Present

  A few seconds after the guide landed, the cloud of dust had dispersed. The guide looked around, mostly satisfied with what he saw, yet somewhat disappointed with this new group of arrivals. His attention, however, was drawn to Lee, who was struggling to stay upright but still managing to stand.

  Guide: Oh, that's surprising. There's someone who's still conscious. Good, good. It's not all over before it even starts, it seems.

  The Guide's eyes narrowed as he felt a shift coming from Lee. It was faint at first—an almost imperceptible flicker

  Guide: [Is this one hiding something inside? Let’s test him.]

  To gauge Lee's potential, the guide unleashed his aura, pushing it to the max with his Terra Former Transformation's first stage. A breeze, carrying his instinct to kill, swept toward Lee.

  The breeze intensified gravity, making it eight times stronger than when the guide first appeared in the air. Lee's feet strained against the cracking ground.

  Amid his struggle, Lee heard a voice he had long forgotten.

  Shadow: "Hahaha... kid, I finally woke up from my slumber, and here you are, getting yourself into trouble again."

  Lee: "I don’t know who you are. I don’t have time for this. If you’re just here to talk and do nothing, then shut up."

  Shadow: "Still as snarky as ever. You’re the same, aren’t you? And for the record, you do know me, and you still owe me a favor. But that’s a problem for later. What’s your plan now, huh? Stay there and be pathetic, or do something about it?"

  Lee: "If you know me, then you already know what I’ll do."

  Shadow: "I was hoping you’d say that."

  The shadow laughed and began consuming a melon-like fruit within Lee's consciousness.

  Back to the Past

  lee use his last power and punch his father.

  Lee’s father felt an enormous pressure coming from the fist lee sent at him. He used a strange palm technique and the full force in his palm to counter the strike when an even bigger shadow popped up from his back. An even bigger shadow emerged from his back, a blend of man and octopus.

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  Sound of Impact

  Lee who use his very last power collapsed onto the ground.

  Lee's Father shifted from shock to overwhelming joy, bursting into laughter.

  Lee's Father: "Since they sealed my power, I can only access a small fraction of what your power can provide. Most of my physical strength is nullified. Nevertheless, for Lee to wound me in such a way is truly remarkable. Just like you said, Morgan."

  Octopus Shadow: "He is your son, so he must be at least this strong. So, what are you going to do about him?"

  Lee's Father: "As he's my son, he's a descendant of mine, so his powers will be limited here, no matter how much I train him."

  Octopus Shadow: "Not only that, but he's also too young. His body is weak and young, lacking the necessary energy to support his power."

  Lee's Father: "I know, but he carries the spirit of our family—a spirit that never gives up. That's why I decided to leave him with my last two calorie bombs and breathing technique Gourmet Breath. He needs the necessary tools for his future survival in case the syndicate discovers his existence. How many years do you think until he's truly ready to train?"

  Octopus Shadow Morgan: "Six to seven years."

  Lee's Father: "So, it's too early for boxing, huh? Maybe he should try basketball or something similar to strengthen his body and reflexes. The breathing technique Gourmet Breath will enhance his potential and reflexes when he's ready, helping him build a solid foundation. But man, he hits hard for a novice."

  Lee's Father: "What about the seal they placed on you? How much time until it's broken?"

  Octopus Shadow Morgan: "With my current speed, at least one more year. The seal is quite strong, and you can't provide me with enough energy to break it."

  Lee's Father took his son home to prevent him from catching a cold.

  Lee's Father: "Lee, you must grow stronger. We have so much to do."

  Back to the Present

  Lee struggled to stand, his aura growing stronger as the faintly shadow figure emerged behind him, the shadow figure had two eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth.

  Guide: "Wow, you managed to stand up against me. Don't worry, little friend. I'm here to help for the most part. However, every once in a while, I forget about the aura I emanate during my transformation".

  the Guide was was about to turn off his transformation ," I saw you standing so strongly, so I decided to conduct a little side test. So, what's your name?"

  Something unexpected happened—Lee lunged forward with a swift punch, but the Guide, sensing the attack at the last possible moment, evaded it by a hair's breadth. In one smooth motion, he retaliated, striking Lee with a blow that sent him crashing to the ground, unconscious.

  The Guide stood over Lee, staring down at him in mild surprise. He muttered to himself, "You seem to have an angry Appetite Demon in you. But something doesn't feel right. Ah, I see. You're son of guide. That explains why your Appetite Demon has only two eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. This poses a problem. The initial tasks were designed in a way that you wouldn't face a true challenge with this power of yours. To make things fair, I'll seal this part of you. Not to worry, though—you can undo it later at the center."

  a diamond-shaped mark on his head. His aura weakened until it returned to normal. A trace of blood marked the guide's shoulder where Lee's fist had grazed him during the dodge.

  Guide: "You're full of surprises, huh? Since I'm challenged you on your first mission, I'll compensate you if you can survive."

  Unbeknownst to Lee, a system message appeared in his head.