Failure after Failure

With the dawn casting its warm glow through the window, Johan found himself gearing up for another attempt to awaken the potential of his card. His brows knitted in concentration, and a thin sheen of sweat beaded on his forehead, evidence of the determination coursing through him.

He was a ship in a tempest, constantly knocked around yet relentlessly pushing forward. There was an inexplicable desperation that clung to him now, borne from weeks of fruitless efforts, and a steadfast determination that rooted from his newfound resolution.

Before he began, Johan paused, allowing his mind to drift back to his previous attempts. He could almost taste the disappointment of those failed endeavors, the frustration that had seeped into him like a stubborn stain. He had meditated, chanted, focused, and even pleaded, but the card remained as dormant as ever.

His eyes fell on the stack of hastily scrawled notes by his side. Each page was a testament to his relentless pursuits, cluttered with scribbles of different methods he'd tried or theories he'd formulated. His gaze lingered on his past failures, not in defeat, but in contemplation. Each failed attempt was a lesson, a guiding star that illuminated what didn't work, inching him closer to what might.

With a final, steadying breath, Johan dove into his new attempt. His eyes slipped shut, his mind picturing the mysterious card. He reached out mentally, like a man fumbling in the dark, seeking a connection. His heart hammered in his chest, anticipation and apprehension mingling in his veins as he poured every ounce of his concentration into the task.

The room was silent, save for the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock, the passing seconds an echo of Johan's mounting effort. He was a portrait of sheer determination, resolute and unyielding. Yet the card remained elusive, as if teasing him from just beyond his reach.

The suspense in the room grew, as tangible as the morning sunlight streaming in, promising a new day. And with it, a new wave of attempts. Johan would not give up. Not now. Not ever.

As Johan continued his intense focus, Miles sat in the corner of the room, watching silently. His eyes were locked on his brother, and there was a deep, unwavering faith etched into his young features. He might not have understood the intricacies of the card, but he believed in his brother's ability to unlock its secrets.

Miles wasn't there to interfere or guide, his presence was simply a silent pillar of support. There was an unspoken promise between them, a pact sealed by shared dreams and unyielding resolve. They were in this journey together, each playing their part.

Yet, despite the intensity of Johan's efforts and Miles' unwavering support, the card remained dormant. The quiet of the room was punctuated by a sigh of defeat, and Johan opened his eyes, the glimmer of hope fading from them. The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by a heavy silence filled with disappointment.

Johan's hands clenched around the card, a growl of frustration escaping his lips. It wasn't just a card to him anymore; it was a challenge, a hurdle he was determined to overcome. But with every failed attempt, the hurdle seemed to grow taller.

Sensing his brother's disappointment, Miles stood, walking over to Johan. He placed a hand on Johan's shoulder, a silent show of support. Words weren't needed between them; their shared experiences and unspoken understanding filled the silence.

Miles' gaze was steady as he looked at Johan, a sense of determination flickering in his eyes. "We will figure this out, Johan," he said, his voice firm. "Remember, every defeat brings us closer to success."

As Johan's turmoil-filled gaze met his younger brother's steady one, something stirred within him. It was a flicker of hope, a spark that refused to be extinguished despite the shadow of repeated failures. With a deep breath, he unclenched his fists, the tension in his body slowly receding. His heart was heavy, but not defeated.

Silently, he squeezed Miles' hand, a wordless thank you passing between them. Johan managed to pull a small, resilient smile onto his face, despite the heaviness that weighed on his spirit. This was the path he had chosen, and he knew it wasn't going to be easy. But having Miles by his side, sharing his dreams and his struggles, made it all a bit more bearable.

In the silence of the room, as they sat side by side, Johan looked down at the unresponsive card in his hand. It was more than just a piece of fancy metal; it was his dream, his future. His fingers traced the intricate designs on its surface, a renewed sense of determination filling him.

"I will unlock your secrets," Johan whispered to the card, his voice carrying a vow. "I will become a Card Master. I don't know how long it will take, or what I will have to go through, but I won't stop trying."

...

The next day arrived with the sun peaking over the horizon, bathing Jurica City in a warm, comforting light. Johan was up with the dawn, embracing the day with a refreshed sense of purpose. He splashed cool water onto his face, watching as droplets scattered from his fingertips. The mirror reflected back a man of resolve, someone ready to face whatever the day would throw at him.

The room he shared with Miles was simple, yet functional. Furnishings were sparse - a small table, two mismatched chairs, a rickety shelf that held their few belongings, and a couple of thin mattresses that served as their beds. The space was small, but they had managed to turn it into a home. A haven of sorts amid the city's bustling chaos.

Johan tidied the room, sweeping the worn-out floor, and dusting off the cobwebs that clung to the corners. Afterwards, he moved to the corner they had designated as a makeshift kitchen, where he began to prepare a humble soup. The aroma of simmering vegetables filled the room, rousing Miles from his slumber.

As Miles stretched and greeted the morning, Johan stirred the soup, their quiet routine a testament to their shared life. Once their meal was done, they took a moment to appreciate the sustenance, however meager, before embarking on their respective tasks for the day.

With a goodbye, Johan stepped out into the city. His eyes watched as doves pecked at the ground in front of the solemn-looking church. The church stood tall and quiet, its silent strength a stark contrast to the lively city surrounding it. Johan moved on quickly, his gaze lingering wistfully on the flying birds, his thoughts on freedom and dreams.

'Only normal people. It seems it's not that easy to encounter one.' He walked through the streets of Jurica, his mind filled with tales of extraordinary Card Masters. He longed to witness their power, their grace, but knew that such figures rarely graced an Iron-ranked city like Jurica. They only appear when a disaster occurs, or a big event happens or the if the city-lord hires them. He realized that he was lucky to even see a Tier 7 Flying in the flesh once. Nevertheless, he clung onto a thread of hope, a desire to someday stand among them.