---
The day began with Taarush running his usual morning routine, pushing himself harder than before.
After finishing his laps, he went straight to meet Robert.
"You seem to still be alive… come in," Robert said with a smirk.
Taarush stepped inside the training room.
It was empty, old, and quiet. On one wall hung a long sword—its blade covered with age yet still shining faintly.
"This sword is old now," Robert said, his tone serious. "But its previous owner wielded it to protect the one he loved. This blade was once called Death. Its true name is WILL. We pray before it… for luck, and protection from evil."
The katana was beautiful—elegant, terrifying, and mesmerizing.
Taarush couldn't look away.
THUD!
A loud clap snapped him back.
"That's enough staring. Time for training," Robert said.
"What kind of martial arts are you teaching me?" Taarush asked curiously.
"It's a mix of karate and taekwondo. You can call it Sun Arts."
Training began immediately.
There were no basics, no warm-up. Only pain and discipline.
Robert strapped heavy weights to Taarush's legs and arms.
Every step was torture.
Every movement felt impossible.
Still, Taarush pushed through.
Slowly, he learned to walk with the weights… then lift his arms… then guard.
Robert held back most of his strength, but even his light punches were enough to numb Taarush's arms completely.
---
Meanwhile…
Master sat in an online meeting with the other commanders of his gang—
a group known only as Tobacco.
A deep voice from the screen spoke:
"We need the property of the orphanage. Are you trying or not?"
"Those kids have the inheritance documents," Master replied calmly. "I'll handle it."
As always, none of the members revealed their faces.
Master leaned back, glancing at Veer, who stood silently like a shadow.
"I think nobody in this town can defeat me…" he said with a confident grin.
He didn't know that someone was slowly rising.
---
Days passed.
Training continued nonstop.
Strikes, dodges, pain, and repetition.
After a full week, Taarush finally earned the right to learn one real move.
Robert demonstrated the karate punch—
Deep inhale.
Hold.
Exhale and strike.
Tighten the muscles at the exact moment of impact, turning body weight into power.
Taarush weighed 45 kg before training.
Now he was 50 kg—small, but stronger, faster, and sharper.
Robert finally nodded.
"You're ready for the duel."
Only one day remained.
---
Night came.
Sannya lay on her bed, biting her nail anxiously.
Her mind replayed the duel over and over.
She texted him:
"Hope you're doing well…"
One minute passed.
But to her, it felt like an hour.
No reply.
Exhausted from school, she eventually fell asleep—
praying for him.
---
Morning sunlight filled her room.
Her phone beeped.
Taarush replied:
"I'm fine. Tomorrow is the duel. I will win… Hope you're fine too."
Her heart raced.
She couldn't wait to see him at school.
---