Chapter 5 : The Legendary mentor

  The aged warrior, leaning on his wooden cane, surveyed the young faces before him. His deep-set eyes, filled with wisdom and years of experience, settled on Max. A slow smile formed on his wrinkled face as he spoke.

  "So, you must be the human boy I've heard about…"

  Max, caught off guard by the intensity of the old man’s gaze, hesitated for a moment before nodding. Jason, sensing the tension, stepped forward, his expression firm.

  "And you are…?" Jason asked.

  The elder let out a small chuckle before straightening up. Despite his war-torn appearance and the cane supporting his weight, his presence radiated strength.

  "Name’s Joe. Formerly of the Space Cops." His voice carried a weight of authority. "And as of today, I have been assigned as this boy’s mentor."

  A hush fell over the group. Max’s eyes widened in shock. His mentor? He had barely begun to process the events of the day, and now he was standing before a retired Space Cop, a warrior of legend.

  Tina exchanged a surprised glance with Jason.

  "A former Space Cop… mentoring Max?" Tina murmured.

  Joe simply nodded. "It’s no mistake. The principal made the call, and I accepted. I don’t take on students lightly, but…" He looked at Max once more. "There’s something about you, kid."

  Max lowered his gaze, feeling both honored and overwhelmed.

  Warren, crossing his arms, let out a low whistle. "Well, that’s something. Our little Max, a Space Cop apprentice?"

  Jimmy grinned. "That's awesome, Max! Looks like you’re moving up!"

  Rure, still seated and recovering from his injuries, turned toward Joe. "Sir… if I may ask, why Max? There are plenty of other talented students—"

  Joe cut him off with a wave of his hand. "No need for that, boy. Talent isn’t everything. Sometimes, it’s about something deeper. The kind of strength that can’t be measured in fights."

  Jason nodded in understanding. "That’s the kind of thinking Space Cops are known for."

  Joe reached into his pocket and pulled out a small capsule filled with a glowing, golden liquid. He turned toward Rure.

  "Before we continue—here. Catch."

  With a simple flick of his fingers, Joe tossed the capsule toward Rure. The young warrior caught it instinctively, looking at it with confusion.

  "What is this?" Rure asked.

  "A high-grade medical capsule. The best healing technology out there, refined for quick regeneration." Joe smirked. "No point in having you sitting around injured while the others are up and running."

  Rure hesitated for a moment before nodding. As soon as he ate the capsule, a warm, greenish energy spread throughout his body.

  His wounds closed instantly.

  The bruises, the cuts—every trace of damage vanished within seconds. Rure gasped, looking at his hands in awe.

  "I... I feel completely fine!" he exclaimed.

  Rure’s parents, who had been watching silently, finally spoke.

  His father stepped forward. "That kind of medicine… it’s beyond what’s usually available. You truly were a Space Cop, weren’t you?"

  Joe let out a hearty chuckle. "Retired or not, I still have my ways. And connections."

  Tina placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. "Max, this is a rare opportunity. A mentor like Joe doesn’t come often. You should take it seriously."

  Max nodded, still trying to process everything. "I will. I promise."

  Joe grinned. "Good. Because training starts soon."

  Jason, arms crossed, raised an eyebrow. "What kind of training are we talking about?"

  Joe’s smile turned sharp. "The kind that separates boys from warriors."

  A silence filled the air, and for the first time, Max felt a spark of excitement… and fear.

  Rure, still feeling the warmth of the healing capsule coursing through his body, clenched his fists. He could feel his strength returning—no, it was better than before. He looked at Joe, his eyes burning with determination.

  "Master Joe… please train me as well!" Rure suddenly declared, stepping forward.

  The group turned to him in surprise.

  Joe raised an eyebrow but didn’t look shocked. "And why should I?"

  Rure took a deep breath before answering. "Because I won’t stop until I become strong enough to protect everyone. I want to make sure that no one around me ever has to suffer!" His voice was unwavering, filled with pure conviction. "I’ve been beaten down so many times, but I never stayed down. I always got back up. I’ll do whatever it takes to grow stronger!"

  Joe watched him in silence for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. "I already knew you’d ask."

  Rure blinked. "You did?"

  Joe nodded, stroking his beard. "I’ve seen your fights. Every single one of them. Even when you lost, you stood back up. No hesitation. No fear. That kind of determination is rare."

  The tension in the air was thick as Rure waited for Joe’s response. Finally, the old warrior smirked.

  "Alright, kid. Why not? You’re in."

  Rure’s eyes widened with joy. He clenched his fists, barely able to contain his excitement.

  "Thank you, Master Joe! I won't disappoint you!" he said, bowing deeply.

  Jimmy, who had been watching the entire exchange, suddenly let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh my god… YOU TWO are going to be trained by a SPACE COP?!"

