The Path Of A True King.

Chapter 8

Elijah didn't know what was inside the book.

As his sister went to check if the water had boiled, he began studying it.

The book spoke about a breathing technique, beginning with something labeled

Stage One.

Inside, there was also a letter, which Elijah read:

"My grandson, I wish I could see you, but it seems like it isn't time yet. If the time comes, may I still be alive to see your face that looks just like your father's. I'll leave you with these confusing words: You are never more alive than the moment you feel your blood boil. That is when you will truly feel alive."

Elijah understood most of what the letter said, except for the last part.

He was puzzled by the phrase, "when your blood boils, that's when you feel alive."

Unsure of its meaning, he skipped the page and moved on to the next, which contained more about breathing.

The book explained that instead of directing air to the lungs, he needed to guide it to his heart.

Elijah didn't understand what this meant.

The process was described in detail, but it was too confusing for him to grasp.

Frustrated, he sighed and lay down on the bed.

The book also claimed that this breathing technique would enhance all the body's capabilities.

Still unable to comprehend it, he left the book on his chest just as his sister came in with a bucket of warm water.

Taking a cloth, she dabbed it gently on his bruises.

After that, they talked for a little while before Elijah went to sleep.

When he woke up close to noon, Elijah noticed Kai standing by the window, looking outside.

"What's up, Kai? Are you back to give me another beating?" Elijah asked.

Kai glanced at him and chuckled. "Sorry about that, but those guys don't hold back their punches."

Thinking for a moment, Kai added, "Well, I did hold back a little."

Elijah chuckled, standing up and moving out of bed.

"Yeah, at least let me be proud that I survived against someone who fights underground matches."

"You're still holding that against me, huh?" Kai replied.

"We've been friends since childhood. Why all the secrets?" Elijah asked, looking at Kai.

"What really made you want to create a gang?"

Kai simply smiled. When no response came, Elijah sighed and lightly punched Kai's arm.

"Then don't ask me about mine."

Kai laughed and asked,

"What secret do you have that I don't know?" Despite his smile, Kai analyzed Elijah closely.

'It seems he still has his insane healing ability,' Kai thought.

Some of Elijah's bruises were already showing signs of healing, with black spots forming at the very least.

"You don't know about my collection!" Elijah suddenly exclaimed.

"You mean the book collection you call Juvir?" Kai asked.

Elijah's face turned red. Before Kai could say more, he added, "You don't even remember, do you? Like two years ago, you drank alcohol without realizing it and started telling me all about it."

Elijah sighed. "Damn. But I still won that challenge."

Kai smiled. "Only because of your freakish body. You shouldn't even be walking after our fight, but look at you now. It's the same with all that whiskey you drank. You didn't even get drunk until your 23rd shot."

Elijah smiled, thinking, 'So, you didn't want me to fight tomorrow. Is that why you tried to hurt me?'

"Anyway, rest up. Oh, look—your mom is early," Kai said, looking down at the street. Elijah's mother was stepping out of a taxi and heading toward the apartment.

"She and Amy are the reason I need to fight tomorrow," Elijah said.

"Elijah, I lied to your mom yesterday, and she seemed cool with it. But the truth is, she's not. She asked me to look after you, so can you at least listen to me this once?" Kai placed a hand on Elijah's shoulder.

Elijah looked at his mother, who was talking to the landlord, and nodded.

"You'll start soon, but I'll need to train you first," Kai said.

"So, who's going to be at the opening of the underground fighting ring?" Elijah asked.

"You know there are more than just the two of us in our gang, right?" Kai joked, but his humor didn't land.

Elijah's expression darkened.

Seeing this, Kai sighed and patted Elijah's back. "There are some things I'm not telling you, and I have my reasons."

Elijah frowned. "Kai, why did you even make me the leader?"

Kai hesitated, glancing out the window. That's when Amy came in. "Big bro Kai, I brought some juice!"

She looked at Elijah. "Elijah, why aren't you in bed?"

"Where's my big bro?" Elijah joked.

"You don't deserve a big bro until you get back to bed," Amy teased before adding, "By the way, are you working out?"

"Yes, taught by yours truly," Kai replied with a grin.

"Good job. Elijah was starting to look sick or something," Amy said jokingly.

"Hey!" Elijah exclaimed as he climbed back into bed.

Amy chuckled, handing the juice to Kai. "Sorry, big bro. I was just kidding," she said before waving and leaving the room.

"You see, some results are already showing," Kai said, trying to change the topic. But when Elijah didn't respond, Kai sighed.

He wasn't sure how to handle the situation, so he said the first thing that came to mind. "Well, we have two other people—Mia from our school and Lucas from Culi School."

"Mia and Lucas, huh," Elijah muttered. Then he asked, "Why don't you want to be the leader?"

Kai replied honestly, "Because I can't, Elijah."

Sighing, he added, "The only person I can see who can take us to the next level is you."

Looking at Elijah, he said, "I know there's a lot I haven't told you, but can you just bear with me for a little while—maybe a year or two?"

Elijah thought for a moment before saying, "Okay, how about we make a deal then?"

"What deal?" Kai asked.

"I want you to let me fight tomorrow," Elijah said.

"Elijah—" Kai started, but Elijah interrupted.

"Kai, I've tried to play it safe my whole life. When I started changing, I began to hate the person I used to be. I don't want to go back to being that pathetic idiot. This is a chance to prove to myself that I'm not that person anymore. So, please, let me do this."

Kai sighed. "Okay."