บท 53: Hardcore
The village, nestled amidst serene landscapes, welcomed them back with open arms after a few arduous days of training and failed transformations.
Amidst the returning crowd, Sun stood tall, his eyes ablaze with an unwavering determination.
His spirit refused to be dampened by the setback; instead, it burned brighter, fueled by an inner fire urging him to seek guidance from his revered teacher.
A soft knock reverberated through the sturdy wooden door of the elder's chamber, its echoes dissipating into the silence.
With a gentle invitation, the elder's voice carried warmth and wisdom, beckoning the visitor inside.
As the door swung open, revealing the hallowed space within, Ian stepped forward, his eyes carrying a weight that demanded attention.
"Elder," Ian spoke with a tone that blended respect and concern, his words an invitation to share a burden.
His voice held a tinge of vulnerability, belying the strength that lay beneath the surface.
The elder, seated upon a weathered chair, motioned for Ian to join him. The room breathed with the essence of ancient knowledge, the air heavy with the scent of dried herbs and fading memories.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting gentle patterns upon the timeworn tapestries that adorned the walls.
Taking his place opposite the elder, Ian's posture conveyed a sense of urgency and determination.
He leaned forward, his eyes searching the elder's face for understanding, his voice carrying the weight of unspoken worries.
"I have something of great importance to discuss with you," Ian began, his words dancing delicately between the lines.
His voice, a blend of empathy and concern, sought solace in the elder's wisdom.
The elder's eyes met Ian's gaze, a flicker of comprehension shimmering within their depths. Wrinkles etched on his face told tales of a lifetime spent in contemplation and guidance.
He spoke with a measured tone, his voice a soothing balm amidst the turbulent emotions that enveloped the conversation.
"What troubles you, Ian?" the elder inquired, his words akin to a gentle caress that assuaged a weary soul.
His posture exuded patience, an invitation for Ian to unburden himself.
Ian's response held a nuanced vulnerability, a vulnerability that spoke of Sun's internal struggle. His voice carried a mix of tenderness and urgency, the weight of his student's unfulfilled desires resonating with each carefully chosen word.
"Sun... he is unable to transform," Ian confessed, his voice tinged with empathy.
"The realization weighs heavily upon him, threatening to shatter the dreams he holds so dear. He yearns for strength, to harness the dormant power within him."
The elder nodded, his gaze steady and understanding, the creases on his brow mirroring the complexity of the situation.
"While your efforts to shield him from this burden are commendable," the elder responded, his voice a gentle ripple in the stillness,
"it is crucial to recognize that his struggles go beyond mere distractions. This is a battle fought within his very essence, one that threatens to eclipse his purpose."
Ian's voice trembled with a mix of apprehension and excitement as he conveyed Sun's heartfelt request to the elder.
Their conversation held an air of intimacy, a sacred trust shared only by those who truly understood Sun's desires.
"Sun... he came to me, seeking solitude in his training," Ian began, his words laced with a sense of responsibility.
The weight of Sun's trust settled upon his shoulders, grounding him in the gravity of the task ahead.
The elder, his eyes filled with both curiosity and empathy, leaned forward, inviting Ian to reveal more.
His weathered face mirrored the lines etched upon the scrolls that lined his study, bearing witness to the wisdom and compassion that resided within.
"Why don't you do it then?" the elder suggested, his voice a gentle invitation to embrace this opportunity.
Ian's gaze met the elder's, a flicker of uncertainty clouding his eyes.
He mustered the courage to confess Sun's additional condition, his voice a delicate dance of hesitation and determination.
"The thing is, he wishes to train alone with me for at least a year," Ian revealed, his words imbued with both awe and concern.
The magnitude of Sun's commitment struck a chord within him, hinting at the depths of his student's resolve.
"A year?" the elder repeated, his voice tinged with both surprise and admiration.
He marveled at Sun's unwavering dedication, recognizing the profound significance of this self-imposed seclusion.
"He wants to embark on a journey of self-improvement," Ian continued, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and trepidation.
"And if you are willing, I believe he would be open to your visits during that time."
The elder's eyes softened, the light of understanding glimmering within them.
He acknowledged the delicate balance between respecting Sun's solitude and supporting his growth. His response carried an air of respect and deference.
"No, I wouldn't want to interrupt him by visiting," the elder replied, his words a tender acknowledgement of Sun's chosen path.
He recognized the importance of allowing Sun the space he sought, to delve deep into his own potential without external distractions.
Ian's heart swelled with gratitude, his voice echoing with appreciation.
"Then can we start by today?" he asked, the eagerness in his voice tinged with a hint of anxiety. The responsibility of guiding Sun on this solitary path weighed heavily upon him.
The elder's gaze met Ian's, a mix of wisdom and reassurance shining through.
He understood the gravity of the decision, recognizing that it was not only Ian's responsibility but also a testament to their shared commitment to Sun's happiness.
"If today is what he wants, then you should honor his wishes," the elder declared, his voice carrying the weight of experience.
"After all, true happiness lies in the pursuit of one's dreams."
Ian nodded, a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty swirling within him.
"He sure will be," the elder concluded with a gentle smile, the sentiment reaching beyond his words.
It was a silent affirmation of faith, a belief in Sun's resilience and determination.
The lakeside embraced Ian and Sun with its serene beauty, nature's gentle whispers resonating through the air.
They settled onto the soft earth, the ground beneath them offering a sense of stability and connection to the earth's pulse.
The water shimmered with a tranquil grace, mirroring the emotions that danced between the two.
"So, we are going to train alone for a month," Sun declared, his voice tinged with a mixture of determination and excitement.
He longed to delve into the depths of his potential, to carve his own path towards growth and strength.
Ian's response carried a surprising revelation, his voice laced with a blend of surprise and anticipation.
"Sun, I spoke with your grandfather, and he has given us a year to train alone," he confessed. The weight of his words hung in the air, a testament to the faith and support that resided within Sun's grandpa.
Sun's eyes widened, his breath catching in his chest.
The magnitude of his grandfather's gesture left him momentarily speechless.
The silence whispered volumes, revealing his deep-seated disbelief mingled with a glimmer of gratitude.
"He did that? I mean, I can't believe it," Sun finally stammered, his voice carrying a mix of astonishment and awe.
Ian nodded, a knowing smile gracing his lips.
"You will come to know that he has indeed given us a year," he assured Sun, the words dripping with both certainty and anticipation.
"He will not even come while we train for a year," Ian continued, his voice a gentle reminder of the solitude that awaited them.
The absence of Sun's grandfather during this time was a testament to the trust and belief he had placed in their training. It carried both the weight of responsibility and the freedom.
Sun's brow furrowed in surprise, a mix of emotions flickering across his face.
"I am surprised... I mean, even when I was training for a month or so, my grandpa used to visit once in a while," he confessed, the realization sinking in.
Ian nodded, his eyes filled with understanding.
"Then you must know how he has hope for you, right?" he asked softly, his voice brimming with warmth.
It was an invitation for Sun to recognize the unwavering belief and love that his grandfather held within his heart.
Sun's gaze met Ian's, a mix of gratitude and determination shining through.
He nodded slowly, the weight of his grandfather's hope settling upon him.
Emotions welled within his chest, a mixture of humility, responsibility, and an overwhelming desire to honor the faith placed in him.
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