Jack and Black stepped outside to find that Gara had already prepared breakfast for them.
He had set the dining table and was waiting for them. When he saw them, he called out:
Gara: "Come and eat."
Gara expected Jack to be stubborn and refuse, but to his surprise, Jack quietly walked toward the table, pulling Black along and trying to convince her to eat, encouraging her gently.
That's when Gara realized—Jack was forcing himself to eat for her sake.
Black looked exhausted, her eyes swollen from excessive crying.
After they finished their meal, Gara told them to clean the dishes they had used, and they did so.
Then, they turned to him, ready to listen to what he had to say.
Jack, raising an eyebrow: "Are you waiting for a special invitation to start talking?"
Gara, surprised: "Ah… My God! Boy, do you have a split personality? A minute ago, you were like an innocent angel, and now you're like a devil!"
Jack, indifferent: "Enough nonsense. Talk."
Gara: "Listen, boy… Ahh… I won't waste my time hitting you. What do you know about those men?"
Jack: "I don't know anything."
Gara: "What do you know about your family?"
Jack: "After what happened, I don't think I know much about them."
Gara turned to Black. "And you?"
Black: "I don't think I know anything either."
Gara sighed, then used his water element to manipulate the water in front of them.
Gara: "Do you know what this is or what I'm doing?"
Jack: "No. This is the second time I've seen it. The first time was when my father and uncle used it, and now this is the second."
Black: "Me too."
Gara: "Damn you, Edmund and Caesar. You were too overprotective of the children."
Jack, angry: "What did you say?"
Gara: "Listen… I'll tell you what you need to know, but the rest of the information—you'll have to find that out for yourselves."
He took a deep breath.
Gara, continuing: "The people you encountered last night are not just some gangsters or criminals. They are an organization with their own goals and a structured, organized way of working."
Jack, with a seriousness beyond his years: "What are their goals?"
Gara, sarcastically: "They have two completely opposing goals. The first is to protect the Anderson bloodline. The second is to wipe it out."
Shock was evident on their faces. They no longer understood anything.
Gara, continuing: "The one who confronted you last night is named Simon, and that squad was merely the tenth group. What happened last night was a grave mistake. You weren't supposed to see what you saw or hear what your mother told you when she warned you. Mistakes like these come with consequences greater than you can imagine.
In fact, ever since your family fled after your birth, that was the beginning of their downfall."
Gara then looked at Black as he continued:
**"Caesar was truly a mastermind. He was the one who figured out how they track the Anderson family. He was also the one who came up with the idea of never using their abilities, no matter the cost.
He even suggested to your father, Jack, to seal your powers. Then, he went on to seal Black's powers as well."**
Jack was now lost in confusion.
Jack: "But… did Uncle Caesar know that those people would kill him?"
Gara: "Yes, he knew. He was smart enough to realize that anyone who knew the secret of the organization would be killed when the newborn arrived—so that no one would be left knowing the truth. Tell me, what do you think would happen if someone knew they would be killed the moment their child was born?"
Jack: "They would never have children… That's why you called it a grave mistake. But what do they gain from this?!"
Gara: "That's something you'll have to figure out for yourself."
Jack: "Does that mean Black is now…?"
Gara, cutting him off: "Yes. She knows about the organization, just like you, and when the newborn arrives, she'll be killed."
Jack shot him a furious glare.
Black held onto him and told him to calm down.
Jack, shouting: "Come on, Black! We're leaving this place!"
Gara: "Alright. Goodbye…"
As Jack was about to leave, not caring about the rest of the story, Gara added:
"And good luck trying to fight them."
Jack stopped and turned to him. "Do you think I can't fight them?"
Gara: "No. I'm certain you can't."
Jack: "Then I'll find someone to train me."
Gara: "Do you really think that if such a person existed, your father and uncle would have hidden away in the mountains? Listen, boy—do you really believe you'll find someone to help you fight them? Do you even know anyone out there? You could search every inch of this world, and you wouldn't find anyone who can train you except me. And you'd be putting her life in danger."
Jack hesitated. The truth was, they knew no one in the outside world. If Gara was telling the truth, then no one knew about the organization—so how could they possibly find someone to train them to fight it? Would Black's life be at risk because of him? What should he do?!
Jack: "And why do you want to help me?"
Gara: "I don't want to help you. I'm helping someone else."
Jack: "What?! Who are you helping?"
Gara, angrily: "That's none of your business. All you need to do is learn how to fight them. Now, I don't like arguing—if you want to stay, stay silent. But if you say one more word, I'll throw you out immediately."
Jack fell silent, deep in thought. What should he do? He looked at Black, who was holding onto him quietly.
Saying nothing, he let Gara understand that he had chosen to stay.
Gara: "Tomorrow morning, in the garden—I'll begin your training."
Jack: "Can I ask you for something?"
Gara: "Speak."
Black: "Can we go to our home… to bury our family?"
Gara: "What?"
Jack: "We want to bury our loved ones… We can't just leave them to the Vultures or the Ravens, can we?"
Gara could feel the sorrow in their voices.
