SCARS OF THE BATTLE

"Yes! Duke is going to defeat him! His sword is stuck!" Jack thought excitedly.

"AHHHHHH!" Duke shouted as he charged at Stain.

But suddenly, Stain smiled. He slowly raised his palm toward Duke. In an instant, a strange energy formed around his hand. A powerful shockwave, like a blast of wind, erupted from him.

Duke was thrown back, crashing hard onto the wooden stage. His body ached all over.

"Huh... what was that?" Duke gasped in pain, his mind spinning with confusion.

Stain chuckled. "Well, you were better than I thought. Your strategy was clever... but in the end, it doesn't matter."

Duke clenched his teeth, struggling to sit up. "What did you do?" he asked, still in pain.

"I used my Kendra energy to create that shockwave," Stain said. "Only a few people can achieve this."

"What? Kendra energy? I thought that was just a myth written in books!" Duke said in shock.

"Now you know it's not a myth," Stain replied. "You have lost."

Duke groaned in pain but spoke up. "I'm ready to clean the camp, but please... give them one last chance to train," he pleaded.

Stain sighed. "Listen, kid. You don't have to clean the camp. They failed because they weren't even pushing themselves. If you can't push yourself, you can't become stronger. That's why they lost."

He turned to the failed recruits. "We can't accept people who can't even defeat their own weaknesses. But don't worry, they'll get another chance in a few days. Until then, they need to learn how to push past their limits."

The failed recruits lowered their heads in shame, but then one of them spoke up. "He's right. Duke, you don't have to fight for us. We'll come back stronger than before and pass the test ourselves!"

Duke smiled at their determination.

"Hey, Duke, you idiot! You were cool as always!" Jack said with a grin.

"Thanks, Jack... but I still lost," Duke replied with a sigh.

"You still have time to become stronger," Jack reassured him.

"He's right, kid," Stain added. "You're young and strong. And if you learn how to use your Kendra energy, you'll become even stronger."

"We can learn that?" Duke asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Of course," Stain said. "That's the whole point of training. There are different stages, each in different places. Once you complete your physical training, you'll move on to the second stage, where you'll learn weapon training and how to control Kendra energy."

Jack, curious, asked, "What exactly is Kendra energy?"

"Soon, you will learn about Kendra energy," Stain said. "But first, focus on your physical training."

"Yes, sir!" Jack said eagerly. *Now I'm really curious...* he thought to himself.

"You can rest now. You've had enough training for today," Stain said.

Then, turning to Frederick Thrones, he ordered, "Hey, treat his wounds."

"Got it," Frederick replied.

As Duke sat down, wincing from his injuries, he finally realized how strong the world outside his village truly was. He had a long way to go.

Determined not to fall behind, Duke trained harder than ever alongside Jack. Every day was grueling-endless running, strength training, sparring, and harsh survival exercises. The recruits were pushed beyond their limits, their bodies aching, their spirits tested.

Stain guided them, ensuring that no one slacked off. Under his watchful eye, Duke and the other passed students learned discipline, endurance, and resilience. They ran through the dense forests of Elderwood, lifted heavy logs to build their strength, and sparred endlessly until they collapsed from exhaustion.

Some recruits gave up along the way, unable to handle the intensity. But Duke and Jack endured. Their once-clumsy sword swings became precise, their stamina grew, and their bodies hardened like steel.

Three months passed in a blur of sweat, pain, and growth. By the end of it, Duke stood taller, stronger, and more prepared than ever. The first phase of training was complete. Now, the real challenge was about to begin.

Stain looked at them both and nodded. "Duke and Jack, you have completed all your training. There's nothing left for you here. You're ready to move on to the next stage." 

"What about us?" someone from the crowd called out. 

"You're all doing great," Stain replied. "You have strong bodies, but Duke and Jack don't just have strength—they know how to use a sword. They have the skills to survive the next phase of training." 

Duke stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Thank you for training us, Stain. And… sorry for all the trouble." 

Stain smirked. "Look, kid, I was ordered to train all of you by Commander Marcus. No need to thank me." 

Duke frowned. "Marcus… I can still feel his kick in my stomach. It was the worst feeling ever. By the way, where is he? I haven't seen him since that day." 

"He left for urgent business," Stain replied. "You'll meet him again. But listen, don't call him *Marcus*. He's your commander. Show some respect." 

Duke sighed. "Alright, alright. So, when do we leave?" 

