Hero Stories: The Will of the Strong

Hmm... Hmmmmm...

I'm not forgetting anything, right? Let's see now... This should be all I need.

All right! Now that the sun's up, we're off!

SLAM!

Master, hold on! Wait for me! Maaaster!!

You can't leave yet! I'm still not ready!

Ken, how many times do I need to tell you?

If you know we're leaving early in the morning, you need to pack beforehand and get to sleep early.

And yet you left it until the last minute and ended up oversleeping. Am I correct?

No... Well maybe, but... I don't know how to respond to that...

Why did you sleep in so late? Were you so excited about traveling you couldn't sleep?

No, it wasn't that... I was practicing a technique...

You were training?

That ultimate technique you taught me recently...no matter how much I practice, I just can't get it right.

We'll be travelling for a long time and, since there won't be much time for training, I wanted to squeeze in just a little more...

I see.

...But I should've listened to you, Master. Please forgive my discourtesy!

Haha, very well. If that's true, I accept your apology. I assumed you were merely procrastinating.

So, are you ready?

Yes, Master!

Then let's leave.

Isn't the weather so nice today, Master? The sunshine, the fresh air, the lovely birdsong...!

You seem quite enthusiastic.

Of course!

*chuckling* But you did plenty of traveling before, didn't you?

Yes, but I was all alone back then. With you, Master, it's completely different!

Hmm, that's not really that special though.

But, Master, now I have the chance benefit from your reputation as a fighter.

I'll be able to meet so many strong people I would've never had the opportunity to meet before.

Is that so? Could you calm down a little, you're embarrassing me.

You shouldn't allow yourself to get lost in fantasies. Excessive expectation leads to great disappointment.

Ah, yes. I understand, Master. I won't let myself get carried away or interfere. Don't worry.

After twisting your arm to bring me along, I would hate to be a burden.

There are so many stories and rumors about you. A master of your caliber must have no shortage of challengers.

I'm looking forward to experiencing that myself.

Hmm... If you say so...

Am I wrong, Master? After hearing of your reputation, all of the greatest martial arts masters would be itching to challenge you!

*chuckling* What kind of tales have you been hearing about me? You're not wrong, exactly, just...

That's a bit of a heavy subject to talk about right now.

It is?

Ah, the sun is already beginning it's westward decent. We should pick up the pace.

O-Okay!

This way, Ken.

Yes, I'm here!

...Master, I've been wanting to ask you something...

Yes?

You mentioned you were looking for something...

Oh, you mean the Samsara Prayer Beads?

Yes... I wondered what kind of item it must be that you're in such a hurry.

Did I not tell you?

All you said was that it contained incredible power.

Aha, is that all? I suppose that was rather vague of me.

To be a little more precise, the Samsara Prayer Beads provide power based on the traits of their user.

So they don't hold the same power for everyone. Rather, they amplify one's inherent talents to new extremes.

Like a Catalyst?

...Similar, yes. The specific power of the beads is that they draw out the latent power of nature, that's why they enhance their user's natural talents.

They attract any power held within nature and they channel that power back through their wielder.

Once obtained, their holder's innate strengths become even greater. This is the principle of the Samsara, a cycle of life and existence.

That...sounds incredible! An item that allows you to become stronger the moment you get your hands on it!

That's right. That alone is a tremendous work of magic, which is why the energy it emits is strong enough to be felt even when their owner is perfectly still.

Long ago, many risked their lives in the hopes of getting their hands on it, leading to countless battles and countless deaths.

Until one day, when the beads up and vanished.

Nobody had ever known of the beads' origins, so there was no way of knowing where they could have gone. But every time they were about to be lost from memory, they would reappear.

It truly is an elusive item...

However... After poring over various historical records, I noticed a pattern in where and when they would reappear.

That pattern indicates the beads should be reappearing again now, and I've recently heard rumors of a strange energy around here.

Ah! So that's why you're in such a rush!