Jack continued: "You said what happened last night was a mistake. They won't try to kill us—neither me nor Black—until another child is born, right? That means we can go on our own. You don't have to come with us."
Gara told them to come closer.
A thick mist surrounded them, and when it faded, the children found themselves standing before their home—now nothing more than a charred ruin.
Their eyes were drawn to four graves beside the house. Stunned, they turned to Gara to ask who had buried them, but he didn't answer. They understood—it was him.
They thanked him and ran to the graves.
Jack, sorrowfully: "I'm sorry I couldn't save you… But I promise I will avenge you. Don't worry, Uncle Caesar—I'll take care of Black from now on."
Black, crying: "I miss you all… Mom, Dad, Uncle, Aunt…"
Jack gently patted her head.
Jack: "Black, we can't cry anymore. We have to become strong, strong enough to protect ourselves. Only then will our family rest in peace. Right, Black?"
She nodded, wiping her tears.
Black: "Yes, Jack! Let's become strong! Don't worry—I won't let them kill you. I'll take care of you. I'll protect you!"
Then, with innocent determination, she added:
"Next time, if they try to hurt you, I'll beat them up myself!"
Jack smiled. He hadn't lost his entire family after all.
And deep inside, he swore—he would kill anyone who tried to harm her.
Black went to pick some flowers to place on the graves. During this time, Gara approached him.
Gara: Do you want to protect her that much?
Jack (surprised): How do you always know what's on my mind?!
Gara: It's part of my abilities, something I will teach you soon.
Jack: I don't want you to train Black with harsh training.
Gara: How do you know that I'll train her harshly?
Jack: It's part of my abilities.
Gara smiled, deciding not to tell them the whole truth. They needed rest and to discover the rest of the story on their own.
After some time, they all returned to the house. Gara decided to give them a lesson about energy and special abilities before testing them the next day. He brought a book and called them.
Gara: Listen... There are six basic elements of energy: water, fire, earth, air, darkness, and light. There are also secondary elements, like lightning, ice, wood, iron, and others. These elements vary in how often or widely they appear. There are also abilities, like physical and mental abilities. Some people fight without seeing, but they rely on their hearing and skills, and so on.
And of course, Jack, you use the element of fire, but it is a very rare element, one that hasn't appeared for 600 years. It was almost erased from the book of elements because no one believed in its existence except for a few. It gives an advantage in combat and attacks. As for you, Black, we haven't discovered your element yet, but we'll find out now. Try to gather some energy in your hands; the seal on your abilities has been broken now.
Black: But I don't know how to do it.
Gara: Don't think about it... just do it.
He kept trying with her repeatedly, while Jack encouraged her. She finally succeeded in creating a small amount of energy in her hands.
Black: I'm not succeeding.
Gara: You did succeed... your element is water.
Black: What? How did you know?!... Master.
Gara was surprised when he heard her call him "master."
Gara: What... did you call me?
Black: I called you master... Aren't you teaching us?
Gara: Well, I knew because your energy was very balanced. This is how water works—it's balanced, even when the person using it doesn't understand energy. Water is an important element. Only 5% of people possess it, and those who do have an advantage in healing, so your training will be different. You can go to sleep now.
But they both looked at him.
Jack: Hey, old man, give us the book, we want to read it a little.
Gara raised his eyebrows.
Gara: Fine, take it, you little dwarf.
Gara went to his room, while the children stayed up all night reviewing the book and trying to practice the skills inside. They learned a lot of simple things with Black's enthusiasm and Jack's curiosity. They didn't notice the person standing there watching them all night. When they finally fell asleep, Gara went to carry them to their rooms. He first carried Black, put her in her room, then returned for Jack and placed him in his room.
He looked at Jack, who was deeply asleep, and pulled off his clothes from his shoulder to see his mark.
He was shocked when he saw it—a two-headed dragon symbol. He covered Jack back up and rushed out to the garden.
That night, Gara couldn't sleep. He kept looking at the sky, remembering painful memories from the past brought back by the sight of Jack's mark.
In the morning, Jack woke up early and found himself in his bed, not remembering how he got there.
He went outside to check on Black, finding her still asleep, with the blanket fallen on the floor. He entered her room to cover her up, then left.
He took the energy book and went to the garden to read and try to practice a bit. When he stepped outside, he saw Gara standing there, looking troubled. He was a bit surprised and went over to him.
Jack: What's wrong, old man? You look like a bird landed on your head!
Gara didn't respond to him, and Jack realized he hadn't noticed him or even heard his voice. So, he went up to him and shook him.
Jack: Hey, old man!
Gara (surprised): What? When did you get here?
Jack: I've been standing here for 15 minutes, trying to wake you up... What's wrong with you, old man?
Gara: Nothing... Why did you come out so early?
Jack: I want to train a bit.
Gara: Really?
Jack: No, I came out to watch the sunrise with you.
Gara smiled at this mischievous little dwarf standing in front of him.
They heard Black calling for them from inside, so they both went inside to find her.
