Whoosh! All the stones shot toward Ryan at once.
Ryan anticipated them—he moved forward, tilted his head, twisted his shoulder—but still got hit multiple times.
He fell to the ground, gasping for breath, sweat dripping down his forehead.
"Get up and continue," Marcus said calmly. "You won't get any rest until you dodge them all."
Ryan, breathing unevenly, tried to stand, but his legs trembled as he forced himself up.
Suddenly—
Four more stones shot toward him.
Ryan tried… but failed again.
His vision began to blur, his willpower crumbling as the thought of giving up crept into his mind.
"Don't give up! If you do, it proves your willpower isn't strong—and your potential will be limited," Marcus said, his face stern, though a hint of worry flickered in his eyes.
Hearing this, something clicked in Ryan's mind.
He stood up straight, his eyes unfocused.
Suddenly—whoosh! whoosh!
Four more stones shot toward him.
At that moment—
The world stood still.
Time slowed, and the stones became predictable.
Ryan moved.
A single step—no unnecessary motion, only pure instinct.
Like prey fleeing from a predator.
The stones passed by him as if they were greeting him.
Seeing this, a faint grin slowly formed on Marcus's face.
"Finally…" he muttered. "You've awakened it."
"Now, let's increase the intensity."
Marcus waved his hand.
This time, not four—but six stones shot toward Ryan, faster than before.
They came from all directions, leaving no escape.
"Unleash your potential, Ryan… let me see your limits," Marcus murmured from the side.
In his half-conscious state, Ryan moved—stepping right, then leaping sideways, his body twisting mid-air.
All six stones missed, striking different parts of the arena.
As soon as his feet touched the ground—
He collapsed.
But at the last moment, Marcus caught him.
"Do you really need to push him this far?" Cynthia asked, her voice filled with concern as she appeared nearby.
"If he wants to stand at the top… then he must push beyond his limits," Marcus said seriously.
"Talent is only the key to success. Without hard work, it means nothing."
"The world is cruel. There is no place for the weak."
Ryan suddenly opened his eyes and found himself lying on his bed.
He looked around.
Suddenly—
Intense pain spread throughout his body.
"Aaaaaaaaah!" he screamed.
Hearing his voice, Marcus and Cynthia rushed into the room.
Seeing his condition, Cynthia couldn't hold back her tears.
"Do something, Marcus!" she cried.
Marcus instantly appeared beside Ryan and began channeling energy into his body.
After some time, the pain slowly subsided.
Ryan opened his eyes, sweat dripping down his forehead, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.
He spoke slowly,
"Dad… what was that?"
"It was a side effect of awakening," Marcus explained calmly.
"Awakening?"
"Awakening what?" Ryan asked, confusion written all over his face.
Marcus looked at him and said slowly—
"It is the awakening of instinct… called Zenith Flow."
"Zenith Flow…? What is it?"
"Zenith Flow is a power within the body. It only awakens when someone pushes themselves beyond their limits," Marcus explained carefully.
"In this state, time slows down, your body's efficiency increases several times over, and all unnecessary thoughts disappear."
"Wow! So I've awakened it?" Ryan asked, anticipation lighting up his face.
"Yes. You awakened it during your training," Marcus replied.
Ryan slowly closed his eyes and tried to feel the Zenith Flow—but he couldn't sense anything.
With a confused expression, he asked, "Dad… why can't I feel it?"
"Of course you can't," Marcus said with a light laugh. "You've only awakened it—you haven't learned to control it yet."
"Zenith Flow is essential for becoming a top powerhouse in the world."
"You can become strong without it… but someone who masters Zenith Flow will definitely become a powerhouse."
Hearing this, Ryan puffed his chest proudly and asked,
"Dad… does that mean I'll definitely become a world-class powerhouse?"
"No. There is no guarantee," Marcus said firmly.
"Why?" Ryan asked.
"Because you awakened it unconsciously—and you cannot control it," Marcus replied.
He paused for a moment before continuing—
"Awakening is easy. Controlling it is difficult."
"You may never feel Zenith Flow again in your lifetime."
"So it all depends on your willpower and the hard work you put in."
Hearing this, Ryan felt a wave of frustration. His mood instantly dropped.
Seeing this, Marcus thumped his chest and said,
"But don't worry. I have a way to increase your chances of awakening it again—and controlling it."
Hearing this, Ryan's face lit up again. With sparkling eyes, he asked,
"Really?"
"Yes, absolutely," Marcus replied.
"Dad… do you know you are the most powerful, handsome, and charming man on this planet?" Ryan asked slyly.
"Of course I am," Marcus replied proudly.
Cynthia watched them, her expression turning stiff.
"Enough! Both of you!" she snapped, veins bulging on her forehead.
Seeing her about to lose control, both Ryan and Marcus stood straight and said,
"Yes, ma'am!"
The room fell silent as Cynthia crossed her arms, her sharp gaze locking onto both of them.
Marcus cleared his throat, while Ryan stood stiff, trying not to meet her eyes.
"Tomorrow," Marcus said, breaking the tension, ""you will add it to your current training routine."
Ryan's heart skipped a beat.
"This time," Marcus continued, his tone turning serious, "you won't just awaken it… you'll learn to control it."
A chill ran down Ryan's spine.
Control it…
For the first time, excitement and fear clashed within him.
As night deepened, one thought echoed in his mind—
This was only the beginning.