Yes, but finding them isn't enough. The Samsara Prayer Beads don't help just anyone.

They choose their master and help only them. But, there is a way to test that compatibility.

According to the records...they shine in the hands of the one they choose.

And not in the hands of others?

Perhaps. Of course, I've never seen them myself to check. And after a certain point in history, there are no more records.

So, the only course is to go see for myself.

...Master, may I ask another question?

You always have been a curious boy. Go ahead.

I've been thinking, and... you're a well-known master of martial arts, right?

Aren't you plenty strong already even without the Samsara Prayer Beads? Why are you so set on finding them?

...

Plenty strong already...

...Urk!

To challenge me without knowing your place...you're still quite wet behind the ears, aren't you?

*panting* Don't make me laugh. I can still put up a good fi...

You're struggling just to stay on your feet, yet you have the energy for arrogance?

Your overconfidence and refusal to admit defeat will be the death of you.

Urgh...

Don't hate me, Hwayoung. You brought this upon yourself with your greed.

SMASH!

Aaarrgghhh!

Ken, as you know, I can't fight with my hands.

Yes, I know... Because of an injury from the past.

In battle, if you lose your weapon, you're at a disadvantage.

I'm halfway defeated before the fight even starts. Most martial artists in this area already know that.

If I go around like this, unarmed and vulnerable... Well, it's only natural that I'm not as strong as I could be.

That's more than enough reason to look for the Samsara Prayer Beads.

So that's why...?

Yes. I knew of the beads' reputation even when I had the use of both of my hands...

Hmm...

But even now nobody can deny you are an exceptional martial artist.

I'm not sure if I'd say that...

I really think so. I know I certainly can't deny it.

When I first met you, you had already lost the use of your hands.

But not once did I ever think your abilities were anything but perfect.

If anything, I was blown away by how incredible you were despite only using your feet. That's why I was determined to become your student.

That's why I can't understand how you view yourself so lowly.

...

Ha, that reminds me of when we first met. I think the place was somewhere around here, actually...

Right, it was... I still remember the look of shock on your face clearly.

Can you blame me? I'd never been so hopelessly defeated by anyone before!

Nobody can win every battle. Even the greatest have to learn the taste of defeat.

It took me some time to learn that as well. Not until I ended up like this...

Right... That's true. Things can't always go your way.

That's why I warn you not to get complacent. You need to know how to face any crisis. Don't end up like me.

Never settle, thinking you're good enough. Always strive to improve.

I don't think I'm complacent, though...

WOOSH! THUNK!

SMACK!

Ugh, she's fast. I should have been able to deal with her in a single blow.

Urk...

But what's up with her? This isn't the Hwayoung I've heard so much about. She barely makes any attempt to attack, just dodges and defends...

How disappointing. She doesn't live up to her reputation at all.

...

I'd heard you were undefeated around here. Is this really the best you can do?

You're not even using your hands.

...You're perceptive.

Ha! I'd heard you were arrogant and thought highly of your own abilities, but it's even worse than I expected.

Are you playing with me? Or looking down on me? No matter how arrogant you are, you need to at least try!

Fight me properly!

...

*sighing* You're going to regret saying that.

Huh?

You should have given up while you still had a chance. But you're too stupid to recognize I was holding back.

I'm only using my feet because that's all I need to deal with the likes of you.

Why you little...

I'll teach you to talk to me like that!

Is there nobody left for me to fight?

*sighing* I just barely held on.

I was already exhausted halfway through. I thought I was done for this time. Fortunately, they were just a bunch of small fries.

I'm lucky nobody has realized that I'm not using my hands because I can't.

But that luck won't last forever.

"All I need is my legs"... Pah!

I can't believe myself. I thought I'd lost everything when I lost my hands, but it seems I can't get rid of my arrogance so easily...

...

Was there still one of those weaklings left?

*gasping*

Heh, some kid who can't even conceal his energy.

Urgh, I was trying my best to hide it...