  He turned toward Max and Rure, waving his hands excitedly. "That’s crazy! You’re actually gonna learn from one of the legends!"

  Jason chuckled at Jimmy’s reaction. "Well, it’s not every day you get to be trained by someone like Joe."

  Tina smiled softly, placing a hand on Max’s shoulder. "You’ll both learn a lot. Make sure you listen carefully."

  Joe nodded, cracking his knuckles. "One hour from now. Max, Rure, meet me near the Great Tree of Heavens. Don't be late."

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  Jimmy suddenly raised his hand like a student in class. "Uh, Master Joe? Can I come too?"

  Joe gave him a questioning look. "You want to train as well?"

  Jimmy immediately shook his head. "Oh no, no, no! I’d probably die! I just want to watch! I promise I won’t disturb!"

  Joe let out a hearty laugh. "Fine, kid. You can watch. Just don’t get in the way."

  Jimmy fist-pumped. "Yes! This is going to be so cool!"

  Rure’s parents, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke up. His father smiled proudly. "Rure, I’m glad you found a master who recognizes your potential. Train well."

  His mother, however, was a bit more emotional. She walked up to Rure and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Just don’t push yourself too hard, alright? Stay safe."

  Rure nodded. "I will, Mom."

  Jason turned to Joe, arms crossed. "Make sure they don’t break on the first day."

  Joe smirked. "No promises."

  Tina sighed, but there was amusement in her expression. "At least they have a proper mentor now."

  Max, who had been quiet for a while, finally spoke. "Rure… let’s do our best."

  Rure grinned. "Yeah. Let’s get stronger together."

  With everything set, the group finally dispersed, each person heading off to prepare for what was to come. The air buzzed with anticipation—because in just an hour, Max and Rure would begin their training under a legendary Space Cop.

  And it was bound to change them forever.

  An hour had passed.

  The Great Tree of Heavens stood towering over the land, its massive trunk stretching nearly forty feet tall and 4 km wide, with roots that burrowed deep into the planet’s very core. Its bark was an intricate pattern of twisting lines, glowing faintly with a mystical golden hue, as if the very life of the world pulsed within it. The branches extended like the arms of a celestial guardian, spreading across the sky, forming a vast canopy of vibrant emerald leaves that shimmered under the light of Verdalia’s twin suns.

  The leaves weren’t ordinary. Each one sparkled, reflecting different hues depending on the time of day. At dawn, they were a soft, calming blue. By midday, they radiated a deep, rich green, and by nightfall, they glowed silver under the moonlight.

  It was said that this tree was the oldest living thing on the planet—perhaps even older than Verdalia itself. The people revered it, calling it the Heart of Verdalia, for its roots stretched across the entire world, nourishing it with an unseen force. Legends spoke of how its presence sustained the planet’s ecosystem, balancing the elements and ensuring harmony among all living beings.

  Max, upon seeing the tree, broke into a full sprint.

  “Great Tree! I’m back!” he shouted joyfully as he ran straight into its massive trunk, wrapping his arms around it in a warm embrace. He pressed his forehead against the bark, closing his eyes, as if listening to its whispers.

  "I missed you..." Max murmured with all his love. "You’re still as strong and magnificent as ever!"

  Rure blinked in disbelief before bursting into laughter. "Max, are you seriously hugging a tree?" he teased, arms crossed. "You talk to it like it's a person!"

  Max pulled back slightly, pouting at Rure. "You don’t understand, Rure. This isn’t just any tree!"

  Jimmy, standing beside Rure, tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. "Actually... Max isn’t wrong."

  Rure turned to him, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

  Jimmy adjusted his glasses. "This tree is special. It’s the one that gives life to the planet."

  Rure blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Wait, seriously?"

  Jimmy nodded. "The Great Tree of Heavens isn’t just old—it’s legendary. Its roots spread all across Verdalia, keeping the land fertile, the air clean, and even the water pure. Without it, Verdalia wouldn’t be the paradise it is today."

  Max smiled proudly. "See? That’s why I love this tree!"

  Rure scratched his head, looking up at the massive branches stretching endlessly into the sky. "Huh... I always knew it was important, but I didn’t think it was literally the heart of the planet."

  Max grinned and patted the bark. "The Great Tree listens. It’s alive in ways we don’t even understand. That’s why I talk to it."

  Jimmy crossed his arms, nodding. "Some even believe that when Verdalia is in danger, the tree will awaken and protect the planet itself. But, of course, that’s just a legend."

  Max, however, looked up at the tree with a knowing smile. "Maybe it’s not just a legend."

  The wind rustled through the leaves, making them shimmer under the sunlight, as if the tree itself acknowledged Max’s words.

  Rure let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "You really are weird, Max. But I guess that’s what makes you... you."

  Jimmy smirked. "At least now you know why this tree is so important."

