The Hidden Legacy; I Will Rise Through Every Pain

Hidden Threats

As soon as Andrew uttered the words, they all launched into a simultaneous attack, exchanging blows in rapid succession. Andrew anticipated the second attacker's punch and swiftly dodged it.

There was no respite for Andrew as the fourth assailant quickly followed suit. One of them somersaulted through the air, aiming to deliver a precise strike to Andrew's head. However, Andrew, amidst countering the other opponents, skillfully rotated backward, deftly evading their blows. In a remarkable display of agility, he used one hand to catch the airborne attacker's legs.

The next move Andrew executed left everyone astounded. With seemingly effortless strength, he held the man, who easily weighed over 500 pounds, suspended in the air with just one hand. Andrew then effortlessly hurled him backwards, causing him to land with a thud, as if he were nothing more than discarded waste.

This unexpected feat momentarily froze the remaining attackers in their tracks. They were at a loss for what to do next. If Andrew could effortlessly dispose of their veteran comrade like a piece of trash, that meant they were no match for him.

"Why are you all staring at me?" Andrew advanced towards them, and with each step he took, they instinctively retreated in fear. Andrew seized this opportunity, stomping his feet on the ground, and they scattered, fleeing immediately.

Andrew turned his attention to the two weakened individuals, both visibly anxious about what Andrew might do to them. He approached them, squatting down to their level, adjusting his eyeglasses with a deliberate motion.

"Who sent you?" Andrew inquired, moving his hand towards one of their shoulders. The man, fearing that Andrew intended to snap his shoulder blade, closed his eyes and let out a scream, pleading, "Please!"

However, much to the man's surprise, Andrew simply patted his shoulder and asked again, "I'll give you one more chance to explain yourself. Who sent you?"

"Please... It was the Everest family. They wanted us to retrieve the ring from you. They recently discovered a family secret: the ring possesses an incomprehensible power," the man stuttered, unable to remain still as he divulged the information.

"I see... Alright, good job," Andrew acknowledged, rising to his feet and turning away with his bag. However, as he began to leave, the two weakened individuals also stood up, preparing to flee.

Andrew lifted his hand, motioning for them to stay put. In an instant, they froze in place, resembling statues. "Tell the Everest family that I'll be coming for them soon. They should sit tight and wait for me," Andrew declared, making his statement as he walked forward.

Within moments, the two individuals sprinted away as fast as their legs could carry them. "The Everest family will stop at nothing to take this ring from me. I need to find a safer place because they won't relent until they get what they want," Andrew pondered as he made his way home.

************

Morning had arrived at the outskirts of Lantana City, where Andrew resided. Andrew was engrossed in his workout routine, Andrew was determined to transform himself. Ever since he inherited his newfound legacy, he had gained a newfound confidence. He no longer intended to be the pushover he had been before. Thus, he had resolved to sculpt his body into peak physical condition.

Assuming the push-up stance, Andrew was taken aback by the lack of challenge it posed. His body seemed to have adapted effortlessly, as if the exercise had become second nature to him.

"I think I need to check my body frame now," he murmured, running a hand over his torso. "I'm not sure if that's had any impact."Andrew said as he stood before the mirror in his room, scrutinizing his reflection with a puzzled frown.

"What?" he exclaimed, leaning closer to the mirror. "How did I get this big?"

"How did I become so big?" To his astonishment, Andrew realized he had grown several inches taller overnight. But that wasn't all - his physique had undergone a dramatic transformation as well, with defined musculature rippling beneath his skin.

Andrew's eyes widened as he focused on his abdomen and was utterly shocked to see a defined eight-pack.

"Damn, an eight-pack?" he breathed, tracing the contours of his newly chiseled abdomen. Shaking his head in disbelief

Andrew's brow furrowed as he considered the possibility that his eyes might be playing tricks on him. Turning, he reached for the glasses resting on the drawer by his bedside.

"Wow... I can see perfectly clearly," Andrew exclaimed, his eyes widening in astonishment. The realization that he no longer required his corrective lenses was utterly unexpected.

For years, he had grown accustomed to the familiar weight and distortion of the glasses perched on his nose. But now, as he blinked and scanned the room, everything came into sharp, crystalline focus without their aid.

Having thoroughly examined the remarkable changes to his physique, Andrew turned his attention to his wardrobe, eager to see how his transformed body would fare in his usual attire.

However, as he attempted to wear his familiar clothing, Andrew quickly discovered that the clothes no longer fit him properly. The shirts strained against his broadened shoulders, while the waistlines of his pants felt uncomfortably snug around his midsection.

"I guess I'll have to go shopping," Andrew mused, surveying the limited options that remained in his closet. Settling on a white polo shirt that seemed to accentuate his muscular frame, and a pair of well-fitted shorts, he knew these would have to suffice for the time being.

Stepping outside, Andrew realized that the nearest shopping mall was situated a fair distance from his home. Rather than to a cab, he decided this would be the perfect opportunity to test the extent of his body. He began to jog towards the mall.

***********

Thirty minutes later, he arrived at the shopping mall. At its uppermost part, a moving LED light displayed the mall's name in bright red letters: 'Crystalite Mall.'

Andrew approached the large glass and metal entrance of the shopping mall. The automatic doors slid open, welcoming him into the bright, open space inside.

People were constantly moving in and out of the mall, their footsteps echoing on the smooth, tiled floor. Sunlight streamed in through the high, arched ceiling, giving the whole area a warm, inviting glow.

Rows of fancy cars were parked outside, with drivers hurrying to get to their destinations. Beyond the entrance, Andrew could see the colorful storefronts and digital signs of the many shops and restaurants waiting inside.

The atmosphere was lively and energetic .This was the busy heart of the commercial district, where people came to shop, eat, and spend time together.