Morning sunlight poured through the trees, bathing the quiet forest in gold.
"Haahhhh… good morning, Leon."
Void stretched lazily, his silver-blue hair catching the light.
Leon smiled. "Good morning, Master. I've already made breakfast."
"Ooh? You can cook now?" Void grinned, walking over with hands behind his head. "Well, that's a surprise. Guess you're learning more than just how to punch mountains."
Leon chuckled softly. "Please, Master. Sit down."
They ate in silence for a while before Void suddenly said, "Tell me, Leon… will you still call yourself my disciple, no matter what happens to me—or to you?"
Leon blinked, caught off guard. "What a strange question, Master. But… my answer won't change. I'll always be your disciple."
Void looked up at the sky. "Yeah… good. You'd better remember that. Because the future won't be kind to you. You'll face pain, betrayal, and monsters far worse than any you've seen… all because you carry my name."
Leon frowned. "Master, what are you planning?"
Void gave a small laugh. "Nothing, really. And if I am planning something… no one in this world could stop me anyway."
He stood, brushing the dirt off his coat. "Now that we've eaten, I'll be at the old tree. Come find me when you're done."
Leon nodded. "Yes, Master."
---
Void sat beneath the ancient tree, eyes half-closed, lost in thought.
A soft chime echoed.
[System Online.]
"Host," the system's voice echoed. "May I ask what you're thinking?"
Void chuckled. "Khaahahaha… nothing important. Just thinking about the future… and how right I was about everything."
"What do you mean, host? Are you implying you foresaw something?"
"Come on," Void smirked. "You think I can see the future? Don't be ridiculous."
"… I suppose not," the system replied.
"Exactly. Not possible, huh?"
Before the system could reply, Leon's voice broke the calm.
"Master! I've come!"
Void opened one eye. "You're late, brat. Alright, let's see what you remember from yesterday. Do everything again."
"Again? Why, Master?"
"Because repetition makes monsters," Void said simply. "Do it one or three times—your body will thank you later."
Leon sighed. "Alright, Master…"
Void watched silently for a while before murmuring to the system, "I think… the time's come."
"The time for what, host?"
"You'll see soon enough."
---
Hours later, Leon collapsed, breathing heavily, his body drenched in sweat.
Void stood with his arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"Alright, Leon," he said finally. "You've improved. But now, I'm going to test you."
"T-Test me?" Leon froze, remembering the destruction of the Heavenly God Sect. His hands trembled.
Void noticed instantly. "What's wrong, Leon? Are you afraid of me? Do I look like someone who'd harm his disciple?" He sighed. "Listen well. You're my student. I'd never hurt you. This is training, nothing more."
Leon took a shaky breath, nodding. "Y-Yes, Master. Understood."
"That's the spirit." Void grinned. "Now… don't hold back."
---
The Spar Begins
The ground cracked as Leon burst forward, his fist gleaming with energy.
"Echo Flow Technique!" Leon shouted, his movements merging with the rhythm of the wind. Each step matched the pulse of nature itself, his body adapting fluidly to Void's subtle shifts.
Void raised an eyebrow, parrying effortlessly. "Hmm. You're getting the hang of it—but don't forget the essence! Feel the echo, don't just mimic it!"
Leon gritted his teeth and pressed on, his motions smoother, faster. Each attack flowed into the next like ripples in water.
"Better," Void said, smiling. "But you're still too stiff!"
Leon jumped back, eyes narrowing. "Then let's break it!"
He clenched his fist, drawing in every bit of energy he could muster. "Mirror Break Fist!"
The moment he struck, the air trembled. Void blocked casually with two fingers, yet a shockwave erupted, tearing apart the surrounding grass.
Void looked down, impressed. "Not bad… you actually stored and reflected my energy back. But remember—too much anger and you'll shatter your own bones."
Leon smirked faintly despite the pain in his arm. "I can handle it."
Void grinned. "We'll see."