Hmm... So, are you Hwayoung?

What if I am?

I hear you're one of the greatest martial artists there is, so I was watching you earlier. You fought off all of those goons without even taking a rest in between.

I don't remember hearing about you only using your legs to fight though... Oh right, you said that's because they were all you needed to beat those guys?

.... Yeah, sure. What about it?

Isn't it obvious? I want to challenge you too!

What if I don't want to?

Why not?!

Cause I don't.

That's not a reason!

You said you've been watching. So, you would have seen me deal with all those others.

Don't you feel shameless waiting until I'm tired to pick a fight? Even I need to rest every now and again.

I-I know, but...

You're super famous. There aren't many opportunities to fight someone like you!

You got that right.

Besides, like you said, you were only using your legs against them! So, it's not like you were trying your hardest anyway!

...

Am I even lower than them? I might not look it, but I've been around! I've tested my strength in countless fights!

And...?

Urgh! Don't brush me off! I'll make you fight me no matter what it takes!

You've got a lot of passion, that's for sure. But you should have challenged me earlier with the others if you wanted to fight.

Don't waste your energy on a fight you won't win and go home.

WOOSH!

Ah...!

Attacking me while I was off-guard, huh? You really are the worst, aren't you?

I told you not to ignore me!

Do you have any idea how long I spent trying to find you? And now you tell me to just go home!?

"I won't win," was it? Well, how do we know without trying first? I'm not leaving until you fight me!

I-I won't pull any more cheap tricks, of course. I'll even let you rest first, if you like!

I've already come this far, I can wait just a little longer!

...

Hahahaha! You're an odd one, really!

What a loud, annoying little brat. You're still quite wet behind the ears, aren't you?

What?!

Fine, if it's the only way to shut you up, I'll deal with you quickly. As long as you follow one condition...

Nice! ...Uhh... What condition?

It's very simple. If I win...

You'll shut that loudmouth of yours and never challenge me again.

All right, keep your promise and get out of my sight. You've annoyed me enough for a lifetime.

...

...Incredible. I really did have no chance of winning.

Exactly. Now you realize you'll never be on my level. Go...

GRASP

H-Hey! Let go of me!

I've never seen such a display of skill only using one's legs!

I'll accept defeat! I'll never challenge you again! So please, teach me how to fight like you!

That's not what we agreed on, kid!

I told you I'll never challenge you again! But it's a little difficult for me to keep my mouth shut... All I'm asking is to be your student!

I'll train hard every single day! Please, be my master!

Eh...?

Stop talking such nonsense. I'm going home, and you should too.

Are you going to rest, Master? I'll make your bed for you! I'll clean and do your laundry while you sleep!

Shut up already!

Please take me with you! Please, please, pleeeaaaase!

Do you have any idea how annoying you were? Nothing would stop your begging.

I was annoying?!

Are you really surprised to hear that? I've never met anyone so annoying before. Still, your passion touched me.

And it helped that you actually were quite good at housework.

Right, it wasn't until I gave your house a deep clean that you finally agreed to take me on as your pupil.

...My housekeeping abilities weren't the only reason you said yes, were they?

No, no... But they played a part.

Still, I've never met anyone as odd as you. Most would have left after the way I treated you...

Didn't you even follow me to training and shout encouragement about how cool I am?

Is it a crime to tell a cool person that they're cool?

That wasn't the issue. It was embarrassing! And I couldn't practice anything without you asking me to teach it to you.

Because you did everything so perfectly, Master! It's only natural to want to be taught by someone superior to yourself.

Urgh... You're such a goof. Your persistence and optimism were the problem.

A problem how? How could it be bad if it helped me get such an incredible master?

...You're insufferable.

Anyway, don't we still have some way to go. Are you not hungry, Master?

A little...

But you don't need to try and find excuses to stop. I've been hearing your stomach rumbling since earlier.

Well... I noticed a few fruit trees around here.

