Chapter 4 The Struggle To Rise Again

• Damien knew his time with Celeste was running out. If he wanted to prove himself, he had to act fast. But every step forward felt like smashing into a brick wall—an insurmountable challenge for a man still confined to a wheelchair.
• What nobody knew, not even Celeste, was that Damien had secretly joined a classified military rehab program. This program, designed for severely injured war veterans, offered a chance to recover using experimental methods.
• The program wasn’t cheap, though. Damien had to fund it himself after leaving the military and cutting all ties. He’d also abandoned his past as one of the most influential people in the country, effectively erasing his identity from everyone who once knew him.
• For the past year, Damien had been disappearing for a few days each month to attend rehab sessions. These weren’t just about physical recovery—they involved intense mental training and martial arts to regain control over his body. Although he wasn’t back to his Grandmaster peak yet, he had worked his way up to the Warrior level—still far above the average person.
• That evening, Damien left home for his monthly session. The secret rehab clinic was located on the outskirts of town, far from prying eyes. There, he was trained by a tough but experienced doctor and ex-military instructor.
• “How’s your leg?” asked General Callum, an elderly doctor who had dedicated his life to military research.
• “Improving,” Damien replied, maneuvering his wheelchair closer. “I can stand for a few seconds now.”
• Callum nodded, his expression serious. “That’s good progress. But you need to push harder if you want to return to your old self. Remember, Damien, you’re a Grandmaster. You weren’t born to be ordinary.”
• Damien looked away, feeling a pang of frustration. While his energy channels had finally reopened, his martial arts cultivation was far from what it used to be. In martial arts, the five main levels—Warrior, Master, Grandmaster, Sect Master, and Supreme Grandmaster—each represented a leap in physical, mental, and internal energy control.
• Damien felt powerless. Even though his meridians had finally reopened, his martial arts cultivation had not yet returned to the level of Supreme Grandmaster. The levels of cultivation in national martial arts that Damien needed to master were divided into five main realms, each representing advancements in physical strength, mental clarity, and internal energy.
• Warrior is the foundational level, focusing on physical enhancement and basic martial arts skills. Practitioners at this level possess greater strength and speed compared to ordinary people but have yet to fully master internal energy.
• Master reflects mastery over internal energy (chi), enabling enhanced offensive and defensive power. Masters have more advanced martial arts techniques and begin to grasp deeper principles of the art.
• Grandmaster is a significant achievement in martial arts. At this level, practitioners have complete control over their internal energy, allowing them to create high-level destructive or defensive techniques. They are revered as experts and protectors of martial arts.
• Sect Master combines physical strength, internal energy, and spiritual insight. Sect Masters can influence their surroundings and create an intimidating aura. They are typically leaders of major martial arts groups or sects.
• Supreme Grandmaster is the pinnacle of all levels. Supreme Grandmasters are considered living legends. They possess extraordinary abilities that verge on the supernatural, such as complete control over the energy in their environment.
• Damien, though he had once reached the level of Supreme Grandmaster, was now at the Warrior level due to his injuries and physical condition. He had to start his cultivation journey all over again.
• Damien sighed, wiping sweat from his brow. “I don’t care about being a Supreme Grandmaster again, General. I just want to stand beside my wife without feeling weak. But… something’s been bothering me.”
• Callum raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
• Damien fixed his gaze on Callum, focusing intently. “You’re hiding something from me, General. Is this our last meeting?”
• Callum froze, visibly shaken. “Damien… how did you…?”
• “I can sense your thoughts, even if faintly. Have you been secretly giving me experimental drugs to unlock that ability?”
• Reluctantly, Callum nodded. “We don’t have much time. I thought you were the right person to bear this gift. But I might’ve been discovered by enemy forces, so I prepared something for you—a new team.”
• At first, Damien didn’t understand what Callum meant by "a new team." But it all became clear when he left the rehab center.
• Outside, a group of men in sleek black suits stood waiting beside a limousine that screamed luxury. One of them opened the door for Damien with practiced precision.
• “What is this?” Damien asked, his tone neutral but his eyes sharp, scrutinizing their every move.
• “We’re here to escort you, Mr. Damien,” one of the men said calmly. “We’ve been instructed to ensure your comfort.”
• Damien decided to follow them, staying alert. He wanted to know who these people were and what Callum was planning.
• Inside the limo, a man was already waiting. Damien recognized him immediately—a prominent figure in the state, someone who could sway major policies. The man seemed nervous, a stark contrast to his usual public persona.
• “Mr. Damien,” the man began humbly, “I’m Victor Carlisle. I’m sure you know who I am.”
• Damien nodded slightly.
• “Last night, General Callum contacted me,” Victor continued. “He said if I wanted my problems solved, I needed to meet the right person. That person is you.”
• “What problem?” Damien asked, crossing his arms.
• Victor hesitated before whispering, “I need your help to see my future. I’ve heard you can read fate.”
• Damien’s expression remained unreadable. Though rumors about his abilities often circulated, he never paid them much attention.
• “I know who you are, Mr. Damien,” Victor added. “And I know the immense power you hold. I’m willing to do anything for your help. Wealth, influence, connections… even my daughter’s hand in marriage.”
• Damien raised a hand to stop him. “I have everything you just mentioned. And with one call, I could take away everything you own. Honestly, I don’t like rich men who flaunt their power because of their wealth.”
• Victor paled, quickly kneeling in desperation. “Forgive my arrogance!”
• “Enough,” Damien said firmly. “I’ll help you out of respect for General Callum, but I have one request.”
• “Anything,” Victor said eagerly, clinging to hope.
• “I’ll come to your place tomorrow to help. But tonight, I need a ride to an important meeting.”
• Though confused, Victor agreed without hesitation. “Consider it done.”
• As the limo drove toward Celeste’s family villa, Damien’s mind drifted to her. This meeting might be his last chance to fix their relationship.