Wendy In Trouble!

It was natural, Katim thought, for there to be such stark differences between the training systems of his old world and this simulation. Yet, despite their contrasting approaches, they both aimed to achieve a similar outcome: transforming the practitioner into something greater than human.

The breathing techniques he'd once known focused primarily on fortifying the body as a whole, building strength and endurance from the outside in. By enhancing muscle, bone, and sinew, these methods drove the practitioner toward a peak physical state, pushing them closer and closer to their limits with every breath.

But here, the training method was almost the opposite. It focused on cultivating Aura power from within, strengthening internal organs and life force itself. Through careful sensing and channeling of one's inner Aura, practitioners would refine their bodies from the inside out, transforming even their organs to endure and generate power. The idea was that a fortified core would support an unbreakable body.

Outside to inside. Inside to outside. Each approach had its strengths, but Katim wondered if combining them might yield an even greater effect.

A spark of realization flickered in his mind. In his world, for an apprentice knight to ascend to knighthood, they had to sense their inner life force, shape it, and finally condense it into a "Knight Seed" a powerful essence that granted them enhanced abilities. This step was challenging and often took years of rigorous training to achieve.

But here? In this world, sensing and channeling life force was part of even the most basic training. They started by honing their inner power from the outset.

"So… if I can master this world's methods, the path to knighthood might be much easier for me," Katim mused aloud. He felt a rush of excitement at this discovery. The barrier that once seemed so high in his old world could now be overcome with ease.

This was the beauty of different worlds, he realized; what was rare and difficult in one could be straightforward in another. Different approaches, different solutions. He felt a thrill of anticipation, sensing that this world's training system might unlock potential he had yet to imagine.

Just then, a distant commotion interrupted his thoughts, a clamor of voices, shouts, and the unmistakable clash of metal on metal. Katim looked up to see a group of people embroiled in a chaotic brawl, weapons flashing as they struck at each other. The streets of Malu City were as unruly as ever.

"It's only gotten worse," he muttered, shaking his head. Over a year had passed since he'd arrived in Malu, but the city remained as tumultuous as ever. Recently, gang disputes had escalated, turning the city into an even more dangerous place. Daytime brought a tenuous peace, but at night, the streets teemed with violence, a breeding ground for bloodshed.

Katim had no interest in getting tangled up in the trouble. He changed his course, veering off down a narrow alley to avoid the street fight altogether.

The alley stretched deep into shadow, its dim passage winding between the buildings. The darkness was thick, but Katim moved forward without hesitation, his steps silent and deliberate. He had no need for light; his instincts guided him.

Unbeknownst to him or so it seemed, another figure had been trailing him. A shadowy form emerged from the main street, pausing at the mouth of the alley, watching as Katim disappeared into the depths. The pursuer hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure he was unseen, then slipped into the alley after him, his steps cautious yet determined.

But as the pursuer crept forward, he suddenly froze, his heart sinking as he registered the figure standing in the shadows up ahead. Katim was waiting for him, his gaze steady and unwavering, as if he'd known all along he was being followed.

The would-be stalker's instincts screamed at him to flee. He spun on his heel, desperate to escape, but it was already too late.

A powerful force struck him from behind, a crushing impact that sent pain radiating through his chest and forced the air from his lungs. He staggered, nearly collapsing from the blow, but before he could regain his balance, a hand shot out from the darkness, seizing his arm in an iron grip and yanking him forward.

Katim's eyes glinted in the dim light, unblinking, as he held the man firm. Every movement was efficient, calculated, leaving the intruder no chance to react. The struggle ended almost as soon as it began, the entire encounter swallowed by the silence of the alley.

And just as quickly as it had started, it was over. The alley returned to its stillness, the shadows deep and silent, concealing all traces of the brief but decisive confrontation.

"Huh?" Katim muttered, a note of surprise slipping into his voice as he looked down at the figure beneath him.

He hadn't sensed anything unusual before, but now that he was closer, something felt off. The person lying at his feet was wrapped entirely in a long black robe, obscuring their features. But as he looked more carefully, he noticed something unexpected.

