chapter 5

The Threat Overpowers Eli

Eli barely had time to react as the monstrous threat grabbed him with an iron grip. Before he could summon his strength, the creature began its ruthless assault. Blow after blow landed on Eli's body, each punch sending shockwaves of pain through his limbs. He tried to defend himself, raising his arms to block the incoming strikes, but his efforts were futile. The sheer force of the threat's attacks rendered him helpless.

Just as the beast raised its massive fist for another devastating punch, a blur of motion interrupted its strike. A powerful force knocked the creature backward, and Eli, barely conscious, saw the silhouette of an old man standing between him and the threat.

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The Old Man's Battle

The threat roared in rage, lunging at the old man with wild fury. But the old man, despite his frail appearance, moved with incredible agility. He countered every strike, his movements precise and devastating. The battle raged on for what felt like an eternity. The sheer strength of the threat made it a formidable opponent, but the old man, using his skill and experience, slowly began to turn the tide.

With a final, well-placed blow, the old man struck the threat down. The beast let out one last roar before collapsing, defeated. The old man exhaled deeply, turning his gaze toward Eli, who lay unconscious on the ground.

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Eli Awakens

Eli's eyes fluttered open. His body ached, wrapped in bandages. The scent of herbs lingered in the air. He found himself lying in a small temple room, the soft glow of lanterns flickering on the walls. Slowly, he sat up, feeling the stiffness in his limbs. He looked around, confused.

Gathering his strength, he walked toward the door and pushed it open. What he saw surprised him. The old man who had saved him was outside, practicing precise and powerful movements, exuding a strength that seemed impossible for someone of his age.

Eli hesitated, then spoke. "Who are you? Why did you save me?"

The old man turned, his eyes sharp. "Is it a crime to help someone weak like you?" he asked, his tone stern.

Eli froze, then quickly bowed his head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend."

The old man studied him for a moment before nodding. "I know why you are here. The person who sent you has already informed me."

Eli was shocked but also relieved. He bowed deeply, but before he could speak, the old man lightly hit him on the head.

"Don't bow to me. I'm not a god," the old man said gruffly. "I'm just a human."

Eli straightened up, apologizing again. Then, a sudden thought struck him. "My mother! What happened to her?"

The old man sighed and gestured for Eli to follow.

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Eli's Mother and the Uncertain Future

Eli's heart pounded as they entered another room. There, lying on a wooden bed, was his mother. She was pale, her breathing shallow, but she was alive. The old man had been tending to her, using herbs and medicines.

Eli's eyes welled up with tears. "She's alive… Thank you!"

However, his joy was short-lived. "Will she wake up?" he asked nervously.

The old man hesitated before responding, "For the past three days, I've been trying to figure out what disease afflicts her. But I haven't found an answer."

Eli's eyes widened in shock. "Wait… I was asleep for three days?"

The old man smirked. "Yes, and snoring too, instead of being half-dead."

Eli felt embarrassed but quickly refocused. "So… can you cure her?"

The old man shook his head. "I can't. And I can't guarantee she'll ever wake up."

Eli felt a deep ache in his heart. He thought of all his mother had done for him and his sister, of the sacrifices she had made. Tears streamed down his face as he fell to his knees. "Please… there has to be a way. I can't lose her. She's all I have left."

The old man watched him in silence before finally speaking. "There is a way."

Eli looked up, hope rekindled in his eyes. "Tell me! I'll do anything!"

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The Path to Becoming a Hero

The old man studied Eli carefully before asking, "Have you heard of the Awakened Heroes?"

Eli nodded. "Yes!"

"Then listen carefully," the old man continued. "You must enroll in the upcoming Hero Exam. Pass it, enter the academy, and join one of the Mighty Awakened Guilds that train young heroes. At the Awakened Headquarters, you must find Dr. Luke. He has the power to heal any disease—perhaps even your mother's. But before you can see him, you must reach the top of the academy. Only then will they allow you access."

Eli clenched his fists. Determination burned in his heart. "Then I'll do it. I'll pass the exam, enter the academy, and become strong. I'll do whatever it takes to save my mother."

The old man gave a small nod. "Good. Your mother will stay here with me. I will continue giving her medicine to slow the effects of her illness. But you must hurry. The Hero Exam is three months away."

Eli's resolve was unwavering. "What do I need to do to prepare for the exam?"

The old man smirked. "Your powers are weak. If you go as you are now, you won't even qualify. So, I will train you. Strength, speed, power—you will learn them all. You have three months. Do you have what it takes?"

Eli's eyes burned with determination. "Yes! Train me! I won't let my mother down."

The old man turned away, signaling the start of Eli's new journey. "Then rest tonight. Tomorrow, your training begins."

Eli turned to his mother, kneeling beside her once more. He took her hand gently. "I'll make you proud, Mom. I promise."

As the night deepened, Eli's fate was set. His path to becoming a hero had begun.