Chapter 35: Training Journey

“John, you need to train yourself as a preparation for the future,” Aira declared, her voice unwavering as she faced Marcelino in the grand study. Her presence was commanding, a force of nature that demanded respect and obedience. “I don’t want you to be weak. You’re becoming a leader soon, and a leader must be strong, domineering, ruthless. There is no place for a soft heart in this family. You must make everyone your enemy!”

Aira's eyes were intense, locking onto Marcelino's with a fierce determination. She knew the world they lived in was unforgiving, a place where only the strongest survived. Her own life had been a testament to that, and she wanted to ensure that Marcelino was prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

Marcelino nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of the path before him. He understood his mother's expectations, the weight of the legacy he was expected to uphold. But there was a part of him that questioned the necessity of such ruthlessness, the need to view the world through a lens of hostility.

“Mom, I know I need to be strong, but what I am supposed to do right now is to focus on my rivals, especially Kokok. He’s a cunning, ruthless cousin with a grudge against me,” Marcelino said, trying to balance his mother's demands with his own instincts.

Aira’s expression hardened, her patience wearing thin. “John!” she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls of the study. “How could you defeat him if you’re not strong, if you don’t know how to fight? Remember, Kokok is an expert in martial arts. If he chases you right now, you’ll be dead! Do you understand, huh, John?”

Marcelino flinched at her words, feeling the sting of her reprimand. He knew she was right, that he needed to be prepared for whatever challenges came his way. But the thought of training, of honing his skills for a future fraught with danger, was daunting.

“Tomorrow, I will send you to the Hunter Association,” Aira continued, her tone leaving no room for argument. “There, you will hone your abilities and strength. I know you inherited my genes and skills, and all I want is to develop the skills that lie dormant within you.”

Marcelino hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. The Hunter Association was known for its rigorous training, a place where warriors were forged through trials of strength and endurance. It was a place where only the strongest survived, and the weak were left behind.

“Do I really have to go through with this?” Marcelino asked, his voice tinged with reluctance.

Aira’s gaze softened slightly, her expression shifting from stern to understanding. “John, I know this is difficult, but it’s necessary. You need to be strong to protect our family, to uphold the Innovation legacy. You have the potential to be a great leader, but you must be willing to embrace your destiny.”

Marcelino took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. He knew his mother’s expectations were high, and he didn’t want to disappoint her. He had always admired her strength and resolve, and he wanted to prove himself worthy of the Innovation name.

As the conversation continued, Marcelino began to see the wisdom in his mother’s words. He realized that the path to power was fraught with challenges, and he needed to be prepared for whatever came his way. Aira’s guidance was invaluable, a beacon of strength in a world of uncertainty.

“I’ll do it, Mother,” Marcelino said finally, his voice filled with determination. “I’ll go to the Hunter Association and train. I’ll become the leader you want me to be.”

Aira smiled, a rare expression of warmth crossing her features. She knew that John had the potential to be great, that he had inherited her strength and determination. But she also knew that he needed to learn the value of ruthlessness, the necessity of viewing the world through a lens of power and ambition.

“Good,” Aira said, nodding in approval. “I have no doubt that you will succeed, John. You have my blood in your veins, and you have the potential to be the greatest leader our family has ever seen.”
As the night wore on, Marcelino pondered the path before him. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to rise to the challenge. With his mother’s guidance and his own determination, he was ready to face whatever trials awaited him.

The Hunter Association would be a test of his strength and resolve, a place where he would learn to harness his abilities and become the leader he was meant to be. It was a daunting prospect, but Marcelino was prepared to do whatever it took to secure his family’s legacy and protect the woman he loved.

As he lay in bed that night, his mind racing with thoughts of the future, Marcelino vowed to embrace his destiny and prove himself worthy of the Innovation name. He would become the leader his mother wanted him to be, and he would protect the people he cared about, no matter the cost.

The following day, Marcelino prepared to leave for the Hunter Association. He packed his bags with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, knowing that the training he was about to undertake would be the most challenging experience of his life.

The Hunter Association was a renowned institution, known for its rigorous training programs and its ability to forge warriors from even the most unlikely candidates. It was a place where strength and skill were honed to perfection, and Marcelino was ready to prove himself worthy.

As he prepared to leave, Aira joined him in the grand foyer, her presence a reassuring reminder of the family he was fighting for. She placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with pride and expectation.
“Remember, John,” she said, her voice a blend of warmth and authority. “You have the potential to be great. Embrace your destiny and prove yourself worthy of the Innovation name.”