"A… woman?"

The person beneath him was tall, her form hidden beneath layers of dark fabric. Yet, now that he looked closely, her features began to come into focus; a face that was striking, with sharp eyes and a delicate jawline, framed by a few stray strands of hair escaping her hood.

Before he could process further, the woman's eyes opened, and she looked up at him, wide-eyed and visibly frightened. Katim could practically feel her shock radiating from her. Her expression was one of absolute terror, as if she'd stumbled upon a wild animal rather than the young man she'd expected.

"You… you're him?" she stammered, her voice trembling. "But... how? From what I've heard, you're just an ordinary recruit who joined the Red Bird Dojo a year ago. How are you so skilled?"

Katim shrugged, barely sparing her an answer. "Don't look so surprised," he said, his tone casual, almost dismissive. "We're going to have a little talk. Why were you following me?"

The woman opened her mouth, her face flickering with hesitation, but said nothing.

Katim's eyes narrowed. "Not talking, huh? Fine. Then let me make this easier for you." His hand closed around a loose brick nearby, lifting it with a calmness that made the woman's blood run cold. He raised it, aiming squarely at her face. With the force he intended to use, one blow would easily smash her skull.

"Wait!" she gasped, eyes wide with panic. "Please, I have no ill intentions! I came to ask for your help!"

Katim's grip loosened slightly, and he paused. "Help? Who sent you?"

The woman swallowed, then hurriedly whispered a name. "Wendy."

Hearing the name, Katim's hand froze in mid-air, his expression shifting from suspicion to guarded curiosity. "Wendy?" he repeated, frowning. "What's going on?"

"Miss Wendy is in danger," the woman said breathlessly. "She sent me to warn you. She's been targeted, and whoever is after her may go after the people around her as well. That includes you."

Katim's frown deepened. Wendy in danger? His mind raced, considering the implications. "Tell me exactly what's happening," he demanded, his tone cold.

"I… I don't know all the details," she replied, shaking her head. "I was only asked to deliver this message. Someone thought you should be warned. I followed you because I needed a private place to speak without attracting attention."

"Is that so?" Katim looked her over, his gaze piercing. "What's your name?"

The woman hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Jenna. My name is Jenna."

"Alright, Jenna," he said, his tone softening just a fraction. "For Wendy's sake, I'll let this slide. But remember; don't follow me again. If it had been someone else, they'd likely have beaten you to death for stalking them like that."

Jenna nodded quickly, but inwardly, she couldn't help but think, 'You're one to talk about temper, considering you were ready to smash my head in just a second ago.'

Still, she kept her thoughts to herself, murmuring, "Yes, of course. It won't happen again."

Katim gave her a final, disapproving shake of his head. "Good. Now get out of here."

Without another word, Jenna scrambled to her feet and hurried off, disappearing into the shadows of the alley. Katim watched her go, then turned and began his own journey back, his thoughts troubled.

Wendy. That name stirred memories. Wendy had been one of the first people he'd befriended when he arrived in this world, along with another friend, Louis. For the first six months, the three of them had been nearly inseparable, attending school together, exploring the city, and finding comfort in each other's company.

But in recent months, Katim's focus had shifted. His training at the Red Bird Dojo had taken up all his time, and he'd gradually lost touch with his old friends. He realized now that he hadn't seen or even thought about Wendy in over two months. He hadn't known about any trouble she might be facing, and the guilt of it crept up on him.

What kind of danger could she be in? And why would someone target the people around her?

His thoughts grew darker with each step. Wendy's absence in his life had been something he'd pushed aside, but now it seemed that ignoring it could have been a mistake. If she was in trouble, he needed to know why.

As he made his way home, he resolved to get answers. 'Tomorrow,' he decided. 'I'll ask Louis tomorrow at school. Maybe he knows more about what's happening with Wendy.'

The world around him was filled with shadows and secrets, and now, he felt the weight of them pressing down. One way or another, he would find out what was threatening Wendy, and what role he might need to play in saving her.