Sacred Arts

2. A New Beginning

After six long years of gruesome training, the day had finally arrived for Amon to take the exam to receive his black belt. "Yes!", "I can't believe I've come this far," Amon exclaimed with excitement. "It's time for my next big step," he thought with a broad grin. To earn a black belt, students must defeat one of the masters who restrict themselves to one-fourth of their normal strength. On this day, Amon, a tall brown-skinned boy with brown eyes and brown locs of hair that touched his broad shoulders and complimented his athletic physique, along with two other qualified students, Matthew Jackson and Jess Delano, entered the training hall to face Headmaster Edward.

Matthew was a prideful young man with an athletic build and had black eyes and hair that touched his shoulders, who gave off a calm demeanor. Jess was a martial arts enthusiast with long fiery red hair and orange eyes. Although she is short and petite, Jess possesses an insatiable hunger for battle. "Good, you're all here," Headmaster Edward greeted them. "You three are among the best in your generation, and I hope you have prepared well for this test."

In perfect unison, the three students shouted, "Yessir!" "Great, let's get started," Edward responded with a grin forming in the corner of his mouth. The three students took their stances, ready to attack. "You aren't even going to take a stance?" Amon asked, puzzled. "Why would I?","You three are small fry," Edward joked.

Jess lunged forward, attempting to flank Edward from the right with a punch, while Matthew circled around to his blind spot, preparing to sweep his opponent's legs. Amon remained still, observing the others' attempts. Just as Jess's fist and Matthew's leg neared Edward, he effortlessly blocked both attacks. Once Edward blocked the attacks, he grabbed Jess by her wrist and Matthew by his leg and swung them both into the air. As they descended, Edward met them with two well-timed kicks, sending them flying across the training field. Blood trickled from the corners of their mouths as they landed on the ground beside one another.

"Amon, you could have helped them and stood a greater chance against me," Edward mocked. "No, I wanted to measure my own strength against you first," Amon responded, determined. Amon launched a barrage of attacks at Edward, who effortlessly dodged each one with his hands clasped behind his back. Then, Amon executed a round house kick that caught Edward off guard, causing him to dodge low to the ground and look up. Seizing the opportunity, Edward smiled as he elbowed Amon in the abdomen.

The blow sent Amon flying back several feet, coughing up blood until he was able to regain his footing. "Each of you only received one attack, and already look rough", "is this all you have to offer me today?" Edward taunted. "Matthew, Jess, come to me!" Amon called out clenching his fists. The two students rushed to his side, and as all three stood guard, Amon explained the plan. "Let's do it!" Jess yelled with determination.

"This better work," Matthew muttered as he doubted Amon's plan. Jess rushed in, attempting to sweep Edward off his feet, but he quickly jumped high into the air, and at that moment Matthew threw a punch toward Edward, but he ended up blocking the punch with one hand. At that moment, Matthew thrust his knee toward Edward's abdomen, which Edward stopped with his other hand. While Edward and Matthew were locked in this position, Amon appeared in Edward's blind spot and brought his heel crashing down upon him. Matthew swiftly moved back, narrowly avoiding the attack, and Edward barely managed to block the kick by crossing both arms above his head to protect it.

The force of the kick sent Edward hurtling towards the ground, landing on one knee. "Great plan, all of you", "you all pass," Edward said, grinning at his three students who had now formed a triangle around him ready to attack. The three students smiled, and fist bumped each other. Masters Jacob and Shawn brought out the three black belts, congratulating the students on their success. "I want you three to know that this is just the beginning of a very long journey."

"From this moment forward, your world will now grow and expand as you enter the Sacred Arts," Edward announced. "Thank you, Master," the students expressed their gratitude. "Tomorrow, you will receive your first lesson in the Sacred Arts Cultivation section of the school". "Your training will be rigorous from here on out," Edward declared. "With that being said, you are all dismissed".

Amon, Jess, and Matthew strolled together, their faces filled with contentment over their exam results. Curiousity sparked in Matthew's eyes as he turned to Amon and Jess, asking about their goals. "My goal is to become one of the most formidable female warriors in this land," Jess declared without hesitation. Her serious gaze revealed her unwavering determination. Amon, on the other hand, stood with his back to his friends, gazing up at the sky as if searching for the right words to answer the question.

After a moment of contemplation, Amon turned around, his gaze coldly fixed on Jess and Matthew. "I'm seeking justice for my family," he revealed, leaving Matthew bewildered. Neither Jess nor Matthew had ever heard Amon speak of his family, so naturally, they were clueless about the tragic fate that befell them. Amon vowed to hunt down those responsible for his family's destruction and avenge their deaths, his determination evident as he clenched his teeth. Jess and Matthew were taken aback by Amon's response, shivers running down their spines.

"This guy is kind of different from us", Matthew thought to himself, while Jess marveled at Amon's potential, her eyes wide with awe. "Amon is going to be very powerful, and I want to witness his greatness," Jess thought to herself. Amon and Matthew accompanied Jess to her home, urging her to rest for the upcoming day. Jess hugged her two closest friends tightly before turning around to enter her home. Amon and Matthew then silently made their way to where Matthew lived. Breaking the silence, Matthew questioned whether revenge was truly the best path.

"I have worked tirelessly towards my current strength with the sole purpose of fulfilling this goal," Amon replied empathically. He was determined to uncover the mysteries behind the death of his family members. "Well, if your mind is set, I suppose there's no changing it." "Just be cautious, I can't have anyone but me putting an end to my rival," Matthew sighed. Amon nodded, a smile crossing his face as he looked into Matthew's eyes. Jokingly, Amon extended his fist for Matthew to bump, saying, "I'll do my best." After Matthew went inside his home, Amon walked alone to his own. Once there, he sat in meditation anticipating what the next day might bring before finally lying down to rest.