his father was a Martial Lord, far surpassing him in terms of strength, energy control, and combat experience.
Eric approached the center of the training room, where a large black stone served as a spiritual energy center. The stone could help one tap deeper into their power. The stone was not just a tool; it was part of Everia's family heritage, passed down from generation to generation. Her father had always said, "True power does not come from outside. True power comes from within. You must find it and master it."
He touched the stone, and a moment later, spiritual energy flowed into his body. The power he felt was very different from before. Before, he could only feel a touch of the power, but now, he could feel it clearly, like a fast-moving stream of water. But even though he could control the flow, he felt as if something was still missing—something greater than himself, something that could only be achieved through tireless training and even stronger determination.
"This isn't enough," he muttered to himself. "I have to be stronger. I have to be able to match my father."
Eric closed his eyes, focusing all his attention on the stone and the power flowing through his body. All the training he had done, all the struggles he had gone through, now had to continue. Only by breaking through his limits could he hope to achieve greater power. But would that be enough? Would he be able to overcome the challenges that lay before him? Only time will tell.
But one thing is for sure—this exercise will change everything.
Eric gripped the black stone tightly, feeling the power flowing through his body. A strong spiritual energy filled him, but he knew it was not enough. For years, he had undergone rigorous training under the guidance of his father, Duke Alaric, and some of the best teachers of the Everia family. However, now, with the newly awakened power of the Martial King, Eric felt like he had just begun a true journey to reach his full potential.
He stared at his reflection on the black stone. His serious and determined face reflected a strong will. Martial King was just the beginning for him—this was a level he had to master to continue his journey and to stand on par with his father, Duke Alaric. Behind him, Martial Patriarch was a title unattainable to many, and he knew that to surpass his father, he had to surpass his limits.
The first movement he made was to open the internal energy channels that flowed through his body, allowing the spiritual flow to fill every part of his body. His body began to heat up, and every muscle he moved seemed to merge with the energy flow. He remembered the lessons he had learned in the past: that energy was not only used to attack, but to strengthen the body, increase endurance, and even speed up the recovery process.
Eric focused on controlling the energy, trying to channel it precisely to every part of his body. His movements became smoother and more controlled. He felt the power starting to overflow, but it wasn't enough. To achieve greater power, he would have to master more than just controlling the energy. He would have to learn how to channel it into more powerful attacks, how to use it to defend and evade perfectly, and how to speed up the process of his improvement.
Every movement, every exercise Eric did deepened. His body was sweating profusely, but he didn't stop. Even though his body was starting to tire, his mind remained focused on a greater goal—greater power.
As night fell, Eric felt a change in himself. Every stream of energy that flowed through his body now felt more natural, more balanced. However, he knew that this was only the beginning. To truly surpass Martial King and reach Martial Patriarch, he would have to train even harder, mastering deeper and more difficult techniques.
"There are no shortcuts to true power," he thought. "This is a long road."
At that moment, a gentle voice sounded from the entrance of the practice room.
"Eric..." the voice belonged to Celeste, his half-sister who also had hidden powers. "Are you okay? You've had enough training today."
Eric opened his eyes and faced the direction of the voice, smiling weakly.
"I'm fine, Celeste. But I have to keep training. This power is far from enough," he replied, his eyes flashing with unwavering determination.
Celeste approached, seeing Eric looking exhausted, even though the aura of power around him was getting stronger. "You've trained hard enough. Don't forget your rest, Eric. True strength comes with calm, not just through relentless training."
Eric nodded slowly, but his eyes were still shining with determination. "I know. But I can't stop now. I have to reach a higher level, even more than my father. I have to protect this family."
Celeste paused, then smiled softly. "You've always been stubborn, just like Dad. But I knew you'd get there."
Eric felt a little relieved to hear Celeste's words. Even though they didn't always get along, Celeste was one of the people who always supported him, even though their ways were different.
After a while, Eric stood up and looked out the training room. "I will continue this training until I feel ready," he said firmly.
Celeste just nodded and slowly stepped back. "I'll wait for you outside. Don't push yourself too hard."
Eric returned his attention to the black stone before him. With determined steps, he continued his training, feeling more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead. But even though he felt stronger, he knew that his struggle was not over. His power may have increased, but there was still much to learn.
That day, Eric knew one thing for sure—the path to true power would never be easy. But he was ready to take it, no matter what.
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Days passed with increasingly intense training. Eric felt his body getting stronger, but deep down, he knew that this was far from enough. Every punch he landed, every move he made, seemed to remind him of the limits that were still far beyond his reach. He needed more than just physical strength. He had to dig deeper within himself to find the true power that could match that of his father, Duke Alaric, and even surpass them.
One night, after hours of training, Eric felt a different sensation. His body, usually tired and barely able to move, now felt refreshed, filled with energy that flowed more freely than ever before. With one focused movement, Eric channeled a stronger flow of energy, and in an instant, the attack he unleashed shattered the rock before him, previously untouchable by his power.
Eric stumbled back, panting. His breathing was heavy, and his muscles ached. But this time, he knew. This was a big step.
He finally managed to break through the limit he had long dreamed of. The power that had been hidden inside him began to develop, bigger, sharper, and more controlled. Even so, he felt that there was still more to learn, many paths to take, and many obstacles to overcome.
Wiping the sweat that was dripping down his face, Eric turned around and saw Celeste standing at the door of the practice room.
"Did you see it?" Eric asked, his eyes still shining with excitement.
Celeste just smiled faintly and nodded. "Your powers are getting more and more amazing, Eric. But don't forget yourself on this journey."
Eric took a deep breath and walked over to Celeste. "I know. I have to keep training. Dad... he's already at a very high level. I have to catch up. I want to protect everyone."
Celeste looked at him with a knowing look. "Strength isn't just about defeating opponents, Eric. True strength is about protecting the ones we love, maintaining balance, and staying steadfast on the right path."
Eric was silent for a moment, thinking about Celeste's words. Although they often had different views, he knew that his sister always offered a different perspective, which was sometimes very useful.
"I see," Eric said finally. "I'll keep that in mind."
After that, the two of them walked out of the training room. However, even though Eric felt stronger, he knew this was not the end of the journey. This was just the beginning of what would be a long journey to surpass himself. A journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, and obstacles to overcome.
But he was sure of one thing: He would be ready.