Chapter 10: Harnessing the Sun's Power

As Adan rose from his slumber, the warm rays of the sun enveloped him in a comforting embrace. Being the son of Apollo, he understood that most of his powers were intricately tied to the sun, serving as a conduit for his abilities. However, he decided to postpone enhancing his light powers for later, opting instead to focus on honing his archery skills.

With determination in his heart, Adan set out to practice archery, a skill he knew would be essential for his survival in the wilderness. He began by setting up wooden targets at a distance of 20 meters (65 feet), eager to test his accuracy.

However, after just a few minutes, he realized that the distance was too short, craving a greater challenge. Adjusting his aim, he pushed himself to shoot from farther away, gradually increasing the distance with each successful shot. By midday, he found himself hitting targets over a kilometer (0.6 miles) away, a feat that filled him with pride. Inwardly, he thanked his father for blessing him with such talent, even though he knew Apollo couldn't hear him.

After successfully hunting down a rabbit with his newfound archery skills, Adan returned to his campsite, roasting the catch over an open fire for his midday meal. Thanks to his sharp senses, the entire hunting excursion took no more than fifteen minutes. However, with half the day still ahead of him, Adan resolved to continue his training.

Following his meal, Adan turned his attention to his light powers, uncertain of where to begin. The last time he had tapped into this ability was during a moment of dire peril, an experience he had no desire to repeat. Instead, he sought solace in meditation, finding a secluded clearing in the forest where the golden sunbeams bathed him in their warmth.

As he closed his eyes and focused his thoughts, Adan allowed himself to drift into a deep state of meditation. In his mind's eye, he conjured images of battles fought against imaginary foes, attempting to embody their spirit and understand their tactics. At first, he struggled to connect with these spectral adversaries, but after two hours of intense concentration, he was jolted awake by a surge of energy coursing through his veins.

His eyes glowing a fiery red, reminiscent of the sun above him, Adan stood up and instinctively dodged an imaginary arrow that seemed to materialize out of thin air. In that moment, he found himself transported to a battlefield, surrounded by enemies and monsters intent on ending his life. Reacting on pure instinct, he conjured an imaginary bow and arrow, taking down several adversaries before they could react. Yet, even as victory seemed within reach, two monstrous creatures approached him from behind, their menacing forms hauntingly familiar.

Recognizing them as the same monsters he had encountered in his school, Adan entered a heightened state of awareness, his fear replaced by a sense of purpose. With unmatched agility, he evaded their attacks, striking out with precision as he unleashed a barrage of arrows. In a flurry of movement, he dispatched his foes, his heart pounding with exhilaration as he emerged victorious.

As the adrenaline faded and reality came crashing back, Adan collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with exhaustion. Yet, amidst the fatigue, he felt a newfound sense of strength coursing through him, his connection to the sun growing stronger with each passing moment.

In the days and weeks that followed, Adan devoted himself to rigorous training, rising at dawn to practice archery, meditate, and engage in imaginary battles on the ethereal battlefield of his mind. After a month of relentless dedication, he concluded that he was ready to delve deeper into his powers, embarking on a journey of self-discovery as he sought to unlock the full extent of his abilities.

Returning to the tranquil clearing in the heart of the forest, Adan resumed his meditation, allowing the warm embrace of the sun to envelop him once more. Over time, he discovered that he could harness solar energy, channeling its power to augment his abilities. Experimenting with this newfound gift, he marveled as he shattered tree trunks with a mere touch, the resulting explosion of splinters serving as a testament to his growing prowess.

With each passing day, Adan continued to refine his skills, knowing that preparation was key should a crisis arise.