How about we take a short rest? Leave the food to me!

All right. We need to make sure we're at peak condition. Make sure you bring back plenty of food.

I'll be back before you know it!

...

The depths of his optimism never cease to surprise me.

Not only did he accept defeat but insisted on serving me. I'd never have imagined doing that when I was his age.

And... that's why I ended up like this.

I was drunk on pride and didn't know how to accept defeat.

Did I not know my place, just like Peira said? Am I still being punished for that even after all this time?

Are we there yet?

You must be getting tired.

It's not that, I just never thought it would be so far... Or that there would be so few villages on the way.

We hardly even met any other martial artists...

Are you struggling from lack of food and rest, or from the disappointment of this all being a lot duller than you expected?

Hmph...

Think of this as another type of training. The greatest armor a martial artist can have is stamina and persistence.

Anyway, it's not far now. It's atop that cliff there.

It may not be far, but it sure is high.

It's training, remember! You can't spell Ken without...uh...grit and persistence! Don't think about it, just get up there kid!

Hmm, that seems right! After all the training I've been through, a little thing like this shouldn't tire me out!

Come on, Master! We'll be up there in no time!

Oops, silly me. How could I have forgotten....

Huh?

Look around. Notice anything about the terrain? See all the craters and scorch marks...?

You're right... Especially around the cliff...

Yup. Not so long ago, this place was a warzone.

There are always wars raging somewhere in Natalon...

It wasn't so long ago, it could still be dangerous around here. Should we find a different path?

That's the issue. There is no other path to the Samsara Prayer Beads.

...So, we have no choice?

We wouldn't want it to be too easy, would we? We just have to be careful.

From what I heard, this was the site of a battle between Suin and the Humans who fled north to escape Khan's war of conquest.

The Suin will be wary of Human counterattacks...

I trust you understand what I'm saying?

That if we come across any Suin, we need to fight with all we have?

No, it means you should avoid wandering around carelessly.

Why are they climbing the cliff?

Aren't they Humans...?

You two sure are eager to die today, eh?

Teacher... Aren't they Suin?

It looks like it, yes. They must be part of the unit assigned to this area.

It takes a fearless Human to willingly walk into Suin territory like this.

You're practically begging for death.

Wait... That one looks familiar.

Who, me?

Yeah. I've seen you around here before...

Aha! That's it! *chuckling* To think I'd have the chance to face you again...!

Care to explain?

I fought with her once before.

I've been hoping for revenge ever since, and here you are... Lucky me! I didn't expect to get the chance to kill you so soon.

Eh?

Are you sure you fought me? I don't remember you at all.

What?!

Forgive me. I've been challenged by so many people. You'll understand if some of the less memorable fights sometimes slip my mind.

...

Hmph! You sure are arrogant for a woman who can't even use her arms anymore!

Oh? Who told you about that?

Everyone's heard the rumors. They say you lost use of them after being defeated by a Suin.

Typical Human, not knowing her place. Consider yourself lucky you had a Suin to remind you of it!

This is so perfect! You're going to pay for humiliating me! I'll have you trembling in shame when I finish you off!

She must be quite something to get you so worked up.

*chuckling* You'll see!

Oh? All coming at me at once, are you?

Master, let me help!

Ultimate...!

BOOM!

Argh!?

*panting* I... I did it!

Master! Did you see that!? I finally did the ultimate technique!

Already...?

I-I thought it was worth trying, but I didn't expect to get it right in one go! Ah! I feel unstoppable!

I trained a lot before we left and during any spare time on the way. It finally paid off!

...

I only taught it to him just before we left... And he perfected it already?

He might look like an absolute doofus, but I noticed early on he has incredible talent.

But even then, I would never have expected him to master that so quickly... It's only a matter of time before he surpasses me.

...I can't let that happen.

How can I get my revenge if I'm inferior even to my own student? I need to find the Samsara Prayer Beads as soon as possible.

Ken, the fight still isn't finished.

