Chapter 6: The real training began

  For the next two days, Max and Rure followed a strict schedule under Joe’s guidance. Their mornings were spent attending the academy as usual, but as evening approached, their true training began.

  Each day, just as the sun began to set, the trio would gather beneath the towering Great Tree of Heavens, where Joe awaited them. His training regimen was relentless but methodical, ensuring that the two young warriors built a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced techniques.

  On the first evening, Joe made them start with yoga and meditation.

  Joe sat cross-legged on the soft grass, his posture perfectly aligned. "Before you learn to fight, you must learn to control your body and mind. Without control, power is meaningless."

  Max struggled to stay still, fidgeting every few seconds. "Master, do we really need to do this? I thought we’d be learning how to fight!"

  Joe smirked. "And you think warriors are made in a day? Your breathing is unstable, your mind is restless. Meditation isn’t just sitting quietly; it’s about understanding yourself. Now close your eyes, breathe deeply, and feel the energy around you."

  Rure, unlike Max, remained surprisingly composed. He closed his eyes and focused, though beads of sweat formed on his forehead from the intense concentration.

  Jimmy, watching from the side, whispered to himself, "I’m so glad I’m not training. This looks exhausting."

  By the second evening, Joe pushed them harder. After meditation, he made them do push-ups, squats, and endurance runs around the massive tree.

  Max collapsed onto the ground, panting. "Master… this is too much… I can’t move…"

  Joe simply crossed his arms. "You’re complaining after just twenty push-ups? If you can’t handle this, how do you plan to unlock even a single chakra?"

  Rure, despite his exhaustion, forced himself back up. "I won’t give up. I’ll do whatever it takes!"

  Joe’s lips curled into a smirk. "That’s the spirit. Keep going."

  Jimmy, once again watching from the side, shook his head. "You guys are insane."

  On the third evening, Joe finally introduced them to martial arts.

  Joe stood before them, his stance firm yet relaxed. "Before you wield weapons, you must learn how to fight with your bare hands. Today, I’ll teach you basic strikes and footwork."

  He demonstrated a simple punch—nothing flashy, just pure precision and power. When he struck a tree trunk, the force left a deep imprint on the bark.

  Max’s jaw dropped. "That was just a normal punch?!"

  Joe grinned. "It’s all about technique and control. Now, copy my movements."

  Rure mimicked Joe’s stance, throwing punches into the air. Max followed suit, though his form was a little off. Joe walked up to him, adjusting his posture.

  "Widen your stance. Relax your shoulders. Focus your power into the strike."

  After hours of practice, the two were drenched in sweat, but a sense of progress filled the air.

  "That’s enough for today," Joe finally said. "Tomorrow, we’ll push further."

  As they dispersed, Jimmy walked up to Max and Rure. "I have no idea how you guys are still alive."

  Max laughed weakly. "Neither do I."

  While Max and Rure were busy training, Jason and Tina had their own matters to handle.

  In the Amburdunk household, Jason sat at the dining table, double-checking his mission details. Tina stood across from him, arms crossed.

  "Are you sure about this, Jason?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

  Jason nodded. "It’s my duty. The King summoned me to Verlan. I need to meet with him, assemble my team, and prepare for the mission. This is important."

  Tina sighed. "Just be careful, okay?"

  Jason smiled. "I always am."

  The next morning, the entire Amburdunk household gathered at the Verdalian Skyport to see Jason off. The massive floating airport hovered high above the city, seamlessly blending nature with advanced technology.

  Verdalian airships weren’t like ordinary spacecraft; their designs resembled giant gliding birds, sleek and aerodynamic. Instead of roaring engines, they operated on eco-gravitational energy, allowing them to soar silently through the sky. Large bio-solar panels lined their wings, drawing power from the planet’s natural energy fields.

  Jason’s assigned transport, the Eclipse Falcon, was a masterpiece of engineering. Its hull was crafted from Verdalite metal, lightweight yet incredibly durable. The inside was lined with organic circuitry, allowing the ship to repair itself over time.

