Chapter 4: The first Steps in Lightning Dojo

Vale stood at the edge of his village, a worn-out bag slung over his shoulder. The familiar dirt roads, once filled with childhood memories, now seemed smaller, unable to contain the weight of his ambitions. His heart pounded—not with fear, but with the anticipation of what lay ahead.

The village elder, an aged man with a gaze full of wisdom, placed a gentle hand on Vale's shoulder. "This path is filled with trials, boy. Don't lose yourself in the pursuit of power."

Vale met his eyes, determination burning within him. "I will return when I am strong enough to protect those who can't protect themselves."

With that promise lingering in the air, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the only home he had ever known.

The journey to the small capital near the Abyss border took three long days. Along the way, he passed caravans carrying trade goods, weary travelers seeking safety, and hardened mercenaries patrolling the roads. As he ventured west, the air grew heavy with unease. Burnt-out homes and crumbling fortifications bore silent witness to the ever-present threat of the Abyss.

When he arrived at the city gates, he was struck by its sheer scale. Towering walls reinforced with Martial Arrays loomed over him, their surfaces etched with runes that pulsed with energy. Guards wielding enchanted weapons stood vigilant, while the bustling streets beyond were filled with people of all kinds. This was humanity's last line of defense before the Abyss.

Vale's first priority was survival. With only a handful of coins to his name, he needed a place to train—and a way to earn a living. His search led him to the Lightning Dojo, a martial school renowned for producing some of the fiercest border warriors. It wasn't the most prestigious, but its reputation for survival caught his attention.

Standing before the dojo's gates, he traced the glowing thunder insignia embedded in the wood. Faint arcs of lightning crackled around it, a silent testament to the warriors forged within.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.

The moment he entered, the scent of sweat, metal, and burnt ozone filled his nostrils. The courtyard buzzed with activity—martial artists practiced their Lightning Arts, some refining their footwork, others striking reinforced dummies with fists crackling with electricity. Instructors clad in blue robes monitored the students, correcting their forms and issuing challenges.

Before Vale could fully take in the scene, a gruff voice cut through the air.

"New recruit?"

He turned to see a towering figure with a jagged scar running down his left eye. The man's presence was like an approaching storm—oppressive and charged with raw energy. This was Instructor Raiken, one of the dojo's veteran warriors, and an Honor ranked Martial Artist.

"Yes, sir. I'm here to train," Vale replied, keeping his tone firm but respectful.

Raiken studied him for a long moment before tossing a training uniform his way. "Put that on. Your initiation starts now."

Vale wasted no time. He changed into the black-and-blue training outfit, its fabric rough against his skin, a stark contrast to the soft clothes he had worn in his village. When he returned, a small group of students had gathered in the courtyard. Some watched with curiosity, others with mild amusement. A few older ones exchanged knowing smirks.

"New blood always thinks they're special," one of them muttered under his breath.

Raiken clapped his hands, silencing the murmurs. "Alright, listen up! Every new recruit must pass the Three Trials to earn a place in Lightning Dojo. First, Speed. Second, Endurance. Third, Combat. Fail two, and you're out. Understood?"

Vale nodded. He wasn't worried about speed or endurance, but combat... that was another story.

"Good." Raiken pointed to a course of electrified poles arranged in a zigzag pattern. "Your first trial—cross this course in under 30 seconds without getting shocked."

Vale's Lightning Affinity allowed him to sense the electricity, but controlling it was another matter. Taking a deep breath, he focused. When Raiken gave the signal, he sprinted forward.

The first few steps were smooth. He weaved through the poles, his reflexes sharp. But halfway through, a sudden bolt of lightning arced toward him. His body reacted before his mind did. He twisted mid-air, barely avoiding the crackling energy.

Gasps echoed from the watching students. Even Raiken raised an eyebrow.

Vale landed on the final marker, panting but unharmed. 28 seconds.

Raiken smirked. "Not bad. But let's see if you can handle the next trial."

The real test was about to begin.