"In this world, strength is not a gift… it is the price one pays to stay alive."
"Kara is the life energy that flows through all things. Some shape it to create, others to destroy… but all depend on it to survive."
"When the breath of Kara fades, the heart stops beating, and the soul disappears into the eternal shadow."
The cool morning air swept through the Stellar Zenith hideout, caressing the wooden roofs and the stones worn by generations of training. The morning mist enveloped the hill of Kazemori, while Adams stood straight before the three apprentices, his piercing gaze scrutinizing each of them.
Adams:
"Today, you will learn a simple truth: before you master Kara, you must master your body."
A light wind kicked up a cloud of dust under his boots.
"Three trials. Push-ups. Pull-ups. A run up the hill. Timed and observed. No Kara. Only your will and your muscles. Show me what you're made of."
Danky scoffed, patting his biceps as if to give himself courage.
"Easy! We'll knock this out and I'll wait for you at the top."
Diana, her gaze on the ground, took a deep breath.
"I… I'll do my best."
Raizen clenched his fists. His heart beat fast, not with fear, but with contained excitement. A flame burned behind his tired eyes.
"I will hold on… no matter the cost."
Adams nodded: "Very well. We begin."
They lay down on the stone esplanade, their hands anchored to the ground. Adams stood a few meters away, watching them attentively.
Adams:
"Push-ups. Straight back, arms extended, steady rhythm. No cheating. Focus."
Adams called out: "Begin."
The ground vibrated under Danky, his push-ups slamming like hammer blows. Diana followed with a precise, almost elegant rhythm. Raizen, for his part, started slowly… too slowly. His breath became ragged, his arms trembled. Yet, his movements remained perfect: no curved back, no cheating. Even exhausted, he maintained impeccable technique, forcing Adams to narrow his eyes, intrigued.
When Adams signaled to stop after several sets, he noted the ranking:
"Danky, first. Diana, second. Raizen… last."
Danky raised his arms to the sky, breathing out a "perfect."
Raizen blinked, a little shocked:
"So I'm last… but I held on without breaking my form. Diana is much more resilient than she looks," he thought.
Diana looked down with a joyful smile.
Adams, arms crossed, remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Raizen. He pushes his body beyond its limits. This boy has raw endurance… but he doesn't yet know when to strike.
(Next Stage)
They moved towards the massive wooden bar, fixed to the central structure of the hideout.
Adams:
"Pull-ups. Until your arms scream. Whoever falls starts over."
"Bar. Each pull-up must be complete. Those who fall start over. Breathing and control. No impulsiveness."
Danky jumped onto the bar, his muscles tense and powerful. Adams noted: He learns fast, but his excess strength could burn him out.
Diana climbed up cautiously, with regularity and technique. Adams thought: She is shy, but her body obeys perfectly. A silent but formidable student.
Raizen forced himself, panting, clenching his fingers on the wood. Why can't I do it as fast… I have to do better…
Ranking after 1 hour: Danky first, Diana second, Raizen last.
Raizen felt a mixture of admiration and frustration for Diana and Danky.
Adams, silent, observed: Raizen has heart, but he must learn to channel his frustration instead of letting it slow him down.
Adams stopped in front of them, arms crossed.
"Do you think I learned Kara on my first day?" His voice grew deep. "My master left me in the mountains for three nights, without fire or water. I thought I would die twice before I understood: strength is about surviving yourself, first and foremost."
Adams had them line up at the starting line, the hill of Kazemori rising before them, slightly damp with dew.
"Hill. Climb to the top. Endurance and rhythm. No Kara. Listen to your body."
Adams watched attentively from a slight ledge.
Danky took off, powerful, each stride a thunderclap.
Diana followed, measured and steady, her legs seeming to speak for themselves. Adams noted: Her consistency is impressive for her age and stature.
Raizen:
"The final trial… my whole life has been a chase… I can't afford to lose this race."
He launched himself, even in sweat, pushing his body beyond exhaustion. His ragged breath echoed in the mist. With each step, he seemed ready to collapse… but his gaze never wavered.
Danky:
"He's doing pretty well in the race, unlike the two previous trials, but I'm still on top."
Raizen: (with a determined look)
"This is not the time to give up… I can win."
The race became tough. Raizen and Danky were side by side, trying to overtake each other despite the natural obstacles. Diana didn't seem concerned but was as close to them as a shadow.
Adams:
"Interesting… they manage to cross and dodge the natural traps of the forest on this hill, and the most amazing thing is that they do it without even realizing it."
After a long moment of tension, the final verdict finally came, and this time the winner was: Danky, followed by Raizen, then Diana.
Raizen, red and breathless, smiled nonetheless as he looked at Diana.
"I… I didn't think a girl… could be so resilient."
Diana smiled shyly:
"I didn't think you were so fast."
Danky burst out in a sincere laugh.
"Seriously! I'm exhausted… you guys did great. Even you, Raizen… you've got tough legs, my friend."
Raizen: (smiling)
"You took all the victories… next time they'll be mine, Danky."
Danky:
"Yeah, right… keep dreaming, Raizen." With a big smile.
Adams, in a deep and firm voice:
"I congratulate you for holding on. Today, you have understood this: power comes from the body and the will. Kara will come later. But without a solid body, even the greatest Stellar Zenith will collapse."
"This is how a Stellar Zenith begins. You fall? You get back up. You refuse to give in. Today, it is your body that learns. Tomorrow, your Kara will do the rest."
Meanwhile, on Hana's side, she is seen leaving the house. She looks up at the sky, looking worried.
Hana: (pensive, worried)
"It's already well past noon… and the sun will soon set. I hope everything went well for them."
As she is about to go back inside, a female voice calls her from a distance. She immediately recognizes Diana.
Hana turns around… but what first catches her eye is a face contorted by pressure rushing straight towards her: it was Danky, closely followed by Raizen. A little further behind, Diana and Adams were walking calmly, as if nothing was wrong.
Before Hana had time to react, the two boys sped past her.
Hana: (bewildered)
"Uh… okay?"
Diana:
"Hey, Hana, are you alright?"
Hana:
"Hi, Diana. I see you've finally finished."
Adams:
"Yes, they did quite well… even the new one."
Hana:
"Oh, glad to hear it! But… can you explain why they seemed in such a hurry?"
Diana: (embarrassed but teasing)
"Well… let's just say they probably have an appointment with… the restroom."
Hana: (sighing, amused)
"Ah… I see."
Adams:
"Well, that's not all, but I'll leave you to it. Oh, and Diana, don't forget to tell the others: tomorrow we start at dawn. No being late."
With those words, Adams calmly resumed his path towards his duties.
END OF CHAPTER 9