  The three of them stood there in silence for a moment, simply admiring the ancient tree’s beauty. Despite their differences, they all felt something in that moment—a quiet reverence for the living giant before them.

  And then, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed behind them.

  Joe had arrived

  joe took a deep breath, gazing at Max and Rure with sharp yet calm eyes. He planted his wooden cane into the ground and nodded. "Alright, Max, Rure—let's begin your training. But before that, there's something important you need to understand."

  The two boys straightened up, their attention locked on the aged space cop. Even Jimmy, who had been standing to the side, found himself intrigued.

  Joe continued, his voice steady yet filled with wisdom. "There are two fundamental power systems in the universe—Athma and Vishwa. Mastering either of them can turn an ordinary being into a warrior beyond imagination. But the path to true power is never easy."

  Max furrowed his brows. "Athma and Vishwa?"

  Joe nodded. "Yes. Let’s start with Athma. This path is about mastering the soul. At its core, it revolves around the seven chakras. Every living being has chakras, but unlocking them is another story. Most people struggle to awaken even their first chakra. And the highest a mortal has ever reached is the fifth chakra, plus an additional fifty percent of the sixth."

  Rure’s eyes widened. "Wait, so… no one has ever unlocked the full seven chakras?"

  Joe smirked. "Correct. The sixth and seventh chakras are considered the domain of the gods. Only deities or those who surpass mortality can access them. For us, reaching even the fifth chakra is an achievement of a lifetime."

  Max folded his arms. "So, Athma is about unlocking and controlling your inner self?"

  Joe nodded. "Exactly. But there's another branch connected to Athma—Mystic Arts."

  Jimmy’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Mystic Arts? That sounds cool!"

  Joe chuckled. "It is, but not just anyone can use it. Mystic Arts require a special essence—something that is either present in your genes or imprinted onto your soul from birth. Only a very small percentage of beings have it. And within the Mystic Arts, there are various types—some allow you to bend elements, others can alter reality itself. But remember, true Mystic users are extremely rare."

  Rure clenched his fists. "So, if someone doesn't have this 'essence,' they can never use Mystic Arts?"

  Joe nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. It's something you’re either born with or not. But don’t worry, because there’s another path—the path of Vishwa."

  Max, Rure, and Jimmy leaned in slightly, eager to hear more.

  Joe looked up at the sky, as if gazing beyond the stars. "The universe is composed of three fundamental energies—Life Energy, Dark Energy, and Destruction Energy. These forces govern everything, yet they are not easily accessible. You can't just 'use' them like normal energy."

  Max tilted his head. "Then how do people access them?"

  Joe tapped his cane against the ground. "By mastering the basic levels of chakra, you can start to sense the presence of these energies. When this happens, they appear as phantom energies—remnants of their true forms. From there, you can begin to understand and connect with them, but only at a superficial level. True mastery of Vishwa energy is something that very few in the universe have ever achieved."

  Rure scratched his head. "So, first, we unlock our chakras. Then, we start sensing Vishwa energy?"

  Joe grinned. "You're catching on fast. But before we move on, there's one last thing you should know—the rarest weapons in existence, the Astra."

  Max’s eyes lit up. "Astra?"

  Joe’s expression turned serious. "Yes. There are only twelve Astra in the entire universe. These weapons are not ordinary—they have their own entities, their own consciousness. They choose their wielders, not the other way around. Each one holds unimaginable power, capable of turning the tide of battles, even wars."

  Jimmy whistled. "Twelve weapons that can decide the fate of the universe… Sounds insane."

  Joe smirked. "It is. And if you ever come across one, be prepared—because the moment an Astra acknowledges you, your life will never be the same."

  A heavy silence followed, as the weight of Joe’s words sank in. Max clenched his fists. Rure’s determination burned in his eyes. Jimmy, despite only being a spectator, was completely absorbed in the conversation.

  Then, Max finally spoke. "Alright, Master… So what’s our first step?"

  Joe grinned. "Simple. We start with mastering the first-level chakra. This will allow you to connect with the earth itself and use it as a combat ability."

  Rure’s face lit up. "Finally! Let’s get started!"

  But before Joe could continue, Max raised a hand. "Wait… Master, why are you training us? I mean, I appreciate it, but no one asked you to do this. So… why?"

  Joe was silent for a moment before exhaling with a smirk. "No one asked me, huh? You're right, Max. But the truth is, I don’t train just anyone. I only train those I deem worthy—the next generation of warriors who will shape the universe. And when I saw you two… I saw potential. I saw fighters who refuse to give up. who are kind moreover those who fear to fight have more might inside them some now them and some doesn’t, And that’s all the reason I need."

  Max and Rure exchanged glances before turning back to Joe.

  Rure grinned. "Then, we won’t disappoint you, Master!"

  Joe chuckled. "You better not. Now, let’s begin."

  With those words, the true training was about to start. The first step toward unlocking their potential… and toward their destiny.