Don't let success go to your head, or you'll end up losing it.

A-Ah, right!

Hyap!

Urk...!

*sighing* I still don't remember who you are, but now I've beaten you twice, just give up already! You're embarrassing yourself.

*gasping* Master, that was so cool!

...Oh, please cool it with the overreactions.

But you really have improved, haven't you? When did you get so good?

I suppose we haven't sparred properly in some time, so I didn't have a chance to notice.

Heh.... Well, I've always been devoted to your teachings.

Is that so, eh? I suppose diligence is one of your strengths...

...

...

Umm... Master...

What is it?

I...could never have done this on my own.

Ever since the day I met you. I hoped that I could get stronger by putting absolute faith in you.

The lessons were difficult, and the training was often brutal...

At the start, I really was worried I wouldn't be able to do it, or that it might kill me... But you never stopped encouraging me.

You reassured me that I was getting better, so I started to believe it too.

...

And now I can see the results of that training with my own eyes. I never would have been able to reach this level so quickly on my own.

It is all thanks to you, Master. I want you to know that.

...Ha.

You may not look it, but you're a pretty thoughtful kid...

BOOM! CRASH!

Uck!

How could you let that strike knock you over so easily? You have to block it!

*panting* S-Sorry.

Fine, let's end here for today.

...

Dammit!

I was up all-night practicing, why can I still not do it? Master said this was one of the most basic techniques...

I'll never perfect the ultimate technique at this rate. It's been so long already... I'm so frustrated!

*sighing* What if this is the best someone like me is capable of?

...

Ken.

A-Ah! You were still here!?

I've been putting up with your self-pity for days. If you insist on talking like that to yourself, then do it in your head.

...Forgive me.

It's okay. Come on.

...Coming.

By the way, you don't need to apologize to me. You've never once disappointed me.

Only because you don't expect much of me to begin with...

That isn't true.

I can see you're improving in leaps and bounds every single day. But forget what I think, you have absolutely no reason to be disappointed with yourself.

Noticing your own improvement is always one of the hardest parts of learning.

But if you get impatient and try rushing ahead before you're ready, you'll only end up tripping over yourself.

You'll just get hurt and end up progressing even slower.

...Yes, Master...

Understand? Allowing yourself to get frustrated will only hold you back.

Just be patient, like when you kept pestering me to teach you.

Urgh... Why do you always have to bring that up?

It's hard to forget. Now if you understand, go get some rest. You have another hard day ahead of you tomorrow.

Yes, Master...

This should be the place...

Here?...But, I don't see anything?

Just a little farther... Hmm...

But something feels strange here.

Oh, no! It's not more Suin, is it?

No... Some kind of strange, alien energy...

Like a powerful magical barrier. I read that the energy within the beads is fiercely protective.

So, that must mean we found the right place.

Hmph, you had me worried the Suin had control of this peak too.

What's there to worry about? Anyway, let's keep going.

Here.

It's gloomy here...

Oh...? Is that it over there?! There's something round and sparkly...

Yes. Those...seem to be the Samsara Prayer Beads.

They look so...ordinary.

Shall we take a closer look?

Whoa! They're big!

I can feel the energy the tales described... It's as if incredible power has been confined within them...

I finally found them after so long... With their power, I can return to my former glory.

Now, where do I start...

Urgh! They're heavier than they look.

Do you feel anything?

I've felt the energy this whole time... But there should be some kind of reaction.

...

...Nothing.

...Ha... Incredible...

My one hope. After coming all this way... I never expected there would be such little reaction.

Am I not deserving? What do I do now...?

You worthless beads...!

SMACK!

Huh!?

Do you have any idea how hard my master worked to find you!? The least you can do is show some reaction!

W-Wait! If you shake it like that...

FWAH!

W-What the....!?

...!

What was that!? Did I...do something bad? Did they get angry because I shook them too hard?

...

Ha... So that's how it is...

