The Ruler's Stone

Offer and Answer

"So, boy, what do you think of my offer?"

Mark thought for a moment. He wanted more knowledge about powers, so this was a perfect offer for him. But he still looked towards his father. His father looked back and said, "Do what you think is right."

Mark replied, "Yes, I accept."

The Chairman smiled and said, "Then let me tell you the terms to become a Mahu fighter. You must first complete a 30-day mission — which you haven't done yet."

Since you've never been a fighter before, you'll need to train as a regular fighter for one month. We'll create your official registered ID card during that time. After that, I can make you a full professional fighter. Trust me, I'm with you. And you won't be alone on the mission — my guard will be with you."

The Chairman was saying this to Mark's parents because they had become worried after hearing about the one-month training. After hearing about the guard, both the Chairman and Mark's parents felt relieved.

"But I'm still a student!" Marki's voice broke. "How can I go on missions?"

The Chairman looked at him and gave a calm smile. "Don't worry," . His voice was slow and steady. "Like I said before, Mr. Leo will guide you. He will tell you when to go. He will tell you where to go. You can watch him as a teacher. He will train you during your missions time."

He paused for a moment, then added, "He is an A-Rank fighter. But when it comes to Mana Control... his level is counted as near S-Rank."

Everyone looked at Leo.

Leo took a step forward. He stopped right in front of Marki. He looked straight into his eyes.

"I'm not weak," Leo said in a low, firm voice. "If you get into any trouble... I will save you.

Then the Chairman placed his hands on the arms of his chair and tried to stand. He stood up slowly, looking at Marki one last time.

"Then it's decided," he said. "From tomorrow... your training will start."

He stared at him.

"So be prepared."

Marki suddenly thought about Afe.

He wanted to say something. But then, for some reason, he stopped himself. He stayed quiet.

The Chairman looked at him. He noticed his expression.

"Anything else?" the Chairman asked.

Marki shook his head. "No. Nothing. Thanks for your offer."

The Chairman laughed lightly. A simple, soft laugh. Then he turned and walked out of the house.

While he was leaving, he said slowly, "There was also a same fool person before. But now, he is no more."

Then he was gone.

The weekend passed. Marki stayed at home and enjoyed his day. His mom was happy. She cooked a special meal for her son.

Then the next morning came.

Someone rang the bell at Marki's house. It was Mr. Leo. He was standing at the door.

"I have already taken your leave from school for today," Leo said. "We are going for some work."

Marki was a little surprised, but he smiled. He got ready quickly and went out with Leo.

They walked together, but Marki did not know where they were going. Finally, they reached a large training ground.

Leo stopped and looked at him. "For now, I will check your power and your limits," he said. "But first, watch me. Watch how you need to do it."

Then Leo gave an order. "Release the beast."

The gate opened. Many beasts started coming towards him. They were running fast.

But Leo did not move. He did not attack. He just stood there, calm and still.

The beasts came closer and closer.

Then, in one moment, everything changed. Leo raised his hand. Lightning came out. It was bright and loud. He made the lightning hard, like a sword. And with one move, he killed all of them at once.

The ground became silent again.

Marki was watching everything carefully. His eyes were wide open. He was completely shocked.

"What was that lightning?" Marki asked, his voice shaking.

Leo looked at him and said, "Yes, that is lightning. I can use it as a sword."

Marki still could not believe it. "But why didn't you attack them from a long distance?" he asked.

Leo did not answer that question. He suddenly changed the topic.

He looked at Marki and said, "Now it's your turn. Be careful. Don't hurt yourself too much. I will be right behind you."