Echoes of Legacy

" Beneath the surface "

That night, Jack found himself in the practice room at Ren's headquarters, a place filled with an aura of discipline and skill. The room was occupied by ten highly trained Kung Fu practitioners under the world's best master. Jack, driven by a mix of self-punishment and unresolved frustration, decided to provoke the trainees.

With a defiant attitude, he removed his shirt, revealing his determination to push his limits. Despite having the strength to take them all on, Jack tied his hands with the shirt, making himself vulnerable. He invited the trainees to attack him, enduring their blows without retaliating.

As Jack's blood began to stain the floor, Ren and Joseph happened to pass by the lawn. They stopped abruptly upon seeing the scene unfold. Ren's face tightened in anger as he approached the room.

"What is this?" Ren's voice thundered, cutting through the air.

One of the trainees stepped forward, his voice filled with irritation. "Sir, he was mocking us."

Ren, familiar with Jack's character, knew that such an act was not in line with Jack's usual behavior. He could see through the pretense and understood Jack's need for self-punishment. His anger shifted to a sharp reprimand for the trainees. "This is the difference between masters and trainees. A true master would never be swayed by such provocations from someone so young. He's just 18, and you're all in your 40s. How could you let him get to you so easily?"

The trainees, now realizing their mistake, quickly apologized and exited the room. Ren's gaze softened as he turned to Jack, who was smiling through the pain. He slapped Jack gently on the back, a mix of frustration and concern in his gesture.

"Why did you do this?" Ren asked, his voice tinged with both exasperation and care.

Despite the blood dripping from his mouth, Jack managed a weak laugh. Joseph, seeing the scene, couldn't resist a playful jab. "Ren, don't you think you're being a bit harsh on our guest here?"

Ren chuckled, shaking his head. "He's just a kid, and Kevin puts him on dangerous missions. Let him blow off some steam. Right, Jack?"

Jack nodded, his smile barely visible through his injuries. "Yeah, just needed to get it out."

"Alright then," Ren said, his tone softening. "Let me take care of those wounds, and then you can get some rest."

Ren guided Jack to the medical room, where he carefully washed and bandaged Jack's wounds. As Jack lay down to sleep, Ren's voice carried a note of warmth. "Rest up. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll need your strength."

Jack closed his eyes, feeling the sting of the bandages but also a sense of relief. The pain was a reminder of his struggles, but it was also a step towards finding peace amidst the turmoil.

The next morning, Kevin stormed into Jack's room at Ren's headquarters. Jack was busy trying to staunch the blood on his cheeks with cotton, his attention focused on adjusting his dress despite his injuries. Kevin, already aware of the previous night's events, approached Jack with a look of frustration.

Without acknowledging Kevin's presence, Jack continued his task, until Kevin picked up a vase and gestured as if he might throw it. The threat made Jack freeze and finally look up at Kevin. The sight of Jack's injuries made Kevin's frustration boil over, and he clenched his fists, controlling his urge to slap Jack.

"Why, Jack?" Kevin's voice was a mix of anger and concern. "Why do you keep doing this to yourself?"

Jack, irritated and in pain, replied, "Come on, Dad. I'm not a baby."

Kevin's patience snapped. He grabbed Jack by the collar, pulling him close and glaring at him. "This is your last chance. If you pull something like this again, I'll make you dance naked in front of the whole family. Got it?"