📖 Chapter 34: The Path to Strength
The night had ended.
But for him—
Everything had just begun.
He sat alone.
Back against a broken wall.
Body aching.
Breathing uneven.
His hands trembled slightly.
Not from fear—
But from what he felt.
That power.
"It was real…"
Not imagination.
Not luck.
Something inside him had awakened.
But it wasn't complete.
He clenched his fist.
"I couldn't control it…"
The memory replayed in his mind—
That moment of strength.
That moment he pushed the enemy back.
And then—
Loss of control.
Pain.
Weakness.
His jaw tightened.
"If I had control…"
Things would've been different.
He slowly stood up.
His body protested—
But he ignored it.
"I can't stay like this."
The world wasn't safe.
Not anymore.
Two enemies.
Both stronger.
Both watching.
That meant one thing—
They would come again.
And next time—
They wouldn't leave.
His eyes sharpened.
"I need power."
Not just power—
Control.
Morning light spread across the city.
But it didn't feel peaceful.
People were still talking about the attack.
Fear in their voices.
Uncertainty in their eyes.
He walked through the streets.
Quiet.
Focused.
For the first time—
He wasn't looking down.
Something had changed in him.
A direction.
A purpose.
He stopped in front of a building.
Old.
But different.
He had heard about this place before.
A place where people learned to fight.
To control their power.
A place for those who wanted to become stronger.
His heart beat faster.
"This is it…"
He stepped forward.
But before he could enter—
A voice stopped him.
"You shouldn't be here."
He turned.
A man stood behind him.
Calm.
Serious.
Eyes sharp.
Not normal.
Strong.
"This place isn't for the weak," the man said.
Silence.
Then—
He replied:
"Then I'll stop being weak."
The man stared at him.
For a moment—
No words.
Then—
A slight change in expression.
Interest.
"Everyone says that," the man replied.
"Few prove it."
He stepped closer.
The pressure around him increased.
"Why should I let you in?"
No hesitation.
"Because I don't have another choice."
Silence.
The wind passed between them.
Then—
The man smiled faintly.
"Good answer."
He turned.
"Follow me."
His eyes widened slightly.
That was it?
He didn't question it.
He followed.
Step by step.
Into the unknown.
Inside—
The atmosphere was different.
Heavy.
Focused.
Dangerous.
People trained.
Fought.
Pushed their limits.
This was a different world.
A world of strength.
The man stopped.
"If you want to stay here…"
He turned slightly.
"…you'll have to survive."
Survive?
Before he could react—
BOOM!
A sudden attack came from the side.
Fast.
Unexpected.
His instincts reacted.
He barely dodged.
Shock filled his eyes.
"What—?!"
A boy stood there.
Same age.
But completely different presence.
Confident.
Strong.
"New one, huh?" the boy smirked.
No warning.
He attacked again.
Faster.
Stronger.
This wasn't training.
This was a test.
He raised his guard.
This time—
He didn't freeze.
Didn't run.
His eyes sharpened.
"If this is what it takes…"
The energy inside him flickered again.
Faint—
But responding.
"…then I'll fight."
The two rushed toward each other.
Collision inevitable.
And in that moment—
A new battle began.
🔥 End of Chapter 34