Tomorrow

Seojin and Ethan looked at each other, feeling a mix of fear and determination at the challenge laid before them. Jinwoo, seemingly unfazed by their expressions, leaned forward and asked, "So, Ethan, do you accept?"

Ethan took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Yes, I accept, but only if it's tomorrow," he replied, his voice steady despite the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.

Jinwoo chuckled, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You really think you can learn everything you need in just one day? You haven't managed to grasp it in your entire life."

Not backing down, Ethan shot back, "One day will be enough." He recalled the words of Shadow from the night before: "Awakened individuals thrive on competition. If someone challenges you, don't refuse outright—take the time to prepare. Respect is everything in this world." Inspired by this wisdom, Ethan decided to embrace the risk ahead of him.

Jinwoo studied Ethan's determined expression and thought, *Either he's incredibly brave or incredibly foolish, but that's the spirit a true Awakened should have.* With a smile returning to his face, he said, "Alright, it's settled. Tomorrow it is." He stood up and left the office, indifferent to how his son might react.

A few minutes later, Seojin woke up and exclaimed, "Have you lost your mind, Ethan? You just discovered your powers!"

Ethan looked at Seojin, confusion etched on his face. "But everyone only awakens at sixteen. I should be able to survive five minutes against you on the court."

Seojin burst into laughter at this. "But our situations are different. Even though everyone awakens at sixteen, we've been trained from a young age with the best instructors and resources available." He sighed, bemused by Ethan's innocence. "Honestly, you'd be better off giving up."

Ethan met his gaze with a serious determination. "I'm not going to give up. I'll see you tomorrow." With that, he turned on his heel and exited the office before Seojin could respond.

As Ethan hopped on his bike and pedaled home at full speed, the wind whipped through his hair, fueling his resolve. Upon entering the house, he spotted Shadow and Oliver sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep. "Shadow! Oliver! Wake up! I need you guys!" he called, urgency lacing his tone.

The sudden shout broke the tranquility of the room, and both cats lifted their heads in startled confusion. Oliver blinked sleepily, while Shadow stretched, yawning wide before trotting over to Ethan, sensing the excitement in his voice.

"Come on, guys! We have a lot to discuss!" Ethan urged, heart racing with anticipation. This was just the beginning, and he was determined to prove Seojin wrong.

Both Shadow and Oliver stirred awake, groggy but attentive. Ethan quickly filled them in on the events that had unfolded. "What do I do now?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Shadow and Oliver exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding. Finally, Shadow spoke, "We can't help you too much with the fight itself, but we can teach you how to manifest your power."

Ethan felt a wave of concern wash over him at the first part of Shadow's response, but relief quickly followed as he grasped the second half. "That's more than enough! I just need to survive five minutes in the fight," he said, his determination reigniting.

"Five minutes might feel like an eternity," Oliver chimed in, his tone serious yet encouraging. "But with our help, you can make it happen."

"Exactly," Shadow added, his eyes shining with resolve. "Let's get started right away. The sooner you learn, the better prepared you'll be."

As they began training, Ethan felt the weight of the challenge ahead. He was aware that in this world, there existed an unspoken code—a set of rules that dictated the behavior of Awakened individuals. Strength was revered, and respect was paramount. Those who disregarded these principles faced dire consequences.

Shadow and Oliver guided Ethan through the process of channeling the energy within him, teaching him not only the mechanics of harnessing his abilities but also the importance of adhering to this code. They emphasized that power was not just about raw strength; it was also about knowing when to fight and when to show restraint.

With every moment spent with Shadow and Oliver, Ethan grew more confident. The clock was ticking, and he knew that tomorrow would be a test of not just his physical abilities but also his understanding of the code that governed their world. He was ready to embrace the challenge, no matter the cost.