Training Days

The encounter at the training ground followed by the motivational words from Alfons became the trigger for the trio to take their body training seriously. But their childish nature could still be seen from time to time after all they were just kids.

Over the months, they have been regularly following a general body strengthening exercise routine which were designed for kids their age. But because of them being from large families and having taken a few training supplementing pills, their vitality, stamina and strength were showing signs of being much more than peers their age. Hence it was time for trainer Lin to level up their training methods.

———————————————————————————

The Silvermoon town was surrounded by a range of hills. On one of the hill which was slightly bigger in size than others could be seen three tiny silhouettes moving towards the top. Yes, they looked tiny from the top but seeing up close they were none other than the trio of Adrian, Sizuna and Niall.

They were panting and sweating heavily while climbing towards the top. From the way they were moving, it looked quite unnatural as if they were pulling an elephant on their back. But of course, there was no elephant on their back. Rather it was the weights tied to their legs, hands and waist which was making their overall weight more than half of their original.

Adrian, with a grimacing but determined expression on his face was at the front of the line moving at a constant speed. It didn't seem like he was giving up anytime soon. Just 7 steps behind Adrian was Niall with an equally even pace but his face was full of anger. Anger at himself for not being able to figure out how Adrian could surpass him when they were both equally matched at the beginning.

And about 200 meters behind was Sizuna, much slower and eagerly waiting for the training to end. It was already a miracle she came this far which could be attributed to her carrying less fat than before. The result of training from past few months was more visible on her than the boys.

"One more step, huff..huff.. Its nothing! I'll be a cultivator, huff… huff" - "One more step, huff.. Its nothing! Huff. huff… I'll be a cultivator, huff… " Said Adrian between his panting and huffing, he made it his mantra while climbing to give his spirit a boost. But it wasn't just him who was voicing his spirit, Niall was doing the same.

"TEN more steps, hahh.. Its nothing yaahhh.. I'll definitely become a cultivator!! Haah, haahh.."

"...…."

"..."

"Crazy, you guys are just mad. Why did you have to provoke old Lin?? Being hanged upside down with weights tied to my hands. To have to open up the knot and escape by myself, uuu.. I can't even feel my hands and now I've weights all over me and have to run this damn hill!! I Hate you guys! Uuuu" - Complained Sizuna stopping and resting between the climb.

The boys flinched suddenly getting out of their competitive stupor when they saw Sizuna's weeping and tired face. They'd grown closer over the years and protective of the only little girl in the team. They both dreamed of becoming the valiant cultivator who would be the symbol of strength and courage.

Adrian and Niall both slowed down considerably letting Sizuna catch some breath and try to reduce the gap between them. Like this the trio finally reached the top when the Sun was almost at the top of their head.

Sprawled down on the ground they looked as if they melded into the ground, their tiredness couldn't be more visible.

"Grrrrrrrrrr!! Rrrggrrrrr!!"

"""What"""", "Oh, NO!!?

Turning around they could see the "vicious" dog growling at them along with trainer Lin at its side. Yes, they had come to know about the dog later after their first battle with it. The boys couldn't help making it as their first enemy that they would defeat once they were stronger. Their eyes were glistening with desire to beat the dog. Meanwhile, Sizuna was still afraid of the ugly dog. She'd had nightmares about it a couple of times and was finding it hard to overcome her fear of it.

Trainer Lin looked at them with an expression of indifference on his face and said. "Good! You guys have at least not let the resources provided by your family go to waste. If you cannot even handle this much weight after gulping down those pills, you don't deserve to be a cultivator, hmph!"

"Phew.." Sighed Sizuna, she was afraid Trainer Lin would complain about their work and give them another round of difficult tasks.

But that wasn't what Trainer Lin was really thinking inside. He saw these kids as quite talented compared to others from similar families. Specially Adrian, he was progressing at a rate that was bound to exceed expectations and create miracles along the way. His maturity, tenacity, determination was all sky high for his age. This influenced Niall and Sizuna as as result and they were starting to become quite monstrous as well.

Sighing inside he offered them another news. "Alright, your basic training end here now. I've already taught you all that I have to offer you to build your foundation and strengthen your body. But this is just start! You have to continue and improve for three more years following the same routine. The quality of your heart core will depend upon the progress you make. The more you train, the stronger you get and understand your body. Understanding and being familiar with your body will help you the most when forming your heart core."

"So, don't slack and procrastinate even a little with your training. In fact, you can go one level up and ask your families to provide harder exercises if they deem it suitable. May be they will even let you get familiarize with various basic martial arts stances if you show them your readiness. What you will get depend on what you are capable to get and what you get will help you set your path for future. Will you come out as the young dragon or just an ugly lizard will depend on nobody but just you. Nothing comes to you on your lap by itself, even if there is by chance something like that, there's always a catch. So give more than best and overcome your own limits, only by surpassing yourself can you surpass others".

"Hmm…Then, those are my final words until we meet again".

"...…"

"...…."

"...…"

"Wow! Thats the most I've heard him speak at once. Was that a goodbye?" exclaimed Sizuna. "I'll miss you Trainer Lin.. NOT! Hahaha, finally I'm free. Pork belly, here I come.. Muahahahaha"

Trainer Lin did not wait for them after saying his piece and was already out of the sight. He really outdid himself by saying that long speech. He hoped it had left some impression on the kids, after all these were the future leaders of the town.

Sizuna was on cloud nine thinking about all the food and rest she could get. She was sure, she could butter up her parents to let her do as she wishes. But the boys were different. They were no longer sprawling on ground but already up and standing straight. The previous tiredness gone with the wind. A glint could be seen in their eyes. Thrust for power and glory. They wished they could grow fast, form a core and experience the magnificence of qi.

Suddenly, a finger was pointed at Adrian's face. It was Niall, he was gritting his teeth but his face only carried one expression. It was just excitement.

"Wait for it Adrian! I'll show you the power of my training. I'll show you once and for all, who is the real warrior. I'll show you how hard work can surpass talent! Just wait for it!"

There was equal excitement in Adrian's face too. He too was brimming with energy. In reply to Niall, he just smirked and said "Sure, I'll wait for it Niall. But it won't make any difference because I'm not just talent but hard work too. So, I'll always be better and just hard work won't be enough for you". His smirk kept getting bigger which annoyed Niall so much that he just turned around and went ahead.

Satisfied with his reply to the challenge, Adrian went down too. It was already lunch time and he couldn't wait to start another round of exercising again.

"Wa..wait you guys! How can you forget me, I'll challenge you both, when I form my core, I will be able to eat both your fills and mine by myself without getting full. You can trust me. Wait, don't leave me alone, what if I can no longer walk, wait you guys." The boys were too busy with their thoughts to hear her. She barely managed to drag herself and join them.