Right now, I was being hugged by my crying mother, her arms tight around me as she sobbed, "I'll miss you so much!" Her voice cracked with emotion, and I could feel her heartache.
My father stood by, his expression stern, but I could see the deep concern in his eyes. He handed me some money—100 million credits—just another part of the family's wealth. It wasn't anything special; we were rich and powerful. The credits were just pocket money for me, but it was a reminder of the privileges my family held.
I hugged my mother tightly, then my father, and finally, I pulled my younger sister into a brief but heartfelt embrace. We were leaving for Carrol City—a place where I would train, grow, and face challenges unlike any I had before. It was a bittersweet moment, leaving my family behind. But it was time.
Albert, who had been standing quietly nearby, stepped forward. He gave me a nod, as if to say that he was ready to accompany me. His presence, like always, was calm and steady. Albert wasn't just any bodyguard—he was a former assassin from the Shadow Rogue faction, known for their elite stealth skills and unmatchable efficiency. His old, battle-worn body had the hardened air of someone who'd lived through countless missions.
Though he had aged, his power was unmistakable.
With him by my side, I felt a sense of security. No one would dare harm me. Albert had fought countless battles, and even at over 200 years old, his experience and strength were unparalleled. The fact that he had chosen to serve as my personal protector was a testament to his loyalty and skill.
We boarded the train to Carrol City, and since it would take over 12 hours to reach, I decided to use the time to train. The Supreme Combat Exercise was a rigorous method I had been practicing, one that didn't require sitting cross-legged or meditating. Instead, it demanded that the body move constantly, pushing it beyond its limits.
I had to keep my body in motion, pushing through pain, exhaustion, and the strain of every muscle. Each step felt heavier as my body began to ache. The exercise wasn't just physical; it was mental as well. It was a test of endurance, of willpower.
I focused on my breath, my movements, syncing them with each step I took. My body resisted, aching with every muscle fiber, as though it was being tested and pushed to the brink. My legs felt like they were made of lead, and yet, I refused to stop.
I could feel the exhaustion creeping up on me, my body begging me to give in. But I pushed through. I refused to let my mind take control over my willpower.
Every time I thought I couldn't go on, my mental fortitude grew stronger, reminding me that I could endure, I could overcome.
It felt like a battle with myself—a constant war to keep moving forward. But I didn't stop.
The Supreme Combat Exercise was no simple training regimen. It consisted of 24 moves—each designed to be a blend of offense and defense, testing the limits of both the body and the mind. But there was something more to it. As you practiced each move, small amounts of mana were gradually absorbed into your cells, strengthening your body in ways that traditional training never could.
However, this came with a severe price.
From what I'd read on the Web, those who had truly mastered the Supreme Combat Exercise spoke of it in hushed tones. They didn't describe the exercise as something you learned. They spoke of it as something you endured—a relentless, excruciating process where pain didn't just accompany each move; it intensified with every repetition.
The first few moves were bearable, but with each additional movement, the pain became more unbearable. The body screamed in protest. Muscles burned. Bones cracked. And yet, if you pushed through the agony, the reward was undeniable: your body became stronger, your endurance increased, and the mana infused into your body made you more powerful than any normal human.
I could feel the first twinge of pain as I moved through the basic sequences. It was small at first, almost ignorable. But I knew better than to let my guard down. Each move that followed would bring me closer to the true test of my limits.
As I continued, the pain sharpened, crawling through my muscles like fire. My body felt like it was being torn apart and remade with every motion. It was as if I were fighting my own flesh.
I clenched my teeth, refusing to stop. I had no choice. This was the path to power, and I had already made the decision to walk it, no matter the cost.
The Supreme Combat Exercise wasn't just about physical movement. It was a cycle—one that demanded the creation of seals after completing 24 circulations. Each seal was a symbol of progression, a mark of having completed one full cycle of offense and defense. And each seal carried its own significance, each one tying directly into the power I will gain.
Though creating the seals was a distant dream right now, I was determined to push through. I had just reached the 21st cycle, but my body wasn't responding the way it should. The movements felt sluggish, my limbs stiff and uncooperative. Every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but I refused to stop. I had to keep going.
As I attempted to complete the cycle, I collapsed to the floor with a thud, exhaustion finally taking its toll. My vision blurred, and everything around me seemed to spin. Albert appeared at the doorway, his voice calm but with a hint of concern.
"Young master, you've reached the 21st cycle… but you need to rest," he said, his stern face softening just a little as he approached me.
I nodded, too exhausted to speak, and he laid me gently on the bed.
"Even I barely managed to complete the 13th move the first time," Albert continued with a small smile, though his expression remained serious. "But you're pushing yourself hard. You've already gone far beyond what most would expect."