Chapter 13: Discipline and Penance: Blood and Mysterious 'Chi'

Orion's words ignited a new fire in Marcus's mind. He now knew that his fight wasn't just for personal revenge, but part of a larger saga that would change Alaria's destiny. To face Anomalies like Dracula and Alpha Zephyr, he needed to master more than just the general ranks of martial arts; he had to go far beyond.

"So, how will my training begin?" Marcus asked eagerly, determination shining in his eyes.

Orion picked up a leaf and examined it carefully. "First, discipline, Marcus. The primal power within you is like a wild horse. If you don't rein it in, it will destroy you."

For the next several weeks, Marcus's life became synonymous with rigorous discipline and continuous practice. Before the sun rose each morning, Orion would wake him up.

Physical Training:

Marcus had to run in the jungle for hours every day, climbing the highest hills and traversing the densest paths. Orion made him practice lifting heavy stones and carrying them on his shoulders for hours. His muscles ached, but Marcus never gave up. He knew that this pain was making him stronger. Orion made him practice punching and kicking tree trunks, making his fists and feet so hard that they could break even stone.

Development of Senses:

Orion taught Marcus to sharpen his senses even further. He would make him practice listening to the sounds of the jungle with his eyes closed – the rustling of the wind, the whispering of leaves, the breathing of animals, and even the slightest movement from afar. He was taught to recognize smells – every animal's unique scent, every plant's fragrance. This practice would greatly help him at night and on the battlefield.

Control of Internal Energy ('Chi'):

The most important training was the control of internal energy, or Chi (Qi). Orion taught Marcus to meditate. Marcus had to sit in a quiet place, focus on his breath, and feel the energy within him. It was difficult at first, but gradually Marcus began to feel a warm, flowing energy in his body. This was Chi.

"This is the life force of your body, Marcus," Orion explained. "The better you control it, the more your powers will grow."

But Marcus's Chi was not ordinary. The Chi within him had a Bloody and Anomalous quality. It glowed red like blood, and sometimes a deep, unknown resonance could be heard within it. Orion taught him how to direct this Bloody and Anomalous Chi to different parts of his body – into his hands, his feet, his eyes. This led to an incredible increase in Marcus's strength, speed, and endurance. When he concentrated this Bloody Chi in his fist, his punch could shatter even a rock, and that blow also carried a strange, mysterious energy that could affect the opponent from within.

Understanding and Controlling Werewolf Power

During the training, Marcus also learned a lot about his werewolf power. Orion told him that his transformation was linked to a 'Red Moon' curse and that Alpha Zephyr's soul was within him.

"Your transformation process is linked to the moon," Orion explained to Marcus one night. "Full moon nights are the most powerful for you, but you must learn to control them. Otherwise, you will become a slave to your wild instincts."

Orion taught Marcus how to control his inner werewolf energy, when to unleash it and when to suppress it. This was the most difficult task because Alpha Zephyr's soul sometimes tried to dominate Marcus, especially when he got angry. Marcus had to strengthen his willpower through meditation and mental exercises to control his wild instincts.

"When you fully transform," Orion said, "you will turn into a massive, ten-foot red wolf. In that form, your physical strength will be limitless. But you must learn how to use that power, and how to maintain your identity, so you don't just become an animal."

Marcus felt the wolf paw mark on his chest. This mark was now not just a symbol for him, but proof of his new existence. He also began to remember that he had eaten the hearts of wolves, and the bloodstain on his mouth was from those very wolves. This memory bothered him, but Orion explained that it was part of an ancient werewolf ritual that transferred power.

Four Years of Training: The Birth of a Warrior

Four years passed. Marcus worked tirelessly every day. His body was now sculpted like a work of art, every muscle perfectly placed. His eyes, which now sometimes glowed red, were deeper and more experienced than ever. He had learned to control his inner Bloody and Anomalous Chi so easily that he could send it to any part of his body and turn it into a fatal blow.

He was no longer just an apprentice. He had surpassed the Warrior Level and was approaching the Master Level. His speed was like lightning, and his strength was such that he could knock down a large tree with a single punch, and that blow also carried the effect of his Anomalous Chi.

Most importantly, he had learned to control his werewolf power. He could now use his power even on a full moon night without fully transforming. And when he did fully transform, he could maintain his consciousness even in the form of that ten-foot red wolf. He was no longer just Marcus, nor just Alpha Zephyr. He was Marcus - The Red Wolf, a powerful confluence of both souls.

Orion looked at his disciple with pride. "You are ready, Marcus," he said. "Your power is now at a level where you can make your place in Alaria. Now you must continue your journey."

Marcus bowed to his master. "I will never forget you, Orion."

Orion smiled. "Your journey will take you where you need to be. Dracula is waiting, and Alaria needs you."

Marcus looked towards Lillywood, the fire of revenge rekindling within him. Four years of penance had forged him into an indomitable warrior. Now he was ready not just for revenge, but to change Alaria's destiny. His true journey was about to begin.