Jack: Bee, why did you wake up so early? Come inside and get some more sleep.
Black (drowsy): No, Jack, let's train. I'll wash my face and come right out. Don't start without me.
Gara: Good job, Black... When you're done, come to the garden so we can start the test, alright?
Jack: Not now. You should have breakfast first, and then we can start the tests.
Gara: No, now. And you're not allowed breakfast until the test is over.
Jack almost protested, but Black stopped him.
Black: Jack, let's not waste time. I really want to start training now. Don't forget what you told me yesterday—we need to get stronger, not just you but also me. We need to train hard... Don't worry, I'll be fine.
Jack agreed after she insisted.
Jack: Fine, go wash your face.
Black eagerly ran to her room to prepare for training so she could take revenge for her family and help Jack.
As soon as Black entered her room, Jack turned to Gara, and his gaze almost burned him with how fierce it was.
Gara: As she said, she needs to train just like you. In fact, some of her training will be even tougher than yours.
Jack: I'll kill you if you hurt her.
Gara: It will happen. You both need to learn how to resist and strengthen yourselves. Or do you want her to die?
Jack (shocked): What... what do you mean?! What are you saying?!
Gara: If your answer is no, then don't interfere with her training.
Black ran out of her room and grabbed Jack by the arm, pulling him toward the garden.
Black: Let's go, Jack... Come on, master, we're waiting for you.
Gara followed them outside to begin their test.
Jack: How will you test us? We only know what we've read in the book.
Gara: I know, and I won't test your ability to use energy. I'll test other things, like your intelligence, endurance, physical abilities, problem-solving skills, knowledge of the outside world, and whether you speak other languages. Your training won't just be about supernatural abilities and energy, but I'll teach you anything I can.
He began their test, which lasted for 10 hours, making them carry rocks of different sizes and shapes. He attacked them to see how they'd react, spoke to them in different languages, and asked them to perform the exercises they'd read in the book the day before. He made them climb trees and mountains, use a computer, and do many other things until they were exhausted.
In fact, Jack was still capable of continuing, but he noticed Black had been struggling for some time. She was pushing herself to keep going, not wanting to disappoint him.
Gara noticed what was going through their minds.
Gara: Black, your test is over. Go inside.
Black: What about Jack?
Gara: I told you, your training will be a little different... So your test ends here. The rest will be for Jack. You can go inside.
But Black refused to go inside and eat while Jack was still out there, exhausted, continuing with his brutal tests. She insisted on staying with him until he finished.
Jack tried to convince her to go inside, but she refused.
After two more hours, Jack finally finished his tests, and Black ran inside.
Gara and Jack thought she was going to eat, but she quickly returned with a large cup of water and handed it to Jack.
Black: Jack, here, drink some water.
Jack: Fine, but you should drink first...
Before he could finish his sentence, Black interrupted him and made him drink the whole cup, laughing as she did. Gara, who was watching, understood completely now. They were both going to take care of each other from now on. Neither of them fully trusted him, but at least they had each other.
After Jack finished the cup, he was about to scold her, but she dashed toward the fridge faster than the wind, grabbed some cold water, then rushed to the table, piling all the food she could find. Jack couldn't stop laughing at her antics.
He called her to sit down and eat with them.
Jack (laughing): I thought you were going to eat everything on your own.
Gara: Yeah, I thought I wouldn't find anything to eat today.
Black (frowning): Fine, I was wrong. Don't sit down. Don't eat anything!
They sat down quickly, and when they finished eating, they found Black had fallen deep asleep.
Jack tried to carry her to her room, but he was so exhausted himself that Gara ended up taking her from him and putting her to bed.
Jack helped Gara clean up the table and everything else, then went to rest for a while, as the day had been incredibly tiring for all of them.
Meanwhile, Gara stayed up, organizing his thoughts and planning their training. He had noticed their intelligence and quick learning. They had already managed to execute some skills using only the book. Their endurance was good for their age, but they didn't know much about the outside world, how to deal with others, or the technology that existed.
He began prioritizing what they should learn first.
After some time, he finished organizing his thoughts and went to sleep as well.
The next morning, Jara gathered them.
Jara: "Jack, Black, I will begin your training today, but do not think it will be easy. You are not allowed to object to anything I ask of you. You will do everything exactly as I command. Is that clear?"
Jack and Black: "Yes."
Jara: "Jack, you will train in attack techniques, both long-range and close combat, along with other things.
Black, you will train in practicing medicine in its various forms, especially toxins, as well as increasing your physical endurance.
I will not go easy on you for even a moment. From now on, your training will be harsh and exhausting. There will be no retreat, no surrender, and no leniency. If you want to back out, do it now, because if you slack off later during training, I will make sure you regret it."
Jack: "We didn't stay here just to back down."
Black: "We will endure and complete our training to the end, teacher."
Jara nodded at them, signaling the beginning of their long and grueling training.
To be continued...
If you liked the chapter, don't forget to like it. I'm waiting for your comments on the chapter. What do you think of it and what you liked about it and what you didn't? Bye, I hope you enjoy reading.