  As Jason stepped toward the boarding ramp, Warren, Max, Rure, and even Jimmy came to see him off.

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  Warren smirked. "Try not to get yourself killed, Father."

  Jason chuckled. "No promises."

  Max clenched his fists. "Good luck Dad . We’ll be waiting for you."

  Jason gave one last nod before stepping aboard. The Eclipse Falcon’s engines hummed softly as it prepared for takeoff. Within moments, the ship rose into the sky, vanishing into the vast expanse.

  Tina watched until it disappeared, her expression unreadable.

  Max glanced at her. "He’ll be fine, right?"

  Tina took a deep breath and smiled. "Of course."

  As the ship sped toward Verlan, the capital country, Jason’s real mission was about to begin.

  Even at this day Max refused to skip a single session. As the twin suns’s orangish colour now illuminating throughout Alag, Warren got ready with his bicycle to drop max near great tree and drop tina in the home.

  This was no ordinary bicycle—it was a sleek, self-adaptive vehicle powered by Verdalian bio-energy technology. The frame, made from a lightweight yet ultra-durable alloy, could adjust its structure based on the rider’s needs. The wheels were designed with hover-assisted mechanics, reducing friction while maintaining a smooth ride on any terrain.

  Max hopped onto the back seat, securing himself as Warren activated the controls. The bicycle whirred to life, gliding over the roads with a near-silent hum.

  The roads of Alag weren’t simple concrete or steel highways. Instead, they were composed of eco-gravitational paths, seamlessly integrating luminescent energy veins that pulsed with the rhythm of the planet. These roads not only adjusted to traffic flow but also absorbed excess heat and converted it into energy, ensuring a sustainable balance.

  As they rode, Max’s gaze drifted to the floating gardens lining the streets—clusters of bio-suspended flora that provided natural air purification and shaded the walkways. Towering crystalline buildings, infused with organic circuitry, shimmered as they absorbed and redistributed solar and atmospheric energy.

  Despite the breathtaking scenery, Max’s mind was elsewhere.

  Ever since his encounter with Skull, Max felt a deep weight pressing against his chest. He clenched his fists, recalling the moment he had been utterly powerless.

  "Why does everyone treat me like an outsider?"

  Even after meeting Jason, Tina, and his newfound companions, there was always a lingering feeling of detachment. He wasn’t Verdalian. He wasn’t born here. And worst of all—he had failed to protect those he cared about.

  "I have to become stronger."

  The thought burned in his mind. No matter how long it took, he would surpass his limits.

  From a distance, the Great Tree of Heavens dominated the horizon. Even after days of visiting it, Max was still in awe of its sheer majesty.

  Standing at 40 feet tall, its trunk wasn’t just a single mass of wood—it was a colossal network of intertwining roots and ancient vines, radiating an aura of life itself. The bark gleamed faintly with golden inscriptions, whispers of an age long past. The leaves shimmered in varying shades of green and blue, swaying gently despite the absence of wind, as if breathing in unison with the planet.

  At the very heart of the tree’s base lay an enormous temple, a sanctuary that had withstood countless millennia—the Temple of Ankrit, the Father of the Universe.

  As Warren neared the tree, he brought the bike to a smooth halt.

  Max hopped off, taking a deep breath. His expression had changed—resolve replacing doubt.

  "Alright, see you later, Max," Warren said, offering a casual wave before pedaling away.

  Max turned toward the training ground, where Joe and Rure were already waiting.

  Joe crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "You’re on time. Good. Let’s begin today’s lesson."

  Rure, stretching his arms, grinned. "What’s on the menu today, Master?"

  Joe smirked. "We’re taking a little trip. Before we begin physical training, we’re going to visit the Temple of Ankrit."

  Max and Rure exchanged glances. "The temple?"

  Joe nodded. "Training the body is only half the battle. To master your abilities, you must also understand the roots of power. The Great Tree is not just a massive plant—it’s a sacred place where the essence of life converges. And at its core lies the temple of the one who shaped the very foundation of existence—Ankrit."

  Max’s eyes widened. "The Father of the Universe..."

  Joe gestured toward the towering entrance of the temple, carved directly into the base of the Great Tree. "Follow me."

  As they walked toward the temple, Max and Rure marveled at the intricate stone pathways, each tile embedded with ancient Verdalian symbols. The very ground seemed to pulse faintly with an otherworldly energy. Though they visited the temple several times it still made them goosebumps each time they visit

  Upon reaching the entrance, they found themselves before two enormous doors, made of an unknown dark stone, each adorned with detailed carvings depicting celestial beings, warriors, and cosmic battles. Despite their apparent weight, the doors opened effortlessly as Joe placed a single hand upon them.

  Inside, the air was cool and filled with the scent of aged parchment and incense. Towering pillars of shimmering crystal lined the main hall, supporting an impossibly vast ceiling that seemed to stretch beyond the limits of reality.

  At the very center of the temple lay the main deity—a colossal stone monolith, unshaped and untouched by tools, yet radiating an undeniable aura of divine presence. It was said to be the idol of Ankrit , a physical embodiment of his will.

  Max felt a strange warmth in his chest as he gazed upon it. For the first time in a while, something deep inside him stirred.

  Joe, standing beside them, finally spoke. "Now… let’s begin your real training."

  As Jason sat aboard the advanced aircraft, he gazed out of the window, watching the clouds drift past. The aircraft, a marvel of nature-blended technology, seamlessly integrated organic materials with high-functioning energy systems. Unlike conventional metal-bodied spacecraft, this one utilized bio-metal alloys that could adapt and repair minor damages over time. The propulsion system harnessed both solar energy and refined atmospheric ions, making it one of the fastest and most efficient transport vessels ever designed.

  The interior was equally impressive, equipped with self-adjusting seats that molded to the passenger’s comfort. Transparent display panels projected real-time data about the flight path, atmospheric conditions, and even a direct communication link to Verlan’s capital.

  As Jason sat deep in thought, his mind drifted back to his final conversation with Tom before departing. The wise elder had placed a firm hand on Jason’s shoulder, his eyes filled with both pride and concern.

  "Jason, be careful. The Vir Empire won’t sit idly by while we provide relief to Lilliput. There are forces out there who see this mission as a threat to their interests," Tom had warned.

  Jason had nodded, determination set in his gaze. "I understand, Tom. I’ll lead this mission with everything I’ve got. We have to ensure the supplies reach the people in need."

  Now, as the aircraft glided effortlessly through the sky, he clenched his fists, reaffirming his resolve. He had to make this mission a success.

  Within just half an hour, the aircraft broke through the final layer of clouds, revealing the mighty nation of Verlan. Even from above, its vast and advanced infrastructure was breathtaking. Towering skyscrapers stood in harmony with lush greenery, connected by a network of high-speed railways and floating transit systems. The technological marvels were evident at every corner—hovering platforms, AI-assisted drones managing urban operations, and grand sky bridges linking entire districts.

  Yet, despite all its brilliance, one thing was missing—the Great Tree of Heavens. Unlike Alag, which thrived under the presence of the sacred tree, Verlan had built its greatness purely on technological advancements. Jason exhaled, preparing himself for what was to come. The real challenge was about to begin.

  foundation of something much greater. Joe isn’t just teaching them how to fight—he’s shaping them into warriors who can withstand the trials ahead. ???? The introduction of the Temple of Ankrit hints at deeper mysteries waiting to be uncovered, and Max is slowly realizing that strength isn’t just about raw power—it’s about understanding his place in the world.

  hidden dangers, and with the Vir Empire looming in the shadows, his path won’t be easy. ????

  The real challenges are just beginning! ???