17. Apprentice?!

𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Kartein was done treating Jiwoo and Eunwoo and since Inhyuk was coming to pick them up in the afternoon, Kartein decided it was best to start Eunwoo's training as soon as possible. Kartein and Kayden were in their human forms with the two young boys in the basement to begin Eunwoo's training.

Eunwoo sat in front of Kartein on the floor as the other two observed them keenly. Putting his palm on the younger's back, Kartein said, "Remember the flow and pattern of the energy and try to mobilize it."

"Okay", Kartein smirked hearing the confidence and firmness in the younger's voice.

Soon Eunwoo felt a rush of power in him. It had a steady flow of path. He concentrated on first moving the force in him then focused on its speed, pattern, and then finally its structure. He was sweating furiously while his body trembled ever so slightly.

Kartein let out a satisfied grin observing the boy.

"Is he doing well?", Jiwoo asked whispering to the two elders.

"He's doing much better than what I had expected." He smirked.

"Indeed", Kayden agreed still observing the golden and black flow of power surrounding Eunwoo. "He'll catch up to the other kids in no time."

Jiwoo smiled proudly watching his younger brother.

After half an hour of force controlling Eunwoo collapsed on the ground panting heavily. He was drenched in sweat and felt exhausted.

"You did well for a beginner", Kartein praised him with a small smile on his face. "Let's stop here for today. We'll start with combat training when you're fully healed."

"Good job, kiddo", said Kayden. "You could even hold on to it for quite some time."

"It's all thanks to Mr. Kartein", Eunwoo said before Jiwoo joined in.

"You're already so strong Eunwoo. I can't wait to train together with you."

"I can't either", he then continued looking at Kartein, "Mr. Kartein, will you also teach me to turn into a different creature, like a cat?"

"Are you nuts?" Kartein said visibly annoyed. "You think I'll let my apprentice do something so risky?! Do you wish to become a skinny cat or what?"

"Oh I was just asking-", Eunwoo hesitantly smiled before the realization hit him. His smile vanished and his eyes widened. "Ap-apprentice?!"

"Did you think I'll teach my force control to just anyone? I wouldn't have taught it to you if I didn't think of you as my apprentice." Kartein said yet again observing Eunwoo. "I guess you didn't see this in the future either."

"I didn't- ...but-", Eunwoo was quick to compose himself before bowing to Kartein. "Thank you for thinking of me as your apprentice. I'll try my best to live up to your anticipations and bare the responsibility that comes along."

"I expect nothing less. We'll continue the training tomorrow so freshen up quickly. You need to leave for the awakened academy in some time", Kartein said trying to suppress his smile.

Saying that Kartein left after turning into his cat form. Kayden helped Eunwoo to get into his wheelchair and asked, "Have you both packed your bags?"

"Yep!", the twins answered simultaneously.

"Did you see something about the awakened academy this time?", Kayden whispered loud enough for only Eunwoo to hear.

"All I can say is that there will be the world awakened academy. So we need to be ready", the younger whispered back and Kayden nodded in response.

___________________________

Inhyuk was waiting outside Jiwoo's house when twins along with two cats came to his sight.

"Have you been standing here for long? We're sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Inhyuk", Eunwoo said as Jiwoo pushed his wheelchair.

"Oh, no. We're so sorry... You should've called me when you got here", Jiwoo said.

'Both of them are so polite... unlike that brat Jisuk!' thought Inhyuk. "I just arrived." Then he glanced at the two cats, "So they are the cats you're bringing along..."

"Yes." Jiwoo opened the back door for Kayden and Kartein and as he was about to help Eunwoo get in the car Inhyuk stopped him saying.

"Let me help you there."

"Sorry for troubling you Mr. Inhyuk", Eunwoo said before he was lifted and set comfortably in the car.

The older man gave him a blanket saying, "It's alright. I've spoken to the school and you can begin after returning from the academy. And since you are registered as an awakened one under 'Shinwha' feel free to ask us for any help you might need."

The younger twin thanked him and he along with Jiwoo sat in the front.

"Oh, right.", said Inhyuk. "Ms. Chairwoman wanted me to ask you if you wanted to join 'Shinwha'. You don't have to feel bad if you don't want to."

The two cats looked at Eunwoo curiously, waiting for his decision.

"I'm very thankful for the offer but I'm afraid I must decline." His voice was soft but firm.

Inhyuk smiled and nodded before he stared at the skinny white cat for a whole minute which made Kartein panic.

"Jiwoo don't worry." He said finally taking his eyes off Kartein. "Leave their nutrition to me. I'll plan a through and balanced diet for them from breakfast to dinner, even snacks." He pointed at the cats.

"...Yes.", Jiwoo answered shortly and went on to tell Eunwoo about the awakened academy and his friends. Since the younger was tired from the earlier training he gave only short answers trying not to fall asleep in the car. Kartein scooted closer to him before making himself comfortable in his lap.