Chapter 3: A Mother’s Blessing

When it's your dream, grab it! There's always a way. When you do what you love, everything will be alright.

Kei mumbled the words to himself as he walked down the mountain path. "Yeah... maybe that's right. But will mother agree?"

"Kei! You're finally here!"

He looked up to see his mother, Mei, waiting at their cottage door. "Mother? Were you waiting for me?"

"Of course I was," she said, pulling him close for a moment. "It's getting dark — demons and monsters come out at night. I was so worried. Next time, come home early."

"Sorry, Mother," Kei said. "But... when I was collecting woods on the peak, I saw him. The cultivator who saved us back then."

"Really?!" Her eyes widened with surprise.

"Yes! He lives there with his daughter. They're so kind... I can't believe the shaman said she's a curse. Anyone who meets her would know that's a lie."

"Her name?"

"Natsou. Master Hiro's daughter."

Mei smiled softly. "Well, then we should visit them sometime to thank them properly."

Kei fidgeted with the hem of his tunic. "Mother... what if I told you I want... "

"What is it, son? Tell me."

"I want to be a cultivator too, mother!"

Mei let out a small laugh. "I always knew this day would come. Ever since that man saved us, you've been imitating his moves — even when you thought I wasn't looking."

"I just... I don't want you to worry about me," Kei said quietly.

"Hey now," she ruffled his hair, "even if you become a cultivator, you're still just a ten-year-old kid! I'll always worry a little."

"But it's my dream," he insisted. "And if I'm a cultivator, I'll be able to protect you. On my own."

Mei's eyes glistened with tears. "If it's your dream, then why would I stop you? I don't have much to leave you when I'm gone — but my support is all yours, always."

"Mother... don't talk about dying." Kei threw his arms around her waist. "Thank you for being my mother."

She held him tight, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I love you, son."

The next day

"Have you changed your mind?" Natsou asked, meeting Kei at the mountain top clearing.

Kei grinned. "Yeah. I realized... when you do what you love, everything will be alright."

"Then let's make a promise!" Natsou held up her fist. "Let's become the strongest cultivators in the future!"

"Yes!" Kei bumped his fist against hers.

And so they trained under Hiro's guidance. Natsou excelled at every technique, and Kei was right beside her, matching her dedication. They practiced on the peak and by the river, their skills growing with each passing day.

Five years later, fifteen-year-old Natsou had mastered the art of absorbing water energy, creating countless unique techniques. She became known as the Master of Water. Kei, at sixteen, had perfected fire energy absorption and earned the title of Sub Master of Fire. Both were formidable — but when it came to controlling raw energy, Natsou's potential was unmatched.

At the river

"Finished with your training?" Kei asked as Natsou walked up, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Yep. Father said to meet him after we're done."

They made their way to the temple, where Hiro was waiting. As they entered, he broke into a fit of coughing.

"Father! Are you okay?" Natsou rushed to his side.

"Come here, both of you," Hiro said, waving them over.

"Father, you need to take better care of yourself," she scolded gently, handing him a cup. "Drink this."

"What is it?"

"Herbal tea — I made it using my water technique."

Hiro's eyes lit up. "Really? You're incredible." He took a sip, then set the cup down. "Now, let's get down to business. Sit."

They sat across from him, leaning forward.

"There's a town that's been attacked," Hiro began. "The people can't say what did it. I went to look around and found some strange things. What do you think it was?"

"Is it a demon, Master?" Kei asked.

"That's what I thought too," Hiro said, "but there's no demon scent there at all."

"Well, father," Natsou said, "my theory is... it's a person."

"Master, what kind of attack was it?" Kei pressed. "What happened to the people?"

"That's what I'm leaning toward — a person. Demons usually eat humans, but these people died from poison, and others were injured in explosions."

"I want to go investigate!" Natsou stood up suddenly. "What town is it?"

"Natsou, calm down," Hiro said firmly. "I'm just asking for your opinions. This case is mine to solve."

"But father, in your condition — you can't!"

"Natsou's right, Master," Kei added. "We can go there and handle it. You should rest here."

"No!" Hiro's voice rose. "I said this is my matter to deal with. It's too complicated for you two. Now, back to your training. Dismiss!"

In a quiet, sad tone, Natsou said, "Yes, master."

Kei nodded. "Yes, master."

As they left, Hiro sighed to himself. I know they'll go investigate anyway. Their critical thinking is good... but this is too dangerous. If it were just weak monsters or demons, I'd trust them. But what if it's a fellow cultivator?

Outside the temple, Natsou stopped walking. "What if it is a fellow cultivator?"

"Maybe," Kei said. "Or maybe not — demons are tricky."

"Then let's go investigate!"

"You heard what your father said, right?"

"I heard it," Natsou said with a smile, "but I think it's a test. It's the first time he's asked for our opinion — he's challenging us."

"I think you're right," Kei said, grinning back. "But how do we find out which town it is?"

"Easy," Natsou said, starting down the mountain. "We just ask around."

"Then let's go!"

End of chapter 3

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