Marcelino nodded, his resolve firming. He knew the challenges ahead would be daunting, but he was ready to face them head-on.

As Marcelino gathered his belongings, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Aira entered, accompanied by a stranger whose presence radiated authority and intrigue. He was tall, with a chiseled face that bore the marks of countless battles.

“John,” Aira began, her voice tinged with gravity, “this is Raoul Constantine, an old ally of our family. He’s here to ensure that you receive the best training possible.”

Raoul extended a hand, his grip firm and commanding. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, John. Your mother has spoken highly of you.”

Marcelino nodded, sizing up the newcomer. “Likewise. I appreciate your help.”

Raoul’s eyes glinted with a mix of mystery and calculation. “The Hunter Association is not just about physical training. It’s about understanding the dynamics of power, the intricacies of manipulation, and the art of war. You must be prepared for all of it.”

Marcelino felt a chill run down his spine. He knew Raoul was more than just a trainer; he was a key player in the games of power that surrounded the Celestial families. As he left the mansion, Marcelino felt a sense of purpose settle over him. He knew the path to power was fraught with challenges, but he was ready to rise to the occasion.

The Hunter Association awaited him, a place where he would learn to harness his abilities and become the leader he was meant to be. It was a daunting prospect, but Marcelino was prepared to do whatever it took to secure his family’s legacy and protect the woman he loved.

With each step he took, Marcelino felt the weight of his family’s expectations, but he was determined to prove himself worthy of the Innovation name. He would become the leader his mother wanted him to be, and he would protect the people he cared about, no matter the cost.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit room far from the grandeur of the Innovation estate, Kokok was fuming. The failure to secure his place as a finalist had ignited a fire within him, and he was determined to bring Marcelino down at any cost.

He paced the room, his mind racing with schemes and plots. Suddenly, an idea struck him—a risky gambit that could turn the tide in his favor. He picked up his phone and dialed a number, his heart pounding with anticipation.

“Is this the head of the Vermudez family?” Kokok asked, his voice a mixture of desperation and determination.
“Yes,” a voice replied, smooth and calculating. “What can I do for you, Kokok?”

“I need your help to take down Marcelino. I know your family has stayed out of the spotlight, but if you join forces with me, we can topple the Innovations and seize power for ourselves.”
There was a pause, a tense silence that hung in the air like a storm cloud.

“You realize the risks involved?” the Vermudez head replied, his tone contemplative. “Aligning against the Innovations could be catastrophic.”

“I’m aware of the risks,” Kokok replied, his resolve unwavering. “But the reward is worth it. Together, we can change the balance of power.”

The Vermudez head chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down Kokok’s spine. “Very well. I’m intrigued. Let’s discuss this further.”

As Kokok plotted his next move, Marcelino arrived at the Hunter Association, a sprawling complex hidden deep within a secluded forest. The air was thick with anticipation and the promise of transformation.
Raoul guided Marcelino through the grand entrance, where they were greeted by the Association’s director, a formidable woman named Anamae. Her eyes were sharp and discerning, her presence commanding and formidable.

“Welcome, Marcelino,” Anamae said, her voice resonating with authority. “I’ve heard much about you. We will push you to your limits, test your mettle, and prepare you for the challenges ahead.”
Marcelino nodded; his determination unwavering. “I’m ready.”

Over the next few weeks, Marcelino immersed himself in the rigorous training regimen, learning the nuances of combat, strategy, and survival. He trained alongside other candidates, each with their own ambitions and secrets.

One evening, as Marcelino sparred with a fellow trainee, he noticed a peculiar tattoo on the man’s wrist—a symbol he had seen only once before, etched into the family crest of the Vermudez.
“Where did you get that tattoo?” Marcelino asked, his curiosity piqued.

The man smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I have my connections. Not everything is as it seems, John.”

Marcelino’s mind raced with questions. Was this trainee a spy, a pawn in the Vermudez family’s game? Or was he an ally, someone who could provide valuable insights into the brewing conflict?
Back at the Innovation estate, Aira continued to weave her web of influence, her mind a labyrinth of schemes and strategies. She knew that the path to power was fraught with challenges, and she was determined to see Marcelino rise to the occasion.

One evening, as she reviewed the family’s extensive network of alliances and rivalries, she received a message that chilled her to the core. It was from an anonymous source, warning her of a plot against Marcelino—a plot orchestrated by Kokok and his newfound ally.

Aira’s mind raced with possibilities. She knew she had to act swiftly to protect her son, to shield him from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.