Two days later:
Prince Leon, driven by a newfound resolve, approaches the village chief.
Prince Leon: "Chief, I need to start my training."
The chief, preoccupied with his tasks, doesn't respond. Leon continues to press, and finally, the chief grows annoyed.
Chief: "Can't you leave me alone? I have errands to run."
Prince Leon: "But what about my training?"
Chief: sighing "I know of a war monk who might be able to train you. But don't get your hopes up. Now, leave me to my work."
A concerned monk nearby overhears and speaks to the chief.
Monk: "Chief, are you sure it's wise to send him there?"
Chief: with uncertainty "I'm not sure... only time will tell."
The next morning,
the chief and Prince Leon embark on their journey. They travel through the day and into the night. By noon the following day, they arrive at a secluded house in the mountains.
Chief: calling out "Is anyone home?"
A gruff voice responds from within.
War Monk: "Who is it? Hold on, I'm coming."
The war monk emerges from the house, his presence imposing. The chief greets him respectfully.
War Monk: "It's been a long time since I've seen you. How are you?"
Chief: "Yes, sir, it's been a while. I'm doing well."
War Monk: "So, you've become the chief. I remember you as a cocky young man when I last saw you."
Chief: "That was a long time ago."
War Monk: glancing at Leon "And who's this kid?"
Chief: "I need you to train him."
War Monk: "This kid looks fragile. He can't withstand my training. I can't take him on."
Chief: "He's of royal blood, with a pure desire to become strong and a goal to achieve."
War Monk: "Everyone has goals. What makes him special?"
Chief: "I don't know, but I have a feeling that he is special."
The war monk looks into Leon's eyes, seeing a fierce determination burning within.
War Monk: "For your sake, I'll train him. But if I don't see any potential, I'm stopping. Listen, kid, this won't be easy."
Prince Leon: "Yes, sir. I'll keep up with your training."
Chief: "He's a quick learner, sir."
War Monk: "We'll start training tomorrow. For now, get some rest."
Chief: "I have work to do. I'll take my leave."
War Monk: "Wait, lunch is ready."
Chief: "No, sir, I have many tasks to attend to."
War Monk: "Very well."
Prince Leon: "Thank you for your help, Chief."
Chief: "No problem. We'll meet again later, kid."
Prince Leon: "Goodbye, Chief."
As Leon entered the war monk's house, he noticed the sacred eagle perched nearby, the jewel in its claws glowing faintly. The eagle watched over him, waiting for the right moment to pass on the burden of the sealed demon lord.
Inside, Leon wonders to himself, "Does this man live alone in this big house?"
War Monk: "The room on the right is empty. You can move your things in there."
Prince Leon: "Thank you, sir."
War Monk: "Your training begins tomorrow, so take this time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings."
Prince Leon: "Understood, sir."
War Monk: "Now, head into the forest and gather some food for lunch."
Prince Leon: "Why, sir? Don't you have lunch prepared?"
War Monk: "The lunch I prepared is for me, not for you. Here are three rules you must follow:
1. You must take care of your own tasks. 2. Never be lazy or waste time. 3. Stay away from the dark areas of the forest--no matter what."
Prince Leon: "Understood, sir!"
War Monk: "And don't call me 'master.' It's too formal. 'Sir' will do."
Prince Leon: "Yes, sir. I'll get started right away."