The years passed slowly, with the whisper of rain on the horizon and the wind weaving through the trees forming the peaceful backdrop of Vera's life. The world around her moved in silence, as if telling a story of time that never ceased, while she gazed through her small window, watching the scenery she had grown accustomed to since childhood.
Whenever the rain fell, it felt as though the world was washing itself clean, shedding the burdens of time, preparing for yet another cycle of struggle. Those moments filled her with a strange mix of tranquility and anticipation, as if she were waiting for something—something she had yet to understand.
From the time she was a child, there had been one person who occupied her young mind: Ava.
That woman was the very embodiment of strength and resilience. Every time she returned from the battlefield, she bore the marks of countless battles, scars that told stories without the need for words. She was not just a leader of the sect—she was a symbol, a living legend in Vera's eyes.
Vera had always wanted to be like her, to stand by her side, to feel that power that set her apart from others. But instead, her learning had been limited to the teachings of the elders—repeated words of wisdom and tradition, things she found useless in a world that showed no mercy.
She felt as though she were trapped in a cage while her soul screamed for freedom—for battle, for power.
And on that day, when she heard the horses stopping at the gates of the manor and saw the warriors returning from battle, her small body moved before she could even think.
She ran across the courtyard, her feet sinking into the mud, but she didn't care. There was only one thought in her mind: Ava had returned.
When she finally saw her, she felt something indescribable. That aura surrounding her, the confident stance, the sharp gaze—everything about her radiated strength.
Vera suddenly stopped, then sprinted forward, leaping into Ava's arms with all the excitement her small heart could hold.
Ava, who had just begun removing her heavy cloak, paused for a moment, then looked down at the child clinging to her. A faint smile crossed her lips.
When Vera finally pulled back, she stood before her, her small eyes burning with determination. There was something different in her gaze this time—something that made Ava raise an eyebrow with interest.
Then, with a voice that, despite her youth, carried undeniable strength, she declared:
"Ava! I want you to teach me how to fight!"
Silence fell over the courtyard. Some warriors passing by stopped to glance at the scene—the little girl standing before one of the Twelve Commanders of the sect, making a request that many wouldn't even dare to think of.
Ava gazed at her silently, studying her features, her small fists clenched tightly, the stance she tried to keep steady despite her young age.
Then, in a calm yet firm voice, she placed a hand on Vera's head and spoke:
"Vera, this path is not easy. Fighting is not just about showing strength—it's a battle of life and death. When a warrior steps onto the battlefield, they carry their life in their hands. It's not something to be taken lightly. Do you understand that?"
But Vera did not hesitate. She did not even blink. With a steady voice, as if she had thought about this for a long time, she answered:
"Even so, I want to become a warrior!"
Her words were filled with such resolve that some of the nearby warriors exchanged surprised glances.
Ava sighed, as if she had expected this, then smiled faintly—an expression that carried both acceptance and challenge.
"Very well… we will begin training tomorrow."
At that moment, Vera's face transformed from seriousness into pure, unrestrained joy. She could not contain her smile. She knew—this moment would change her life forever.
The Beginning of Training
With the first rays of dawn the next day, Vera met Ava in the training grounds. The earth was still damp from the night's rain, and the air was fresh, yet carried the sharp chill of morning.
Ava stood before her with an imposing presence, her sharp eyes watching the eager child who stood before her, waiting for instructions.
"Listen carefully, Vera… this is not a game, and I will not go easy on you. Don't tell me you're tired or that you can't go on—you asked for this. If you say those words, it means you don't have what it takes to become a warrior, and I won't waste my time on you. Understood?"
Vera nodded firmly. There was no room for retreat now.
Ava began explaining the basics:
"Fighting is not just about physical strength—it's about balance, speed, and precision. Every move you make must be calculated. First, we must train your body, because a weak fighter has no place in battle."
She then ordered Vera to run ten laps around the grounds. But Vera had not expected running to be this harsh. The uneven terrain forced her to struggle against the mud and stones, yet she did not stop. Afterward, she had to hop on one leg for long distances, perform push-ups, pull herself up using a rope tied to a tree, and then navigate an obstacle course—jumping over fallen logs, rolling under low barriers, and climbing swiftly without hesitation.
Hours passed, and Vera's breath grew heavy. Sweat poured from her, but her eyes still shone with unwavering determination. She did not complain, despite the pain in her body.
Ava smirked in satisfaction and said:
"Well done… but this is just the beginning."
The Levels of Body Refinement
Two months of grueling training passed, but her passion never faded.
One night, after an exhausting session, Vera sat beneath a tree, panting from exhaustion. Yet, she did not think of giving up. She looked at Ava, who was watching her in silence, and asked:
"I want to know… how far can I go? What stages must I pass?"
Ava sat beside her, taking a deep breath before she began explaining:
"There are seven levels of body refinement. The higher you climb, the stronger, more resilient, and deadlier you become. But only a few ever reach the upper stages. Listen carefully, Vera."
1.Beginner Body
"This is the first level, where the body becomes slightly stronger than that of an average human. You won't have extraordinary abilities, but you will be faster, tougher, and more enduring than normal people."
Vera nodded, finding it simple compared to what she had imagined.
2.Enhanced Body
"Here, true power begins to emerge. Your speed increases significantly, your resistance to injuries grows, and your fighting abilities improve drastically."
Vera's eyes lit up with excitement.
"That sounds amazing! When will I reach it?"
Ava chuckled.
"You have to prove yourself first."
3.Iron Body
"At this level, your skin and bones harden. You can withstand powerful blows and recover from injuries more quickly."
Vera's excitement grew, but she noticed that Ava hadn't mentioned herself in this category. She asked directly:
"And what about you? What level are you at?"
Ava smiled but did not answer immediately. Instead, she continued her explanation.
4.Chaotic Body
"This is the level reached by the sect's core commanders. Only twelve people in our sect have achieved it."
She then placed a hand on her chest and smiled proudly.
"And I am one of them."
Vera's eyes widened in shock before she gasped:
"Really?! That's incredible!"
Ava laughed before continuing.
5.horizon Body
"Only the sect leader has reached this level, and his right-hand man is still struggling to attain it."
Vera's admiration deepened.
"It sounds like a legend..."
6.Overwhelming Body
"There are only rumors of someone reaching this level. No one knows if the story is true or where they might be."
Vera was silent for a moment before whispering:
"That's… unbelievable..."
7.Collapse/Rebirth Body
"This is the mythical stage, with no proof that anyone has ever reached it—not even in ancient tales."
Vera looked at her small hands and asked:
"Is it really possible for someone to reach that level?"
Ava gave her a mysterious smile.
"No one knows… but if you want to test your limits, you must walk this path yourself."
Then, meeting Vera's determined gaze, she asked:
"So, are you ready to begin your journey to the Enhanced Body?"
Vera stood up instantly, answering without hesitation:
"Of course! I won't stop until I reach the furthest point possible!"
Ava chuckled and patted her head.
"We'll see… but first, you have a lot of training ahead."
And so, a new chapter in Vera's life began—a long journey filled with trials. She did not know where it would end, but she was sure of one thing:
She would never stop.