Clive knelt down, pressing his forehead to the cold wooden floor of the Celestial Temple. His eyes shimmered—not just with sorrow, but with a deep, unspoken gratitude that words could never fully express.
"Brother Wing... Grandpa Yuan, thank you—for everything you've given me," Clive said softly, his voice steady.
"Thank you for the knowledge you've passed on, for every day and night you spent shaping me into who I am. And thank you... for pulling me back from the jaws of death ten years ago. I'll never forget your kindness."
Grandmaster Yuan Shao raised his trembling, aged hand—still filled with quiet strength—and gently helped Clive to his feet.
"You're a good child… now stand tall. Never forget who you are, and where you come from," Yuan said, his eyes radiating warmth and wisdom.
Wing Shao, standing nearby, stepped forward and spoke with calm resolve:
"Are you sure you want to leave the Celestial Temple so soon, Clive?"
Clive lifted his head, his gaze unwavering.
"I'm sure, Brother. It's time I return to Rose Valley, to claim what's rightfully mine. And I will continue honing this power until it reaches its peak. But..." —he offered a faint smile and bowed respectfully— "I hope that one day I can bring both of you to live in my home, where you can enjoy the comfort you've always given me."
"Thank you for your kind offer, child," Grandmaster Yuan took a long breath, then spoke in a low, meaningful voice:
"Remember what I once told you, son. Anger may grant you strength, but it can also destroy you from within. Use your rage to stand—do not let it be the reason you fall."
"Yes, Grandpa. I'll never forget those words. I will carry everything you've taught me, always," Clive replied as he grasped the old master's hand tightly.
Then Wing Shao reached into his robe and pulled out a small, tattered pouch filled with a few paper bills and metal coins.
"It's not much, but it should help you on your journey back to Rose Valley. Be careful out there, Clive. And remember… the Celestial Temple will always welcome those who come with pure intent and a calm heart."
Clive couldn't hold back the tears. With trembling hands, he embraced Grandmaster Yuan and Wing Shao tightly.
"Thank you for the most precious ten years of my life. Thank you for saving me. I'll never forget this place. I'll never forget either of you. Thank you... for everything. Someday, I'll return—with pride."
After giving his final bow of respect, Clive stood, took a deep breath, and turned away. He walked out of the Celestial Temple, beginning his long journey through the silent Makaoka Forest, toward the city where fate and vengeance awaited him.
---
Makaoka Forest, Nightfall
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Clive stopped to rest for the night deep within Makaoka Forest. He built a small fire from dry twigs and grilled some fish he had caught earlier from a nearby stream. His once-small frame had now grown strong—his body lean, muscular, and full of silent power.
After eating, Clive sat cross-legged near the fire and began to meditate, drawing in the natural energy around him. His eyes closed, breathing slow and steady, he allowed himself to merge with the stillness of the night. The breeze rustled the trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves.
But as his body calmed, the past resurfaced behind his closed eyelids—his father's blood, his mother's cries, the smug faces of Gustav and Lucas Leiva.
The rage flared once more. Pain exploded behind his eyes as the memories of that fateful night returned—his parents murdered, their honor trampled by the Leivas. He would not let that go unanswered.
"One day... Leiva, you will face a vengeance beyond your darkest imagination. I swear I'll erase your family from the history of Rose Valley," Clive whispered before extinguishing the fire and closing his eyes to rest.
---
City of Ondula – The Sacred Gate
By midday, Clive emerged from Makaoka Forest and stood before Ondula's Sacred Gate. A few passersby gave him odd glances—he looked like a wanderer, unfamiliar. But no one paid him more than a moment's thought.
Clive, clad in worn robes and standing tall, entered a small tavern in the city center.
A middle-aged man in a stained apron stood behind a long wooden counter.
"Welcome, lad. What can I do for you?"
Clive approached calmly.
"Excuse me, sir. I'm on a journey to Rose Valley. Could you tell me how I might get there?"
The man paused, raising an eyebrow as he looked Clive up and down.
"Rose Valley? Son... that's no place for ordinary folk," he said softly.
"It's not as pretty as the name suggests. There's trouble there—plenty of it. One wrong move and you might end up in hell."
Clive gave a small smile.
"I'm not going there for pleasure, sir. I have something to finish."
The man nodded slowly, recognizing the quiet resolve in Clive's eyes.
"Alright. If that's your destination, wait by the city gate this evening. Some merchants will be heading to Arion City by carriage. They often take passengers. From Arion, you can catch a train straight to Rose Valley."
"Thank you, sir," Clive replied with a respectful nod.
As he stepped out of the tavern, Clive drew a long breath. The mountain winds carried with them silent echoes from his past. A journey still unfinished… a vengeance still unpaid.
And then, from the depths of his unwavering gaze, came a whisper from his heart:
"Leiva, wait for me. I'm coming home."