The Legend of the Ares: Rise of the Legend

Chapter 2: The First Lesson

The sun was rising over the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Alexander Alisa stood at the center of the field, her sniper rifle case resting beside her. The boy, Jin, stood in front of her, nervous but filled with anticipation. He had spent the night thinking about this moment—the moment he would begin his training under the legendary soldier he admired.

Alisa crossed her arms, observing him carefully. There was a determination in his eyes that she hadn't seen in a while, and that was something she could work with. However, she knew that raw determination alone wouldn't be enough.

"Alright, Jin," Alisa began, her voice steady. "You said you wanted to be strong, like me. But strength isn't just about power. It's about control, discipline, and understanding your limits."

Jin nodded eagerly, his fists clenched. "I'm ready for anything!"

Alisa smiled slightly at his enthusiasm, but she knew the road ahead would be long and difficult. Without another word, she motioned for him to follow her. They walked deeper into the training grounds, where a series of obstacles and weights were scattered around the area.

"This is where we start," Alisa said, stopping by a large wooden log that lay on the ground. "You need to understand that strength begins with your body. We'll build that up first."

She crouched beside the log and placed her hands underneath it. With a fluid motion, she lifted it over her shoulders as if it weighed nothing, her muscles rippling under the effort. She then dropped it to the ground in front of Jin.

"Your turn."

Jin stared at the log, his eyes widening. It was almost as big as he was, and it seemed impossible to lift. But Alisa stood by, arms crossed, waiting for him to make his move.

He hesitated only briefly before bending down to grab the log. His hands gripped the rough surface, and with a strained grunt, he attempted to lift it. The log barely budged.

"Gah!" Jin gasped, his arms trembling.

Alisa watched silently, her expression unreadable. Jin gritted his teeth, trying again, but the log remained stubbornly in place. After several more failed attempts, he collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily, sweat pouring down his face.

"I... I can't..." Jin panted, his chest heaving.

"Not yet," Alisa said calmly, stepping forward. She knelt down next to him, her voice steady but firm. "You're rushing. You're using strength, but not technique. Watch closely."

She placed her hands under the log again, but this time, she explained her movements. "You need to balance your body. Don't rely on brute force. Use your legs, your core, and most importantly, your mind. Lift with control."

With another effortless motion, Alisa lifted the log again and held it above her head. She then lowered it slowly, making sure Jin saw every part of the process.

Jin's eyes widened as he realized what he had been doing wrong. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, determination reigniting in his chest. He stood up once more and positioned himself as Alisa had shown him.

This time, when Jin lifted, he felt the difference. The log rose a few inches off the ground before he had to drop it again, but it was progress. Alisa nodded approvingly.

"Good. You're getting it."

The morning wore on with more attempts and lessons. Jin pushed himself hard, and though he wasn't able to lift the log completely by the end of the session, Alisa could see the spark in him growing brighter.

Scene Transition:

After the grueling session, Alisa and Jin sat under the shade of a tree, the cool breeze offering a moment of relief. Jin's arms were sore, and every muscle in his body ached, but he had never felt more determined in his life.

Alisa, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed by the workout. She leaned back, arms resting on her knees, watching the horizon.

"You did well today," Alisa said after a long silence. "But remember, this is just the beginning. There's a lot more to learn."

Jin turned to her, eyes wide with admiration. "I'll do whatever it takes," he said earnestly. "I want to be strong like you."

Alisa chuckled lightly. "Strength isn't just about muscles or power. It's about understanding yourself and the world around you. It's about knowing when to fight... and when not to."

Jin furrowed his brow, trying to understand her words. "When not to fight?"

Alisa looked at him, her gaze serious now. "Yes. There are times when walking away or protecting others is more important than winning a fight. That's something you'll learn as we continue."

Jin nodded slowly, taking her words to heart.

End of Chapter 2: The First Lesson