Chapter 54: Destroy What Birthed You..
"He is doing all this just for you to become strong, so don't betray his hope," Ian's voice carried a weight of solemnity, his words laced with a mixture of concern and expectation.
The sun cast long shadows upon the ground, mirroring the gravity of their conversation.
Sun's gaze met Ian's, a fire burning within his eyes. "I will," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
The unspoken promise hung in the air, a testament to his resolve to honor not only his grandfather's hope but also his own burning desire for strength.
"And yeah, your friends, they know about it as well," Ian continued, his voice brimming with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
The bond between Sun and his friends ran deep, their support serving as a pillar upon which he could lean in times of challenge.
"Yeah, I told them as well," Sun confirmed, his voice tinged with gratitude.
The unspoken connection he shared with his friends, the trust they held in each other, fortified his spirit and fueled his determination.
With a gentle nod, Ian excused himself, his footsteps fading into the distance.
Time seemed to stretch as Sun engaged in solitary training, his muscles flexing with each movement.
He stretched, reaching for the limits of his body and mind, pushing beyond the boundaries of comfort.
An hour passed, the sun's rays shifting across the landscape.
As Sun continued his self-imposed regimen, his gaze wandered, searching for Ian's return. The anticipation hummed through his veins, mingling with the sweat upon his brow.
Finally, the teacher reappeared, carrying a weighty burden in his arms. A boulder, rough and rugged, gripped by hands weathered by time and dedication.
A moment of disbelief washed over Sun, his voice faltering as he stuttered in awe. "Wait... wait, is... is this the stone from the top of the mountains?" The boulder's sheer size and rugged texture hinted at its origin, evoking a sense of reverence within him.
Ian, his face etched with a hint of a knowing smile, nodded in confirmation. "Where do you think I found this from, then?" he replied, his voice carrying a sense of mystery and adventure.
His eyes sparkled with the secrets hidden within the stone, a testament to his dedication to Sun's growth.
Sun's breath caught in his throat, a realization dawning upon him. "Ah, you might not know it, but Teacher, I was born from this stone," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mixture of vulnerability and pride.
The connection he felt to the boulder ran deep, an unspoken bond between him and the raw power it represented.
Ian's gaze softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "So," he began, his voice gentle yet purposeful, inviting Sun to explore the depths of his own question.
He recognized the significance of this realization, the profound impact it held on Sun's journey.
"I mean, what are we doing with it?" Sun pressed, his voice trembling with anticipation and curiosity.
The weight of the stone stirred a mix of emotions within him, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty and possibility.
A wry smile danced upon Ian's lips as he locked eyes with Sun.
"You are gonna punch this until there is no more," he declared, his voice firm and resolute.
Sun's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and determination flickering within them. "What?" he exclaimed, his voice a blend of disbelief.
"You heard me," Ian replied, his words ringing with both conviction and encouragement.
Sun stood before the imposing boulder, his hands trembling as he reached out to touch its weathered surface.
Fingertips grazed the rough contours, tracing the scars etched into the stone, and a rush of memories flooded his mind.
His eyes closed, shutting out the present, as he delved deep into the recesses of his past.
Within the darkness of closed lids, fragments of memories materialized, like shards of a shattered mirror.
He relived the day he emerged into this world, cocooned within the very heart of the boulder. The sound of cracking stone resonated in his mind, intermingling with the rhythmic beat of his own heart.
He had shattered the confines of his rocky prison, emerging into a new existence.
Visions cascaded through his consciousness, painting vivid images of the lakeside before him. The serenity of its waters mirrored the tranquility he had found within this sacred place.
Memories of encounters with Draydon, the day they first crossed paths and the subsequent bond they formed, flooded his thoughts like a torrential downpour.
The connection they shared was unbreakable, woven into the very fabric of his being.
As Sun's fingers lingered on the boulder, the essence of his grandfather's presence danced through his veins.
Images of the old man's weathered face, etched with lines of wisdom and love, filled his mind's eye.
He recalled their conversations, their laughter, and the unspoken support that flowed between them like an unbreakable thread.
Yet, beyond these tangible memories, something else stirred within Sun's being. In the depths of his touch, he sensed a flicker of familiarity, a connection to a life before this one.
Whispers from a past existence floated to the surface of his consciousness, like fragments of a dream that eluded grasp.
A peculiar sense of kinship with a mysterious monkey permeated his thoughts, leaving him with more questions than answers.
With a gentle inhale, Sun's eyes fluttered open, revealing a mixture of awe and bewilderment.
His hand, once connected to the boulder's surface, was now intercepted by the firm grip of Ian's hand.
As Ian led Sun's hand towards the boulder,
"I said to punch, not to make love," Ian's voice cut through the air, laced with frustration and impatience.
Sun's hand froze in mid-air, his fingers trembling, as if caught in the act of betrayal.
"But teacher, this boulder..." Sun's voice wavered, a mixture of reverence and defiance woven within his words.
His gaze fixated on the majestic rock, as if it held secrets untold.
Ian's eyes narrowed, his tone growing harsh. "Sun, if you cared about every little thing, then don't dream about becoming the strongest.
You might as well be a farmer like the rest of them, cherishing this stupid stone in the solitude of your room, touching it as much as you want."
Sun's voice quivered with determination. "This stone is literally me, teacher. It has shaped me, molded me.
It is like a mother to me." He yearned to convey the depth of his connection, the significance this boulder held in his journey of self-discovery.
Ian's gaze hardened, disbelief etched across his face. He studied Sun, searching for a sign of understanding.
"Does this..." His eyes shifted to the boulder, a silent challenge in his gaze. "This thing, does it look like a living thing to you? No, right? Then start doing it."
Sun's hesitation lingered, uncertainty warring with his resolve. As Ian began packing their belongings, a sense of finality hung in the air.
The weight of disappointment threatened to shatter Sun's spirit.
"Teacher?" Sun's voice trembled, a plea for another chance. His eyes locked on Ian's retreating figure, panic seizing his heart.
The prospect of losing this opportunity to prove himself, to embrace his destiny, was unbearable.
"Let's go back. I knew that you don't have what it takes to be the strongest. What was I actually thinking, training you alone while those other three strive for greatness on their own? They have a better chance of becoming the strongest than you," Ian's words echoed with a biting sting.
Sun's voice quivered, desperation lacing his plea. "Wait... I... I will do it, teacher. Please, give me another chance." His words hung in the air, a fervent promise laced with a newfound determination.
The thought of giving up on his dreams, of settling for mediocrity, seared his soul.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone