Niran's breath was deep and measured as he opened his eyes. Light barely filtered through the dojo windows, casting elongated shadows on the walls. He could still feel the weight of the previous night's training, but something within him had changed.
He rose from the futon and massaged his sore shoulders. The bronze bracelet he had bought at the market stall felt warmer than usual, almost pulsating. That was when a voice echoed in his mind, deep and imbued with an ancient force.
"You have learned the technique, but knowing how to use it in the heat of battle is another matter."
Niran instinctively turned, but of course, saw no one. Sakchai laughed inside his head.
"You'll get used to him. Surya loves making a grand entrance."
"Stop chatting and get to work, boy. That punch will be useless if you don't know how to use it at the right moment." Surya's voice was as sharp as a blade.
Niran sighed and walked toward the center of the dojo. Kao was already awake, doing the push-ups assigned to him. The little monkey was growing rapidly, now surpassing one meter and fifty. At this rate, he would outgrow his mother.
Ignoring the animal's curiosity, Niran positioned himself in front of a training bag and began testing his new technique.
Niran raised his arm, adjusting his stance as Surya had taught him. He took a deep breath and then threw his punch forward in a sharp, violent motion.
For an instant, the air seemed to withdraw, creating a vacuum between his palm and the surface of the bag. The impact was almost silent, but the bag twisted and vibrated unnaturally, as if the air inside had suddenly exploded.
Sakchai whistled in admiration. "Interesting. The vacuum you create amplifies the damage without direct contact. A perfect technique for striking without giving your opponent time to react."
Surya chuckled. "But he's too slow. An experienced opponent would see it coming from miles away."
Niran ignored the comment and tried again. This time, he combined the Ephemeral Step, vanishing for an instant and reappearing near the bag before striking. The impact was sharper, making the bag shift a few centimeters.
Surya nodded in satisfaction. "Better. But still far from perfect."
After training, Niran allowed himself a short rest. Kao continued to train, determined to follow his example.
That was when he felt something. A shiver ran down his spine.
He stood up, muscles tense, and approached the dojo's entrance. The footsteps were light, but they did not try to hide.
Opening the door cautiously, he saw three hooded men with the sign of the Leeches. The air around them felt heavier, thick with hostility.
The spokesman stepped forward, speaking in a slow, honeyed voice. "You've made a name for yourself, Niran. Our master is curious to see if you're truly as strong as they say."
One of the men pulled out a small scroll and handed it to Niran. He took it without taking his eyes off the three strangers.
"Present yourself at midnight tomorrow at the location specified. If you win… we might tell you something about Jirapat."
The name hit him like a punch to the gut. He clenched the paper, feeling his heart accelerate.
"And if I refuse?"
The man smiled beneath his hood. "You have no choice."
Then, as if made of shadow, the three men dissolved into the night.
Niran reentered the dojo, feeling his blood boil in his veins. This was his chance to get closer to Jirapat, to finally obtain some answers.
Sakchai appeared in his mind, arms crossed. "What will you do now?"
"I'll participate."
Surya grinned. "Then you'd better prepare well. Because if those leeches are offering information about Jirapat, it means their fighter isn't just anyone."
Niran nodded and sat down in the dojo, staring at the scroll. His mind was already set on the battle awaiting him the following night.