Chapter 12: Limitation
As the elder stepped outside, a gentle breeze caressed his face, carrying with it a sense of tranquility.
He glanced back at the dimly lit room, his grandson's struggles weighing heavily on his heart.
In that moment, beneath the starry night sky, he made a silent promise to be a guiding light, an unwavering presence for Sun as he navigated the depths of his own emotions.
"Draydon, it's me," the elder's voice resonated through the quiet night air.
Draydon turned, surprise flickering in his eyes as he met the elder's gaze.
"Oh elder, you didn't have to come," he replied, a mix of gratitude and concern lacing his words. "I could have come tomorrow morning... So, is Sun sleeping?"
The elder's face softened, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"Not yet," he responded, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
"He enjoyed the food immensely after I cooked him a home-cooked meal. It has been a month, you know," he chuckled, a glimmer of joy shining in his eyes.
Draydon matched his smile, an echo of happiness dancing across his features.
"It's been a while since he had a proper home-cooked meal. I am overjoyed to see him relish it."
As they continued their stroll, the elder settled on the ground, and Draydon followed suit, the soft grass beneath them offering a sense of comfort and tranquility.
"So, how was the training with the other kids?" the elder inquired, his eyes wandering to the starlit sky above.
Draydon took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his words flowing with a mix of pride and admiration.
"Oh, it was good," he began, his voice carrying a note of excitement.
"Ethan, the eldest, possesses natural strength that sets him apart. Cato, on the other hand, showcases a remarkable combination of strength and intellect, much like his father. As for Isaac, he initially struggled to fully commit to the training, but I managed to ignite his motivation, and he eventually embraced the challenge."
The elder listened attentively, his eyes glimmering with interest. Then, Draydon's voice shifted, carrying a weight of significance.
"And Sun... he is strong, very strong," Draydon revealed, his words laced with awe.
The elder's response betrayed surprise, and he shifted his gaze from the stars to Draydon, curiosity etched upon his features.
"Oh, I am surprised," the elder remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of intrigue and pride.
As his eyes met Draydon's, their shared appreciation for Sun's strength became evident, silently acknowledging the depth of their connection and the profound impact Sun had on their lives.
Above them, the stars twinkled in silent affirmation, a celestial backdrop to their unspoken bond.
The elder's gaze lingered on Draydon, a mixture of surprise and concern etched across his face.
"I mean, it is his first time training, so..." Draydon trailed off, his voice filled with uncertainty. The elder's eyebrows furrowed, sensing that there was something more to be revealed.
"Wait, what?" he inquired, his tone tinged with intrigue.
Draydon took a deep breath before continuing.
"It was his first time undergoing training. I thought you had trained him before," he admitted, his words infused with a hint of disbelief.
The elder's eyes widened in realization, a mix of astonishment and anticipation dancing in his gaze.
"Why do you say that? Is it what I'm thinking?" he probed, his curiosity piqued.
With a nod, Draydon confirmed the elder's suspicions.
"Oh yes, he is exceptionally strong. If what you're thinking is true, then he is bound to surpass Ethan in no time," he confessed, a proud smile spreading across his face.
The elder's own smile mirrored Draydon's, pride radiating from him like a gentle glow.
However, Draydon's expression turned thoughtful, his brows knitting together.
"But I don't know why... Sun seems to be the loner among the students. While the others have quickly formed friendships and are chatting away, he remains distant and unwilling to engage. He rarely smiles," Draydon lamented, a tinge of concern lacing his words.
The elder remained silent, his gaze fixed on Draydon, his expression unreadable. Sensing Draydon's unease, he reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Draydon, I understand your worries," the elder spoke softly, his voice carrying reassurance.
"Being a teacher is not an easy role, especially when it brings back memories of your past."
Draydon's eyes lowered, his gaze fixed on the ground, his voice tinged with self-doubt.
"Elder, I still question my capability as a teacher. I scold them frequently and even resort to physical discipline when they lack effort or display laziness. I don't know... Sometimes, it feels like I'm trapped in the echoes of my own past," he confessed, his words heavy with vulnerability.
The elder's gaze remained steadfast, his expression a mix of understanding and wisdom. He knew the weight of Draydon's inner turmoil and the ghosts that haunted him.
"Draydon, teaching is a journey of growth, not just for the students but also for the teacher," the elder began, his voice gentle yet firm.
"It is in your hands to shape and guide them, to instill not only strength but also compassion and resilience. You have the power to break the cycle of your past."
"Draydon, look at the stars," the elder beckoned, his voice gentle yet commanding. Draydon's gaze followed the elder's gesture, and his eyes met the twinkling canvas above.
"Isn't it beautiful?" the elder mused, a touch of wonder in his voice.
Draydon nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the night sky.
The stars shimmered, casting a celestial glow upon the world below. "Oh yes, it is," Draydon replied softly, his voice carrying a mixture of awe and introspection.
The elder turned his attention from the stars to Draydon, his eyes filled with wisdom earned through countless experiences.
"Our lives are brief and trivial," he spoke, his tone laced with both melancholy and acceptance.
"I used to be afraid as well, uncertain of how I could become a proper elder capable of overseeing this land after all that had transpired."
A heavy sigh escaped the elder's lips, carrying the weight of past struggles and doubts.
"I was afraid," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But still, I pressed on. And in the end, I found a way to fulfill my duty."
Draydon listened intently, his heart stirring with a mix of curiosity and longing for guidance.
The elder's words resonated deep within him, touching the tender places where fear and uncertainty had taken root.
"Draydon, I know that you, too, carry fears," the elder continued, his gaze unwavering.
"These fears are remnants of what has happened in your past, and you must find a way to release them. Embrace the present and let go of the burdens that hold you back."
Draydon's gaze remained downcast, his eyes locked on the ground.
The weight of his past mistakes and regrets seemed to crush his spirit, making it difficult to lift his head.
"There is always something to be learned from our mistakes," the elder spoke softly, his words imbued with empathy.
"Only when we acknowledge and understand the lessons they offer can we break free from the cycle of repetition. Until then, the same mistakes will continue to haunt us."
Draydon slowly raised his head, meeting the elder's unwavering gaze. The elder's words, though challenging, held a seed of hope.
In that moment, Draydon felt a flicker of courage ignite within him—a glimmer of possibility that he could transcend the shadows of his past.
In the silent company of the elder, Draydon found solace beneath the twinkling celestial canopy.
Together, they sat side by side, their gazes fixed upon the shimmering stars that adorned the vast canvas of the night sky.
Words remained unspoken, yet their shared presence spoke volumes, each moment pregnant with unvoiced emotions and unexplored depths.
In the confines of his room, Sun stood before the closed window, a hesitant figure caught between longing and trepidation.
His hand, driven by an inner yearning, ventured tentatively towards the window, fingers outstretched as if seeking connection with the unseen world outside.
But as his hand hovered in the air, a conflict waged within him, an inner dialogue of uncertainty and caution.
The window, an emblem of possibility and liberation, stood before him like a silent sentinel.
It held the promise of unknown horizons, the allure of a realm waiting to be discovered. Yet, the weight of hesitation, the echoes of past experiences, threatened to hold him back.
Like a dancer caught between two opposing forces, Sun's hand hesitated, fingers trembling, caught in the delicate balance between curiosity and fear.
A sigh escaped his lips, carrying with it the weight of unspoken contemplation.
The window remained sealed, preserving the boundaries that separated him from the mysteries that lay beyond.
Accepting the current limitations, Sun turned away from the window, his steps guiding him towards the sanctuary of his bed.
There, in the comforting embrace of the sheets, he sought refuge and introspection.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone