[06] "The weight of a decision"

[Two months later in Japan]

Kayden observes Ares practicing and thinks to himself, "This kid has a lot of potential, but he still needs to work on his technique and skills. Although I'm impressed with how quickly he's learned my strength control, it's impressive."

Kayden approaches Ares and says, "Alright, you're improving. But you still need to work on your movement technique and fighting style. You need to leverage your supernatural abilities and develop a style that utilizes them effectively."

Ares nods with determination and stands up to continue his training.

Kayden watches him with a smile of satisfaction, thinking that he may have found a new disciple worthy of his teachings.

[One month later]

Kayden circulates his power control, analyzing how his body reacts and if there is any hidden injury. 'Ready, I have healed myself 100%. I should continue challenging others in the world ranking, but what should I do with this guy? While I've been with him, it's been fun. Besides, he has a personality similar to mine: he really likes fighting and training.'

"Ares, I have to go now," says Kayden, staring fixedly at Ares.

Ares thinks for a moment and says, "Mmmm... Can I come with you?"

Kayden, surprised, responds, "Huh? It's going to be dangerous, I'll be challenging strong people. Are you sure?"

"I don't mind, you said that sooner or later I'll have to fight and you said that to become strong, you can't be too comfortable," responds Ares confidently.

"Are you sure? Are you going to leave your mother and brother alone? Do you think they will give you permission?" asks Kayden.

"Yes, exactly for that reason. You told me that this world is very dangerous, and my little brother also has awakened powers. I have to become strong to protect them," responds Ares.

Kayden laughs maniacally, showing a devilish smile. "HAHAHAHAHA. Alright, kid, let's shake the world. But you're not going to fight soon, first you need to get stronger and gain some experience before challenging strong awakened. I told you beforehand that you're going to train like never before, and you'll see what a real awakened battle is like."

Ares, happy, says, "Yes, sir. I will learn everything from you to become very strong."

Kayden says, "HAHAHAHAHAHA. Alright, kid. Let's talk to your mother tonight."

[At night]

"You mean, you want to leave... Do you know how dangerous the awakened world is, and you want to go explore it?" said Yujeong very angry, yelling and hitting the table.

Ares quickly replied, "Relax, Mom... calm down."

"What do you mean, calm down? My son is going to leave me!" said Yujeong, angry.

Kayden intervenes. "Please calm down, ma'am. You know the awakened world is dangerous, but if you keep hiding and protecting Ares, it will only make it difficult for him to defend himself in the future".

Kang Yujeong looks very angry at Kayden. "It's your fault. If you weren't here, he wouldn't have wanted to go with you. From the beginning, I knew it was a bad choice for you to stay."

Ares says, "Mom, it's my choice. We've talked before about how the awakened world is, and I want to live in it. I have superpowers, and sooner or later, they will be known. Also, there's Jiwoo, who will protect me in the future."

Kayden looks carefully at Ares and Yujeong, sighing and saying, "Ma'am, our world is very dangerous, but the only way to live well is to become stronger. Only the person with the most power leads, and your son has incredible talent. Staying here only hinders his growth and his ability to protect you. He's leaving so you can have a good life and be protected if any problems arise in the future."

Yujeong falls silent and looks at Ares. "My son, are you sure? Why do you want to go? We can have a happy life here".

Ares sighs and answers, "Mother, I have decided. I want to go. I want to become strong. I want to have a normal life as an awakened, not always hiding".

"I'll visit you every year so we won't go too long without seeing each other," said Ares as he shook his mother's hand

"I thought I could protect you. You were always a very mature child for your age. I knew that sooner or later you would leave my side," said Yujeong as she tightly held her son's hand. Kayden and Ares fall silent, making the atmosphere sad and melancholic.

Yujeong says, "Fine... I give you permission. You have to be careful. I'll take care of Jiwoo during this time and keep him away from trouble. You have to talk to me every day".

Ares replies, "Thank you very much, mother. I won't let you down. Talk to you every day?".

"Every day! If you don't respond one day, you'll see me," Yujeong said with a threatening voice.

"Yes, mother, I'll talk to you every day without fail," says Ares as he tenses up and his hair stands on end.

Kayden responds, "Ma'am, I promise you that Ares will be in good hands and I'll take care of him as if he were my own son. I won't allow anything bad to happen to him while he's with me".

Yujeong sighs, understanding that Ares has already made his decision and there's nothing she can do to stop him. "Alright, but make sure to keep him safe and call me every day. I don't want to worry about my son all the time".

Ares nods and gets up from the table. "Thank you, mother. I promise everything will be fine". Kayden gets up too, following Ares out of the house. "Let's go, we have a lot to prepare before we leave".

Yujeong sits alone at the table, sad and lonely, watching her son and Kayden walk away. "Be careful, Ares," she whispered to herself.

….

985 words.

Next chapter "Ares' debut is approaching."