Beep, beep, beep… Ethan turned off the alarm. It was five in the morning. He opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, then raised his arm to look at that tattoo. Ethan sighed before sluggishly getting out of bed. Waking up was difficult, especially after the events of the previous day.

Ethan headed to the bathroom to prepare for another long day. After finishing his shower, he felt a refreshing vitality coursing through his veins. He walked toward their lush green garden, where the scent of flowers filled the air. He watered the plants, then put on his gardening gloves and picked some ripe red tomatoes. The atmosphere was completely peaceful this was Ethan's small retreat for relaxation.

He gathered the vegetables he needed: garlic, onions, and carrots, then made his way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. At that moment, just as he opened the door to enter the house, an eerie sensation crept up his spine. He quickly turned around, scanning his surroundings, but the unsettling feeling remained.

A voice echoed in his mind:

"Did you feel that strange presence too?"

It was the Minotaur's voice. Ethan responded in a low tone:

"Yes, that was terrifying."

He stood still for a few moments, observing the area before shaking his head and picking up the basket of vegetables. He sighed:

"Oh… I guess we were just imagining things. And why have you been so silent until now, you cowardly Minotaur?"

The Minotaur, irritated, snapped back:

"Who are you calling a coward, you weak human?!"

Ethan entered the house, continuing his conversation with the Minotaur. Meanwhile, just beyond the garden fence, a large bald man in a black suit stood watching. He pulled out his phone and made a call:

"Hello, sir. Yes, we've found him… Understood, I'll continue monitoring him."

The man then disappeared into the shadows of the alleyways.

Ethan walked into the kitchen and began chopping the vegetables, cooking them as usual. He muttered to himself:

"Unfortunately, we'll have to rely on vegetables for the next few days."

Then, addressing the Minotaur, he said:

"But it was real, just like I told you. I've fully recovered."

The Minotaur chuckled:

"Ho ho ho! The Minotaur's power knows no bounds."

Ethan stared at the wall with a sarcastic look, prompting the Minotaur to shout angrily:

"You! Didn't I tell you to stop giving me those foolish looks? You should respect me!"

Ethan let out a quiet laugh, then prepared a bowl of soup and headed to his mother's room. As he opened the door, she greeted him with a warm smile:

"My little gazelle is full of energy today. What's with that smile?"

She paused for a moment, then smirked teasingly:

"Did you get yourself a girlfriend and not tell me?"

The Minotaur burst into laughter inside Ethan's head, making him flustered. He quickly replied, shocked:

"What?! Of course not! What are you saying, Mom?"

His mother laughed heartily:

"I'm just joking, hahaha."

Ethan changed the subject:

"Come on, Mom, eat before it gets cold."

As he fed her, the room grew silent. His mother finally broke the quiet:

"My check-up is this month."

Silence filled the space again. Ethan picked up the empty bowl and said with determination:

"Don't worry, Mom. You'll be fine no matter the cost, I'll pay it."

She smiled sadly:

"Alright, my son, just take care of yourself."

Ethan turned off the light, then went to the kitchen to wash the dishes, deep in thought. Once finished, he grabbed his bag and reached for the door handle. But he hesitated. After a few moments, he tossed the bag onto the bed with a firm expression and rushed out of the house.

He sprinted toward the forest where he had trained the previous day. Upon reaching the open clearing, he stopped, catching his breath. Minutes passed before he finally said:

"Minotaur, come out!"

A white mist, mixed with black magical dust, emerged from his forehead and fell to the ground. It swirled and expanded, gradually taking shape until the Minotaur appeared. Ethan looked at him with determination:

"I'm ready for today's training."

The Minotaur spoke in a serious tone:

"Are you sure?"

"I only have three weeks. I want you to make me strong within that time."

Ethan responded with firm resolve. The Minotaur smirked mischievously:

"Then…"

Suddenly, he lunged forward, striking with his hooves toward Ethan's head. Ethan dodged quickly, a mix of excitement and fear on his face.

The Minotaur grinned:

"You got it! By the end of this, you'll be the strongest person in your school."

The determined smiles on both their faces marked the beginning of a duo that would change the course of the world.

Behind the Scenes:

(Ethan knocked on the door gently…)

Mother: "Come in." Ethan entered his mother's room slowly, smiling excitedly: "Mom, I brought an amazing guest with me!" Mother (curiously): "Really? And who might that be?" Ethan (grinning): "Minotaur, come on in!"

The Minotaur hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, visibly nervous as he tried to compose himself.

Minotaur (stammering): "H-Hello, ma'am..." Mother (looking at him in admiration): "And who is this strong fellow?" Ethan (smiling): "He's my new legendary friend! Come on, be brave my mom won't eat you!"

Ethan laughed loudly, and after a moment of hesitation, the Minotaur joined in. The scene ended with laughter echoing throughout the room.

"Please you like it, don't hesitate to leave a comment. 💬 Stay by my side to read things you'll enjoy! 📖✨"

★彡[ᴘᴀʟᴇsᴛɪɴᴇ ʟɪᴠᴇs]彡★ ☪️🔥