Asukem's thoughts washed back to his younger years, memories flooding his head as he remembered when he was fifteen, Clair was fourteen, and Isabella was only three years old. He could recall a specific scene from their past. Asukem was always left with worry but came home with open hugs and smiles from Isabella and Clair. Those memories seemed lost now, but they still held his heart dearly, a reminder of the times he cherished.

Asukem's memories of that day came rushing. He recalled Isabella crying and pleading with him not to go, trying to get Clair to stop him. After much thought and hesitation, he decided to go to the training grounds where the guards practiced their sword skills. Asukem felt the weight of Isabela's words hanging heavy on his heart and wondered if he had made the right choice. As Asukem packed his stuff to head to the training grounds, his mind filled with conflicting emotions, a mixture of determination, doubt, regret, and fear.

Asukem gathered his things and headed towards the orphanage's door, ready to leave. Isabella was still making a scene, crying and pleading with him not to go. Bob stood in his way, their eyes locking in a moment of challenge. Despite the tension, Asukem maintained his determination to follow his decision. With a final look back at Isabella, he walked past Bob and out the door, determined to follow his path despite the challenges ahead.

Asukem stepped towards the orphanage door, ready to head out. Bob stood in his path, blocking his exit with a demanding and intimidating tone.

Bob stares at Asukem, his voice echoing throughout the space. "Where do you think you're going?" He asks, his eyes unblinking and stern.

Asukem remained determined, his resolve unwavering as he faced Bob's demands. He refused to back down, his voice reflecting his anger and defiance.

"I'm going to train to keep my siblings safe from you!" he answered in a rebellious and angry tone, his gaze remaining locked with Bob's. The tension between them was palpable, but Asukem refused to give in to the intimidation. He was determined to follow his path, no matter what challenges or obstacles stood in his way.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Bob's demeanor suddenly changed. He let out a mocking chuckle, his expression shifting from stern and demanding to one of mockery and surprise.

"Really? Good luck!" he snorted, his chuckle bursting into laughter. His comment stung, but Asukem refused to let it phase him. He made a promise to Bob, promising to come back in three weeks after his training. This time, however, it wouldn't be an ordinary sparring session. He swore he would challenge Bob to an actual fight that would prove his worthiness.

Bob's expression shifted, transforming his original stern look into amusement. He flashed Asukem a mischievous smirk, and he replied with a tone of enjoyment: "Oh, a free beating? I can't wait." The statement left Asukem stunned and unsure of how to react. He had prepared for hostility and criticism, but Bob's response was something he hadn't expected. It took him a moment to process and compose himself before he turned and stormed out the door, vowing to return in three weeks to prove his worth.

Once he walked into the barracks, Asukem's eyes scanned the training grounds as he arrived. The other guards looked at him skeptically, some laughing and mocking him. Asukem sighed internally. He knew his journey would be difficult with such hostile and unsupportive surroundings. His gaze landed on one lone guard who appeared to be observing him intently, his expression a mix of respect and admiration. This guard was Franklin, a highly skilled and respected warrior in the training ground. Asukem approached Franklin, hoping for some guidance and support.

When Asukem approached Franklin, his tone lace with hope and desperation. "Sir, can you help me with my training? I want to protect my family from harmful people."His gaze fixed on Franklin's face, awaiting his response.

Franklin couldn't help but notice the young man's ragged and worn appearance, and his first thought was that he must be a thief. As he paused before opening his mouth, Franklin's gaze filled with skepticism and suspicion. He spoke to Asukem with a hard edge in his tone.

"Protect your family from harmful people, you say? Well, let's see if you can even protect yourself first. Prove to me that you're worthy of this training." Franklin's words were contempt and disdain.

As Asukem held the training sword in his hand, he felt the weight of it and remembered the importance of the task that awaited him. Franklin's words stung, but Asukem's determination remained undiminished.

Asukem raised the training sword and swung it a few times, his movements sure and confident. As he did so, his expression softened slightly, but his gaze remained stern and determined. He knew that Franklin had his strength to the test.

Asukem and Franklin stood before each other, their training swords raised in preparation. Their eyes locked, each sizing up their opponent. Franklin, an experienced warrior, was calm and confident, his movements smooth and precise. Asukem, who was still a novice with little experience in combat, was nervous and uncertain, his movements tense and hesitant. Despite Franklin's superior skill, Asukem's determination to protect his family and prove himself was unwavering. Seeing Asukem's resolve, Franklin nodded to acknowledge his courage, saying, "You're brave. I give you that, but you need more than courage to win a fight."

As Asukem prepared for the upcoming battle, the training ground atmosphere shifted towards more aggressiveness and unwelcoming. The guards jeered and heckled Asukem, with Franklin appearing more confident than ever. Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Asukem remained resolute, his gaze focused and his stance ready for battle. He watched with resolve as Franklin, a masterful warrior, circled him, sizing him up and assessing his skill level. The scene was reminiscent of an animal hunt, leaving Asukem feeling like an outnumbered prey facing a powerful predator.

As Franklin paced around Asukem, his muscled body, brown hair, and chain mail armor conveyed his experience and power as a warrior. The sword on his waist and the bracers on his wrists added a lethal edge to his appearance. Despite his imposing presence, his brown eyes gleamed with confidence and a hunger for battle. He moved with a swagger, his gait exuding strength, and determination. Asukem, a novice warrior facing a skilled opponent, felt intimidated, and his eyes flicked to the hilt of Franklin's sword, ready for the challenge ahead.