"Be ready tomorrow at 9 AM," Stain said. "You and Jack will leave for the next training. Frederick will guide you to the training point." 

Duke grinned. "Hey, Stain, you're not that bad. You just *look* bad." 

Stain's eye twitched. "What the hell do you mean by that, punk?" 

"Sorry! I didn't mean it in a bad way," Duke laughed. "It's just… those scars on your face make you look scary." 

Stain's expression darkened. "You want to know what these scars mean?" He leaned in, his voice dropping lower. "You didn't even manage to land a clean hit on me in battle, right? These scars prove that there are people out there much stronger than you, people who left *these* marks on me. If you slack off, you won't just get scars—you might *die*." 

Duke swallowed hard. "You're right, Stain…" 

Stain crossed his arms. "Physical scars hurt, but the wounds you get *inside* hurt even more. No matter what happens, you have to stay strong from the inside." 

Duke nodded, determination in his eyes. 

"Now go get some rest," Stain ordered. "You've got a long journey ahead." 

"Yes, sir!" Duke said, before turning and walking away.

Duke and Jack went home to prepare for their journey. 

The next morning

"Grandpa," Duke said, standing at the doorstep. "I'll be leaving for the next training camp in a different place. I don't think I'll be able to see you for a long time." 

His grandfather smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Don't worry about me, boy. I'm an old man. Seeing you work hard always makes me happy. I'm proud of you." 

Then, his voice grew serious. "But remember one thing—" 

"I know," Duke interrupted gently. "Don't end up like my father." 

His grandfather sighed but nodded. "Good. Stay strong, Duke." 

"I will," Duke promised. "I'll come back stronger." 

With that, Duke turned and walked away, ready to face whatever awaited him next.

Duke arrived at the training camp, where horse carts were already prepared for their journey. The recruits, including Duke and Jack, had strapped on parts of their armor and carried their swords for safety. Alongside the carts, supplies such as tents and other equipment were packed, ensuring they were prepared for the harsh conditions ahead. 

"Hey Duke, can you believe we're finally leaving our village?" Jack said excitedly, adjusting the straps of his armor. 

"You're right," Duke replied, a determined look on his face. "We're going to become even stronger." 

"Yup!" Jack grinned, tapping the hilt of his sword. 

A man approached them, his posture straight and commanding. "Hey, my name is Frederick Thrones. From now on, I'll be your guide and ensure you both reach your destination safely. With the dangers out there, I was assigned to travel with you." 

"Hey, you don't have to be so loud," Jack muttered, adjusting his gear. 

Stain stepped forward, his expression serious. "Remember one thing—don't let your guard down. The roads are dangerous, and with the heavy snow, it'll take a full day to reach your destination. Stay alert and keep your weapons close." 

"Yes, sir!" Duke and Jack said in unison. 

"Good. Now, let's move," Frederick commanded. 

With that, their journey truly began. The cart creaked forward, the sound of armor shifting and supplies rustling filling the cold air. They left behind the familiar sights of their village, venturing into the unknown, ready for whatever lay ahead.

 End of chapter 3

Additional information

Tempest strike

Tempest Strike is an advanced Kendra energy technique that allows the user to generate powerful shockwaves using concentrated energy in their palm. By gathering and compressing Kendra energy into their hand, the user can release it in an explosive burst, sending out a forceful wave capable of knocking back opponents, breaking defenses, and even damaging the environment.

### **How It Works:**

1. Energy Concentration:*The user focuses their Kendra energy into their palm, gathering it into a dense, vibrating force.

2. Compression: The energy is compressed further, creating a build-up of power that causes the surrounding air to tremble.

3. Release: With a sudden movement, the user unleashes the stored energy in a rapid outward burst. This creates a shockwave that can knock enemies off their feet, disrupt attacks, and even break through weaker barriers.

4. Range & Impact: The force of Tempest Strike depends on the user's control over Kendra energy. Skilled users can direct it in a straight line, affecting only their target, while others might release it in a wide area, hitting multiple foes.

### **Strengths & Weaknesses:**

✅ **Strengths:**

- Excellent for counterattacks and breaking enemy formations.

- Can be used even without a weapon, making it versatile.

- Can disrupt an opponent's balance, creating an opening for follow-up attacks.

❌ **Weaknesses:**

- Requires precise control; if the energy disperses too soon, the shockwave weakens.

- Uses a significant amount of Kendra energy, meaning it can't be spammed in long fights.