Saruto stood in the middle of the island, sweating profusely, facing the Third Founder, who stared at him coldly.
The Founder raised his hand and said,
"Begin, Saruto… Let me see if you have the courage to tame your body."
Saruto took a deep breath and gathered the Lion energy in his feet, just as the Founder had done.
Blue light began to flicker around his legs, then suddenly his feet transformed into an unstable shape… sometimes resembling wolf claws, sometimes melting and disappearing.
He ran forward, but his steps were unsteady.
At that very moment, the Third Founder pounced with lightning speed, a powerful blow landing on Saruto's shoulder that sent him tumbling to the ground.
He struggled to his feet, clutching his chest, and tried again. This time, he focused on his right arm, attempting to mold it into the shape of a dragon's hand.
But his hand trembled, and energy exploded within him, nearly tearing his skin apart.
The Third Founder grinned mockingly:
> "Strength isn't just about imitation, boy… Body, mind, and spirit must become one."
Then he stepped forward, his legs transforming into those of a tiger, and lunged at Saruto with a devastating leap.
Saruto raised his hand, trying to block the blow, but before he could even blink, he was sprawled to the ground, the entire island shaking from the impact.
He lay there, gasping for breath, as the Third Founder stood over him:
> "You've lost."
But the Founder's eyes weren't cruel; they held a glimmer of appreciation.
> "Even so… you've taken your first step on the right path. Come back when you can make your body unite with your strength… Only then will you be worthy of passing on to the Second Founder."