The duel was a display of raw power against finesse. Franklin's strikes were quick and sharp, each blow delivered with precision and speed; his movements fluid and graceful. Asukem, on the other hand, relied on more brute force; his blows were raw and rough, swinging his wooden sword erratically. He was quick to tire, heaving breaths, while Franklin barely seemed winded. The guards watched on, alternating between amusement and disappointment at the Asukem's lack of technique. He needed the training, or he would not survive a real battle.

The day after the humiliation in the sparring match with Franklin, Asukem eagerly awaited his next session with the veteran soldier. Every day, he pushed himself to the limit with pushups and sit-ups, working on building his strength and stamina. During those grueling physical routines, he practiced with his training sword, challenging himself to refine his technique under Franklin's guidance. With each session, Asukem felt himself growing as a warrior, slowly overcoming his weaknesses and becoming stronger daily.

Asukem returned to the orphanage, exhausted from his training at the barracks. Isabella's joyful welcome and Clair's warm smile were a relief, but Asukem's heart sank as he saw Bob sitting nearby with a mug of ale. A cocky grin and steely stare greeted him, reminding Asukem of his promise Bob's presence and the looming threat it created hung over the entire scene. These actions from them happened every day.

Franklin and Asukem had one last final sparring match in the third week. This match was to see if Asukem learned anything from his training. His physical stance and appearance showed promise, but Asukem knew that didn't mean much. Franklin stood before Asukem with two training swords in his hand. Franklin tossed one of the swords at Asukem, which Asukem caught, and went into a fighting pose Franklin and the other guards had never seen before. 

Asukem made up this stance to balance his strength and agility. His stance was like he would charge at Franklin, his left arm in front of him and his sword behind him. His movements in this stance were gentle and silent but also swift. Asukem remembers the first time he was here and how embarrassing it was. However, this time was different. Thanks to Franklin, He was more experienced, and Asukem felt thankful to him. Asukem takes a breath, putting his feelings behind him, and prepares for the match before him.

On the final day of training, Asukem waited patiently. He was determined to take on Frankling's challenge and prove his worth. He arrived at the training grounds, carrying his training sword and a determined look on his face.

Franklin, a skilled warrior, stood before him, holding two swords. The training ground was quiet as the other guards waited in anticipation of the outcome of the sparring match.

Asukem and Franklin locked eyes, their gazes fixed on one another. The tension in the room was palpable, the air filled with anticipation.

Franklin circled Asukem, sizing him up and assessing him. The young warrior remained defensive, his gaze focused on Franklin.

As Franklin stepped forward, Asukem stepped back, carefully guarding himself. Franklin let out a grin, his gaze filled with amusement and confidence.

The two warriors circled one another, their swords raised, ready for battle. The crowd watched in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the two warriors. Asukem remained focused and determined, a fire burning within him as he sought to prove himself. Franklin began his attack, his movements fluid and precise.

Asukem quickly parried Frankling's attack, blocking his sword with his own. Franklin stepped back and circled Asukem again, his gaze assessing the young warrior.

Asukem remained defensive, his eyes fixed on Franklin's movements. The crowd watched in anticipation, their eyes glued to the sparring match.

Franklin stepped forward, launching a series of attacks at Asukem. 

Asukem dodged the blows, blocking them with his training sword. Franklin pressed the attack, his strikes becoming faster and more powerful.

Asukem remained defensive, carefully guarding himself as Franklin launched a series of rapid strikes. As each sword parried another, the loud cracks filled the air as they met.

The crowd watched in anticipation, waiting for something to happen. Suddenly, a loud crack filled the air as Asukem swung his sword and hit Franklin's armor, stunning him. Asukem took advantage of the opening, swinging his sword and hitting Franklin in the gut. Franklin staggered back, surprised by the blow.

The two warriors continued their intense sparring match, their swords clashing against one another. After several intense moments of swordplay, Franklin stepped back, breathing heavily. Asukem stood before him, his sword raised, preparing for another round. Franklin's gaze locked with Asukem's, a look of respect and acknowledgment in his eyes.

"You have learned a great deal, Asukem." Franklin's voice rumbled. The crowd of guards cheered, their voices filling the air in congratulations. Asukem smiled, proud of his achievements. Now, he must go home and deal with his foster father and his abusive ways.

After the fight against Franklin at the training grounds, Asukem returned to the orphanage, anticipating a warm welcome from his sisters. However, Bob stood before him, his arms crossed, a mocking grin.

Asukem ignored Bob's taunts and stepped past him, determined to see his sisters. But Bob's grin grew more expansive, and Asukem realized his promise was today. Bob stepped forward, grabbed Asukem's shoulders, and turned him to face him.

"You think you're tough just because you beat Franklin, Asukem?" Bob's voice was scornful, his smile even more sinister as he stared down at Asukem.

"Franklin may have shown you respect, but you're still a Punching bag for me!" Bob grabbed Asukem by the shirt and pulled him close. Asukem's face remained stern, refusing to back down despite Bob's aggressive stance.

Asukem's eyes narrowed, his gaze filled with determination. He ripped free from Bob's grasp and stepped back, ready for the fight ahead.

"no, I am not. Neither are my siblings." Asukem's voice was firm, his gaze never leaving Bob as he stepped forward.

Bob didn't expect Asukem's fiery response, which caught him off-guard. Asukem pressed the attack, charging forward and landing a powerful hit to Bob's stomach. The wind flew out of Bob's lungs as he doubled over, his eyes wide in shock and his face filled with surprise. Unable to recover, Bob staggered back, but Asukem didn't stop there.

Asukem Grabbed Bob by the shirt's collar but was stopped by his little sister, Isabella. Shaking her head with tears, she told asukem, "Please don't hurt Papa anymore."

Asukem let go of Bob's collar and apologized to Isabella. He hugged her and saw Clair happy to see him also. He was filled with pride and joy as his sisters welcomed him home.