Alexander showed up as usual, with that air of superiority, and started mocking Harry, trying to intimidate him. But this time, Harry was no longer the same. He adjusted his posture, raised his chin, and looked down at Alexander with contempt in his eyes."What is an Alexander compared to that demonic hound?" he thought.
Since they were at school, Alexander limited himself to threats, but Harry just stared at him with a look that mixed pity and ridicule. In silence, he turned his back and walked away with Vinícius, head held high.Alexander was furious at the indifference and shouted:— One day I'm going to get you, Harry!
Far from there, Vinícius looked impressed:— Man, you really changed... you're more confident, steady. I like that.
Harry let out a sigh. He knew he had advanced in cultivation, but something bothered him.— I realized something... I may have Qi, I may even throw fireballs. But I don't know how to fight. Remember the fight with the demonic dog? It was pure instinct. If it wasn't for luck, I would have died.
Vinícius nodded.— So... what are we gonna do? Judo? Karate? Muay Thai?
— Kung Fu. — Harry answered flatly.— What? Hahahaha! Seriously? — Vinícius laughed.
Harry gave a forced smile.— Yeah. And obviously, you're paying, right?
After some searches on the internet, they found a gym called Celestial Dragon, specialized in Dragon-style Kung Fu, famous for teaching fluid, agile, and powerful techniques.
— It'll be rough at first, but it'll be worth it — said Harry, determined.
On the first day, they arrived at the gym. The place was simple, but the mat was spotless, and the master of the house, a man named Rafael — dark-skinned, with a black power hairstyle, agile body and full of energy — welcomed them with a confident smile.
Rafael quickly noticed that Harry had little knowledge of martial arts, but a lot of potential.
— Let's start with a light spar, just so you can get a feel for the rhythm — said Rafael, positioning himself in the center of the mat.
Harry took position and, heart racing, got ready.
Rafael took the first step, advancing with a quick hand strike, but Harry barely managed to dodge, feeling the wind brush past his face.
— Nice reflex! — Rafael praised, stepping back.
Harry attempted a side kick, which Rafael easily blocked.
— Relax your shoulders, no need to force it — Rafael instructed — Kung Fu is fluidity.
The fight continued with fast strikes and agile dodges. Rafael tested Harry's reflexes, while Harry tried to land a blow in any opening.
At one point, Rafael attempted a hook, but Harry ducked and countered with a kick to his opponent's leg.
— That was a good one! — Rafael said, smiling — you're getting the hang of it!
By the end, the two stepped back, out of breath but satisfied.
— Great training, partner — said Rafael — if you keep it up, you'll go far.
Harry replied with a confident smile:— Thanks, Rafael. I want to learn everything I can.
Harry explained to Vinícius that even with cultivation, it was essential to train the body and fighting techniques to better protect themselves.
And so, they began an intense routine:
Mornings: college classes.Afternoons: cultivation in the park.Late afternoons: Kung Fu training at Celestial Dragon.Nights: study of demons, cultivation, and Harry teaching Vinícius.
After two weeks, the first signs of progress appeared. Vinícius felt a faint presence of Qi in the park and got excited. Harry, on the other hand, felt he was close to a significant breakthrough.
On a free afternoon, while reading Chinese cultivation novels to relax, Harry came across a chapter with a curious tip: characters who found Qi-imbued items in old shops or trinket markets.His eyes widened.— Could it be? If I can already feel Qi... maybe it'll work.
He jumped off the couch like lightning.— That's it! Hahaha, why didn't I think of that before?
Vinícius was lying down, lazy and sprawled.— Going out, bro?— Yeah, I'm going treasure hunting in an old shop!— You're crazy... good luck then.
Harry said goodbye and went alone to the city center. After walking a few blocks, he found a used goods and antiques store. The facade was old, a bit dusty, but full of charm and mystery.
He walked in with enthusiasm... but as soon as he crossed the door, he froze.— How... how the hell am I supposed to know if something has Qi or not?
He gave himself a light slap on the forehead.— Dumb. Dumb! You nerd!
He sighed deeply.— Since we're here, let's try something.
He closed his eyes, breathed slowly, and tried to use his Qi sensitivity as a sort of radar, attempting to "feel" something coming from the objects. He slowly moved through the shelves, touched amulets, decorative swords, old coins, musty books...Nothing.
Not a trace of Qi.— Tsk... not everything you read is true — he muttered, disappointed.
He left the store frustrated and began to wander aimlessly, lost in thought. It was nearly 7 PM, the sky painted in dark orange, and the city lights were beginning to turn on.
Then, distracted, he entered a narrow alley. Before he realized, he heard a familiar laugh.
— Look who showed up... — said Alexander, leaning against the wall, accompanied by his two usual leeches.
Harry stopped. Took a deep breath.The air was heavy... but unlike before, now he was ready.