Chapter 15: The Flames of Determination

The days following Elara's victory were grueling for Kai. Roderic's training regimen grew even more intense, as if sensing the renewed fire in Kai's heart. Each morning, Kai rose before dawn, his body aching from the previous day's training. He would eat a quick meal and then head straight to the training grounds, where Roderic was always waiting, ready to push him beyond his limits.

Today, the training was focused on a particularly challenging aspect of the "Celestial Blade" technique: speed and precision. Roderic had set up a series of wooden targets, each one equipped with a small bell that would ring if the target was struck even slightly off-center. The goal was to hit the exact center of each target as quickly as possible.

Kai stood in front of the first target, his breathing steady, his mind clear. He knew what he had to do, but knowing and doing were two different things. He tightened his grip on the sword, feeling the familiar weight in his hands. The scars on his palms from the rough hilt were a testament to the countless hours he had spent training, but the pain only served to remind him of how far he had come.

"Focus, Kai," Roderic's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "Don't just swing the sword. Feel it. Become one with it."

Kai nodded, his eyes narrowing as he locked onto the first target. He took a deep breath, centering himself, and then moved. The sword flashed through the air, cutting cleanly through the target. The bell remained silent.

"Good," Roderic said, his voice calm. "Now the next one."

Kai moved to the next target, his movements smooth and fluid. He struck again, and again the bell remained silent. He continued down the line, each strike more precise than the last, his confidence growing with each successful hit. By the time he reached the final target, he was moving almost on instinct, his body and mind in perfect harmony.

But as he prepared to strike the last target, something flashed in his mind—a memory, unbidden and unwanted. The sight of his home burning, his family's cries for help. His grip faltered for just a moment, but it was enough. The sword struck the target off-center, and the bell rang out, loud and clear.

Kai froze, the sound echoing in his ears like a taunt. He lowered his sword, his heart pounding in his chest. The image of his family's last moments lingered in his mind, refusing to fade. He clenched his fists, frustration and anger bubbling up inside him.

Roderic approached him, his expression unreadable. "What happened, Kai?"

Kai shook his head, unable to meet his mentor's eyes. "I… I lost focus."

Roderic was silent for a moment, and when he spoke again, his voice was softer. "The mind is a powerful tool, Kai. But it can also be a dangerous weapon if not controlled. You must learn to master your thoughts, just as you master the blade. Only then will you be able to achieve the clarity you need to succeed."

Kai nodded, the weight of Roderic's words settling heavily on his shoulders. He knew his mentor was right. The memories of his past, the pain of his loss—they were like chains, holding him back, clouding his mind. If he was going to move forward, he needed to find a way to let go, to channel that pain into something productive.

That night, as he lay in bed, Kai replayed the day's training over and over in his mind. He knew he couldn't afford to let his emotions control him, not if he wanted to avenge his family. He needed to be stronger, not just physically, but mentally. And so, he vowed to push himself even harder, to face his fears and conquer them.

The next morning, he was up before the sun, ready to begin again.