The training hall of Cakra Sakti Academy was already alive with motion when Ryan arrived that afternoon.
Sweat, breath, and controlled energy filled the air.
This was no longer a place for beginners alone—it was where discipline separated potential from strength.
Understanding Level Three
Sophie led Ryan to a quieter corner of the hall.
"Today, we stop talking about levels as numbers," she said."Today, you learn what truly separates ordinary warriors from real ones."
Ryan listened intently.
"Levels 1 and 2 are about preparing the body," Sophie explained."Level 3 is about commanding energy."
She raised her hand.
A thin layer of golden energy coated her skin, shimmering faintly.
"At Level 3, energy is no longer accidental," she continued."It becomes a tool."
She gestured toward a wooden training dummy.
With a single tap of her finger, the wood cracked cleanly—without splintering.
Ryan's breath caught.
"That wasn't strength," Sophie said calmly."That was precision."
Defense Before Destruction
Sophie's tone sharpened.
"Many warriors fail here," she said."They rush toward offense and lose control."
She stepped closer to Ryan.
"Your family's techniques prioritize defense and stability. That makes you suitable for Level 3—but also means you must be patient."
Ryan nodded.
"I understand."
"Good," she replied."Because your next training is about not attacking at all."
The Invisible Armor
Ryan stood still while Sophie circled him.
"Focus your energy outward," she instructed."Don't release it. Don't sharpen it. Just… layer it."
Ryan inhaled slowly.
Energy flowed from his core, spreading across his torso like warm water.
His skin tingled.
"Hold it," Sophie said."Even. Stable."
She suddenly struck his shoulder—fast and precise.
Thud.
Ryan staggered half a step—but did not fall.
The impact felt dull, muted.
His eyes widened.
"I didn't block it," he said.
"You didn't need to," Sophie replied."That's energy coating. The foundation of Level 3 defense."
She nodded approvingly.
"You're touching the edge of Level 3, Stage 1."
A Warning
Later that evening, Bayu gathered several disciples—including Ryan.
"There's something you must all understand," Bayu said gravely."Energy is neutral. It reflects the will of its user."
He looked directly at Ryan.
"Those who rush toward power without discipline become unstable. Dangerous."
Images flashed through Ryan's mind—the red, chaotic energy of the market criminals.
"They weren't weak," Bayu continued."They were broken."
The room fell silent.
A New Sensation
That night, Ryan trained alone.
He sat cross-legged in the backyard, moonlight bathing the ground.
As he breathed, energy gathered naturally—no force, no strain.
Then something changed.
The energy no longer felt like a current.
It felt like awareness.
The leaves rustled.
The earth pulsed.
Ryan opened his eyes sharply.
He could sense the space around him—subtle movements, distant vibrations.
Not sight.
Not sound.
Something deeper.
"Is this… perception?" he whispered.
From the doorway, his grandfather watched with quiet pride.
"You're stepping onto the true path," Grandpa Sudarsono said softly."From here on… every step will test your heart."
Ryan clenched his fists.
He felt it now.
Level 3 wasn't about power.
It was about control—and choice.