Final Test

Master Chen stood at the edge of the dojo, watching Liam as he sparred with a fellow student. The sounds of feet hitting the mat, the slap of strikes, and breathing filled the air. Several months had passed since Liam first entered the dojo. The transformation was immense, he had even killed a few days ago.

Liam moved with agility that came from hard-earned understanding of his body. His strikes were sharp but controlled, and his awareness had become better. Master Chen observed how Liam had developed a heightened awareness, reading his sparring partner's movements, anticipating a punch or kick before it was close to him.

However, Master Chen's eyes narrowed. While Liam's improvement was exceptional, the environment of the dojo was just that—controlled. The chaos of real conflict was a far different thing. 

After the sparring match, Master Chen called Liam over.

"Come here, Liam," he said. "There's something you need to work on." He gestured to the training mat, demonstrating a movement. "Watch closely. This is a form of the sweep kick I showed you before, but with a focus on redirecting the opponent's weight."

Master Chen smoothly transitioned into a swift sweep, knocking the practice dummy off its balance. "It's not just about strength. It's about using your opponent's momentum against them. In real battle, you need to be soft like water, able to adjust in any situation."

Liam watched and then mimicked the movement, focusing on precision. Chen nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, 50 push-ups with weights on your back. After that, do the horse stance for 15 minutes."

Master Chen grabbed several weights, putting them carefully on Liam's back as he moved into position. "These exercises aren't just for strength, they teach resilience. This way you will be able to go on no matter how hard it is in a real battle."

With a grunt of effort, Liam began the exercise.

After the physical training was done, Liam approached Master Chen. "How did I do today, Master?" he asked.

"You've improved greatly, Liam," Chen replied, his gaze thoughtful. "But remember, what you've learned here is only the foundation. The real test comes when you are out in the real world, in battles where your opponents won't follow the rules from a dojo."

Liam nodded. "I want to be ready for anything. I'll keep pushing myself."

Master Chen gave him a serious look. "The outside world is getting more dangerous everyday. There's been more talk of gang activity, I'm not telling you what to do but remember, the lessons here are a preparation, true instinct is forged through real danger."

The mention of gang activity caused a flicker of concern in Liam's eyes. "I won't let you down, Master," he replied with conviction.

Chen's gaze softened slightly. "You'll need every bit of training when the time comes. Keep your awareness sharp. Real battles don't give you time to think, it wants an instant reaction."

Months flowed by, as the city buzzed with rumors of growing unrest and increasing gang violence, the intensity of Liam's training followed suit. Master Chen's lessons shifted from foundational to strategic, each session designed to push Liam's limits.

During each session Liam was trained with more challenging drills, where distractions were added to simulate the confusion of real battle. His body had become strong and his mind had become clearer. The routine now included hours of sparring, endurance training, and reflex drills. 

One afternoon, Master Chen called Liam aside. "It's time for your final dojo test, Liam," he said.

"What do you have planned, Master?" Liam asked.

"You will face multiple opponents," Chen explained. "This will test your ability to read movements, react instinctively, and adapt to real pressure."

Liam raised an eyebrow, "how many?"

Chen said, "Trust your other senses. This is where your awareness will be tested. You must rely on your instincts, I will have eight students fighting you"

The other students gathered, each taking their position. Liam stood at the center of the dojo. His breaths came slow and steady as he focused. The shuffling of feet became louder. He could hear his opponents moving closer.

Then, the first attack came.

Liam ducked. He rotated, delivering a swift counter-attack. Another opponent attacked from the left, and Liam sidestepped, sending them sprawling with the sweep kick Master Chen had taught him.

One by one, the attacks came, and each time, Liam's body moved without hesitation, dodging, blocking, countering. His awareness improved, going as far as no longer relying solely on sight. For the first time, he truly felt like he was reacting purely on instinct.

As the final blow was deflected, Master Chen called for a stop. Liam stopped, his chest rose and fell rapidly due to exhaustion. Chen looked at him for a moment before speaking. "Your awareness has improved a lot. You've proven yourself today, but remember—this is only the dojo. Real life is far and far more chaotic."

"I understand," Liam replied, still catching his breath. "But I'm ready. Whatever comes my way, I'll face them," he said with an innocent smile.

Master Chen's eyes softened with pride. "Good. Keep training. Soon, the world outside will ask for more from you than you've ever had here."

As Liam left the dojo, the sky had begun to darken. As he remembered Master Chen's words he felt a sense of accomplishment. He had finally become an expert at hand-to-hand combat and sword fighting, his body had become lean but muscular and because of that he had become more handsome as well. 

But he knew that now was the time to keep going, in order to beat the calamities coming his way he would still have to improve quite a bit.