Are you okay, Master? That bright light didn't do something to you to make you lose your senses, did it?

Ken... The beads are yours.

They're what?!

They've chosen you, Ken. You are the rightful wielder of the Samsara Prayer Beads.

B-But... You're the one who... They can't be mine!

There's no point in me taking them now. The Samsara Prayer Beads must be wielded by the one they chose.

If they haven't chosen me, I will get no use out of them.

But... Master...

Don't worry about me. Trust in the choice of the beads.

The Samsara Prayer Beads want only someone who is truly strong...both physically and mentally.

Not like me... A woman who allowed her greed and impatience to get the better of her.

Anyway, they like you. There's nothing you or I can do about it now.

Master...

Forget me. No matter how powerful you are, it doesn't mean anything if your mental fortitude doesn't match it.

On the other hand, no matter how weak you are, if your mind is strong, you can keep on creating opportunities for getting stronger.

The mind is stronger than the body. That's why you were able to improve so fast, and why the beads chose you.

Then... Hmm...

Anyway, you can't let this new power of yours go to waste. Come over here and use it.

Huh? But how?

According to the information I gathered, it's rather simple. Hold or wear the beads, then focus your thoughts, ask to borrow the beads' power.

Oh... Just like some like the mental training exercises?

Similar. If you were chosen by the beads, you should be able to feel that new power very clearly.

I've been feeling it for a while. So I just focus on that, then?

Hmm... Nng...

...Oh?

Well?

O-Oh!

M-Master! Get out of the way!

Why?!

BOOM!

Master, I'm so sorry! I didn't want to attack you. My body is just...!

H-Hey! Calm down, you stupid beads! Ah! Stay still! Stop it! I don't want to attack her!

Ahhhhhhh!

...Dammit.

I kind of expected this. Now, I'll need to stop him...

Urgh, my whole body aches...

Was I too hard on you?

...What happened? All I did was focus on borrowing the beads' power, and then...

Hmm... It wasn't entirely unexpected.

Since the beads are so strong, there's a chance that if the one seeking to control them wasn't mentally prepared, the beads may end up controlling them instead.

That seems to be what happened here. Remember, they have a strong urge to protect themselves.

So... What do I do?

What else? Train until you can control them!

I've never learned about this so there's bound to be some trial and error, but I'll try to help you.

Training from so early in the morning? How diligent, I don't even need to tell you anymore.

This training is much more difficult than anything I've done before. There's no point even trying if I'm not willing to put in my all.

*chuckling* Perhaps that's why your progress is even more obvious than before.

That should be enough. Shall we move onto the next lesson? After that, I think you should be able to master the beads.

Then...will this be our final lesson? After all this time?

I guess so. You've worked admirably. Keep going just a little bit longer.

Do you know what this final lesson is?

Closure Training, of course.

Nothing gets past you, does it? Right, you need to learn to endure this power alone, in a closed space.

As we discussed, I'll go outside and start making preparations for the day you finish your training and walk out of here.

All you need to do is come outside on the designated day.

All right! Look forward to meeting a Ken that's way cooler than the one you know now!

Haha, you really are overflowing with ambition. I'm closing the door now. See you soon.

Creeeeeak... THUNK!

No matter how nonchalant he acts about it, this is going to be exceptionally grueling training. But I'm sure he'll take it in stride.

The more I see, the more I understand why the Samsara Prayer Beads chose him.

And... Although I can't have that power for myself, it's not all bad. I think I've fully adapted to how my body is now.

Has training with him made me a calmer person? Have I also grown mentally? No wonder I feel so positive.

Soon I'll get to see what a true master of the beads looks like. *chuckling* I'm so excited, even if it's not me wielding them!

...

But this happiness I had waited so long to find...

...didn't last for long.

When I returned to the grotto on the day we had picked...Ken was nowhere to be found.

...

Huh...? Huh!?

What the...? I came out on the day we chose...

So... where on Orbis am I!?