The moon loomed high, bathing the Forgotten Valley in silver light. The air was thick with an eerie stillness, yet beneath the surface, power surged—a storm brewing within Ochieng's veins.
He stood at the center of the temple's stone altar, his bare chest heaving, drenched in sweat. His body, once frail and poisoned, was now surging with raw energy. His master, the silver-robed man, watched in silent approval.
"You are no longer the same weakling who stumbled into this valley."
Ochieng clenched his fists. His very blood burned, pulsating with an untamed force he had never known. Every fiber of his being screamed for release, for battle, for destruction.
His master finally spoke. "It's time."
Ochieng turned his gaze to the black jade altar, its surface now etched with strange, glowing runes. It was the final test before stepping into the world as a true warrior.
"Enter," his master commanded.
Ochieng stepped forward.
The moment his fingertips touched the altar, a violent force dragged him into darkness—
---
Inside the Illusionary Battlefield
The world shifted.
Ochieng found himself standing in a vast wasteland, the sky torn between night and day.
Before him stood five figures cloaked in shadows, their eyes glowing with a murderous aura.
The Five Dead Kings.
Their voices echoed in unison.
"Only the worthy may leave this place alive."
Ochieng smirked.
"Then let's see if you can stop me."
The first Dead King lunged—a blur of movement. Ochieng barely dodged as a massive iron fist grazed past his cheek, shattering the ground behind him.
He countered, spinning mid-air, driving his knee into the figure's ribcage. The impact sent a tremor through the battlefield, but the Dead King barely flinched.
"Too weak."
Ochieng's mind raced. His martial arts foundation had skyrocketed, but this was a whole new level.
He had to evolve.
The second Dead King attacked, swinging a blade wreathed in dark flames.
Ochieng reacted on instinct, twisting his body as the sword barely missed his heart. But a scorching pain ripped through his side—blood sprayed into the air.
"Damn it!"
His eyes burned crimson. His master's words echoed in his mind:
"You must climb the ladder of Martial Ascension—step by step, battle by battle."
He clenched his fists. Martial Arts Master – 1 Star wouldn't be enough.
He had to break through. Now.
---
Ochieng planted his feet, breathing steadily.
The third Dead King charged, moving faster than the wind.
Ochieng didn't move.
Not yet.
His heart pounded like war drums. The moment the enemy swung their spear, he moved—
A single step.
A thunderous BOOM exploded beneath his feet as he vanished.
He reappeared behind the Dead King, his fist surging with golden energy.
"PERISH!"
BAM!
The Dead King's body shattered like glass, dissolving into nothingness.
A wave of immense power erupted within Ochieng's core. The chains on his martial path shattered—he had stepped into the realm of a Martial Arts Master 2-Star!
The remaining Dead Kings hesitated.
Ochieng exhaled, his smirk widening.
"Now, it's my turn."
---
Far from the Forgotten Valley, chaos consumed the city.
The Crimson-Robed Man, the challenger who had declared war on Ochieng, stood atop the Grandmasters' Arena, watching as messengers scattered across the land.
The world now knew of his declaration.
In two days, Ochieng was expected to appear in the arena and face his greatest trial yet.
But would he make it in time?
And if he did…
Would he survive?
---
Ochieng's movements were no longer sluggish.
He dodged, countered, destroyed.
The remaining Dead Kings fell, one after another.
The final opponent collapsed, its shadowy form dissolving into mist.
Ochieng stood in the silence, his breath heavy. He had done it.
As the battlefield faded, he heard a whisper—
"You are worthy."
---
Ochieng gasped as he woke, collapsing to the ground in the Forgotten Valley temple.
His master watched with amusement.
"You've stepped into 2-Star."
Ochieng wiped the blood from his lips, his eyes burning with new power.
"Now… send me to the arena."
His master chuckled. "Foolish boy."
He turned, stepping into the darkness.
"If you truly wish to survive what's coming… you must reach 3-Star before sunrise."
Ochieng's heart clenched.
A single night?
An impossible task.
But then again…
He had never been ordinary.
---
Ochieng could feel the weight of time pressing on him. If he didn't break through to 3-Star, he would die in the arena.
His master tossed a small jade pill toward him.
"Swallow it. The path to 3-Star is drenched in pain. If you cannot endure, you will perish."
Ochieng didn't hesitate. He crushed the pill between his teeth, feeling a flood of fire surge through his veins.
AGHHH!
His bones cracked. His muscles tore apart and rebuilt themselves. His blood felt like molten lava coursing through his body.
His vision blurred, his soul screamed—
And then—
BOOM!
A surge of explosive power erupted from his core, shattering the altar beneath him.
Ochieng's eyes snapped open, golden lightning crackling around him.
He had stepped into Martial Arts Master 3-Star.
The wind around him stilled. The valley itself seemed to recognize his transformation.
His master's voice was soft but laced with admiration.
"Now you are ready."
Ochieng didn't answer. He simply turned his gaze toward the horizon.
The Grandmasters' Arena awaited.
His enemies awaited.
And most importantly—
His revenge awaited.
---