[21] “Training Jiwoo”

[A few days later]

in a spacious underground room, Ares sat with his legs crossed and his eyes closed, radiating a golden aura around his body.

"It's very reassuring to be able to be alive, spend time with my family, train, and rest without worrying about the outside world," he thought to himself. "Jiwoo should be arriving any moment now. We agreed to meet at 9 in the morning."

Suddenly, Ares began to breathe heavily.

"Phew... Phew... Phew..." he exhaled.

"Brother, I've arrived. What are you going to teach me today?" Jiwoo asked with a radiant smile.

"I can tell you're very happy," Ares responded, opening his eyes and observing Jiwoo with his cheerful demeanor and sportswear.

"It's been great being with you, and now you're going to teach me that incredible method you promised," Jiwoo said excitedly.

Ares laughed and replied, "Hahaha! Yes, I'm going to teach you an entertaining method called force control."

"Wow! Force control? What's that?" Jiwoo asked, thrilled.

"Come and stand in front of me with your legs crossed," Ares instructed, pointing ahead.

Jiwoo ran towards Ares and positioned himself in the same posture. "I'm listening attentively," he said.

"This method will help you improve your special abilities more quickly and easily, and it will also allow you to better control your powers," Ares explained calmly.

"Amazing, brother!" Jiwoo exclaimed.

"Good, focus on learning and memorizing how my energy flows through your body so that you can do it on your own without my help," Ares said, placing his hands on Jiwoo's back and releasing a stream of golden light.

Jiwoo became nervous, but Ares reassured him. "Stay calm, Jiwoo, nothing will happen to you. Just follow the flow of my energy in your body," he said softly.

"Alright, I trust you, brother," Jiwoo responded, calming down.

"Now, stay silent and focus on following my energy. I am with you," Ares instructed.

Jiwoo closed his eyes and concentrated on feeling the energy flowing through his body.

Hours later, Ares observed how Jiwoo managed to circulate his force control effortlessly, channeling his energy into his heart.

"Phew... Phew... Phew... Brother, this is quite challenging. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it on my own," Jiwoo said nervously.

"Don't worry, you're doing well. Even if you don't feel it, you're using your energy in the same way I taught you," Ares responded with a reassuring smile.

"Really? Wow... I didn't know I could do it," Jiwoo exclaimed with surprise and a big smile on his face.

"You have great talent. From now on, we'll train together every day, practicing the circulation of force control," Ares said as he stood up.

"It was fascinating to follow that energy. Force control? What is it?" Jiwoo asked curiously.

"That's the name of the method I taught you, it's force control," Ares replied.

"Oh, so that's what it's called... it's incredible," Jiwoo said amazed.

"Indeed, it's incredible... Tomorrow, we'll start your real training, so make sure to rest well tonight," Ares said determinedly.

"Yes, I'll rest a lot, and I'll be here at 9 o'clock sharp," Jiwoo affirmed.

"Perfect, now let's grab something to eat. I'm hungry," Ares said.

"Yes, let's go eat," Jiwoo responded, heading up the stairs.

….

Ares and Jiwoo had been working hard together for five months, and the results were starting to show.

Every morning, at exactly 5:30, they would wake up and begin their force control training. Jiwoo had significantly improved his ability to concentrate his energy and use it effectively thanks to Ares' methods.

After the training, Jiwoo would go to school, and Ares would take the opportunity to train on his own.

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when Jiwoo returned, Ares would place a punching bag in the center of the room and start teaching Jiwoo combat techniques using his super speed. Jiwoo was fascinated by how Ares could move and wanted to learn as much as possible.

After three hours of intense training, Ares would have Jiwoo continue circulating his force control while he slept. It was a challenging habit to acquire, but Jiwoo was willing to do whatever it took to improve his special abilities.

As the days went by, Jiwoo noticed that his body was changing. He felt stronger, more agile, and faster. His force control was improving every day, and he was able to do things he had never imagined before.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, five months had passed since Ares arrived. Jiwoo was incredibly grateful for everything his brother had taught him, and he knew that without him, he would have never come this far in his training.

….

[Pov Ares]

Ares woke up early in the morning to meet Jiwoo in the room, sleeping with his force control activated.

He remembered all the time they had spent together, teaching him to control his power and improve his strength. 'The time has come for me to leave,' Ares thought as he looked at Jiwoo sleeping. 'I have taught him everything he needed to know to be much stronger than he should be in the original story.'

"All the training I gave him has caused a significant change in him. He can move at super speed for longer periods, he has awakened his regeneration abilities, and he can even sleep while circulating his force control."

'It's time to say goodbye. I will make the most of my last day here with my family.'

[The next morning]

"Mother, it's time for me to go," Ares said, feeling a pang of sadness.

His mother looked at him with a tender expression and replied, "Well, you have spent a lot of time with us, my son. I knew that sooner or later you would have to leave and live your own life."

"I'm glad you were with Jiwoo," she continued. "You helped him have a good year. Since some of his friends found out about his powers..."

"Mother, you won't be able to hide it forever. It's better for Jiwoo to accept his new life," Ares said with determination.

"I understand, but I want to have him with me to protect him until he's older," Kang Yujeong responded with a sorrowful tone.

"You left home when you were 14," pointed out sadly.

Ares took a deep breath before responding, "You asked me not to tell him anything about the Awakened world, but the day will come when he finds out, and on that day, I will be here to protect him. You can rest assured."

"I know. When I can't do it anymore, you will," Kang Yujeong said with a reassuring look toward her son.

….

1116 words.

Next chapter "First confrontation after the recovery."