Leon exhaled deeply, his aura shifting. His entire presence grew heavier, calmer.
"Soul Resonance Art." His voice was steady now, resonant. A faint glow surrounded his body as his soul synchronized with the world. The earth beneath him vibrated, his eyes gleaming faintly with azure light.
Void chuckled lowly. "Oh? You actually pulled it off."
Leon's speed skyrocketed. He vanished from sight for a second, reappearing behind Void with a swift palm strike.
Void sidestepped just enough to avoid it, tapping Leon's forehead lightly with a single finger. "Too slow."
Leon spun, redirected, and unleashed another strike using the flow of his Echo Technique. The air screamed between their movements as the forest swayed violently from the impact.
Void smiled through the storm. "Now this… this is more like it!"
Their battle raged on for minutes—energy clashing, trees cracking, the ground splitting apart under the force. Every strike from Leon carried his full determination, every dodge from Void his effortless mastery.
Finally, Leon's energy flickered. He stumbled forward, gasping. His body gave out, collapsing into the dirt.
Void caught him before he hit the ground. "You did well," he said softly. "You've come far, Leon."
Leon tried to speak, but only managed a faint smile before losing consciousness.
He laid the boy down gently, a faint smirk crossing his face. "He's improved fast. If it weren't for my void powers, that brat might've copied all my moves. Hah… he's truly a monster among monsters."
The system's voice hummed. "That was impressive, host. To think he could stand against you…"
Void chuckled. "Right? He's got potential."
---
Morning.
Leon groaned as he woke. "M-Master…?"
He looked around, panic setting in. "Master! Where are you?!"
"Stop shouting, brat." Void appeared behind him, rubbing his ear. "You're going to make me deaf."
Leon smiled in relief. "There you are, Master."
Void crossed his arms. "Listen, Leon. I've taught you everything I can for now. It's time for you to gain experience."
Leon blinked. "Experience?"
"Yes." Void's tone softened. "You've learned the techniques. Now go see the world. Live. Struggle. Grow. That's the real training."
Under his breath, Void added, "If he keeps copying what he sees, mastering it over time… he'll surpass anyone. Maybe even me."
Leon met Void's eyes, determination burning within him. "Understood, Master. I'll make you proud."
"Oh? You're not crying this time?" Void teased.
The system chimed in. "Host, what do you take him for?"
Void smirked. "A brat."
"Unbelievable," the system sighed.
Void ignored it and turned to Leon. "Remember, Leon. Out there, you'll meet all kinds of people. Some kind, some cruel. Some will help you… others will use you. Trust carefully. Don't let kindness blind you—and don't let cruelty harden you."
Leon listened silently, every word carving itself into his soul.
"People will try to shape you, manipulate you," Void continued. "But strength isn't just about fighting—it's about knowing yourself. Don't bow. Don't break. Never let anyone make you forget who you are."
Leon bowed deeply. "Yes, Master. I'll never forget."
Void smiled faintly. "Good. Now get your things. Eat something before you go."
Leon packed quickly, his heart heavy but proud.
Void watched him, then said, "Wait, Leon. One last thing."
He placed a pouch of gold coins in Leon's hand. "Take this. Don't waste it."
Leon's voice shook. "Master… I—"
Void cut him off with a grin. "Don't get weak just because I'm not around. I'll always be watching over you. Step beyond weakness, Leon. Become someone who can't be stopped."
Leon's eyes glistened. "I will, Master. Please take care of yourself."
"I will. After all…" Void turned, cloak fluttering in the breeze. "…I'm the strongest."
Leon smiled softly. "Yeah. You are, Master."
Void waved a hand. "Now go."
As Leon walked away, the system's voice whispered,
[Notification: Disciple Leon has left for his journey.]
"What now, host?" the system asked.
Void's grin turned devilish. "Heh… something interesting is about to begin."
The system sighed. "Host, please don't do that creepy laugh again."
"Shut up," Void said, smirking as the morning wind rustled the leaves.