THIS STORY TAKES PLACE 23 YEARS BEFORE THE MAIN TALE BEGINS – A LEGEND THAT WILL BE TOLD FOR 10,000 YEARS IN THE LAND OF DOULU!
[Brief flashback: Baby Arthur cries in the cold on a dark porch, lightning flashing in the distance...]
"CRACK!"
The sound of that infant's wail still echoed clearly in Uncle Jack's memory, though six years had passed. Now, beneath the shady tree in Saint Village, five-year-old Arthur slowly opened his eyes.
"Hah... another peaceful day after training," he murmured, wiping sweat from his brow. "This reminds me of when I first tried doing push-ups."
[Quick memory: Four-year-old Arthur falls face-first into the dirt, then rises with burning determination...]
"I was right! This body is too special to waste!"* He smiled, observing the emerging strength in his arms. *"Speaking of which, is Uncle Jack done working in the garden?"
The difference between present-day Uncle Jack and future Old Jack was striking. This version was in his mid-30s - upright posture, jet-black hair, always energetic. A far cry from the future gray-haired, slightly hunched yet wise-eyed Old Jack.
Arthur's gaze drifted toward the garden, remembering how Uncle Jack had once forbidden him from helping. Now, with permission granted, their harvests overflowed - tangible proof of Arthur's hard work.
"I've trained and learned this body's limits..." His fists clenched tightly as he recalled the "White Aura Hunt" meditation technique he'd begun mastering. That mysterious energy always intrigued him.
Tomorrow would be decisive. At six years old, Arthur would undergo the wuhun awakening ritual that would determine his future.
"Art, are you ready to awaken your wuhun spirit tomorrow?" Uncle Jack asked, his face a mix of worry and hope.
"Absolutely, Uncle!" Arthur answered with unshakable confidence. "I'm not a little kid anymore!"
The setting sun cast long shadows from the great tree - silent witness to Arthur's journey from abandoned infant to the dawn of a legend. In the distance, smoke curled from Uncle Jack's chimney, signaling the end of another long day.
TO BE CONTINUED...