The first light of dawn streamed through the small, solitary Muay Thai sorcery training hall, nestled by a serene canal in Chumphon. Sunbeams pierced the wide glass windows, casting a warm glow inside the building adorned with ancient yantra symbols.
Riam, dressed in a traditional patterned loincloth, stood in the center of the stone courtyard, holding the stance of the "Dragon Receiving the Wind." Around him, other trainees moved into their respective stances, their feet firmly planted as they channeled their inner wind through silent devotion.
From behind, the seasoned instructor, Master Watcharaprayong, with his closely cropped hair, smiled at the determination of his pupil.
— "Riam, focus well today. The true enemy lies within your heart. Start by closing your eyes, holding this stance firmly, and use your breath to seek the power inside you," Master Watcharaprayong commanded, clapping his hands in encouragement.
Riam nodded, slowly closing his eyes, letting out a gentle breath.
The noise of cheering friends around him faded into the background, leaving only the sound of his own heartbeat pulsing steadily.
The ancient wind energy, long nurtured through training, flowed with each measured breath. Every posture Riam assumed became sharper, more grounded, under the faint morning light.
He sensed a delicate breeze swirling around him, as if he could feel the invisible threads of hidden power.
One by one, other students entered the courtyard, exchanging nods and smiles.
Master Watcharaprayong chuckled lightly when he saw Patama, one of Riam's friends, approaching.
— "Welcome to a new day! Train your body and spirit well!" the Master announced.
— "Yes, Master..." Riam answered respectfully.
Nearby, Pham, a tall boy with tanned skin, practiced the "Elephant Stance," holding twin silver talisman scrolls strapped to his sides — the symbol of the academy.
Pham grinned at Riam.
— "Bright morning, isn't it, Riam?" he teased lightly.
Riam returned a modest smile. — "Yes, Pham."
— "Patama! How's your progress?" Master called out.
Patama, a stern-faced girl who was also Riam's friend, responded with a wide smile.
— "And what about you, Riam?" Patama asked quietly, offering encouragement.
— "The wind is starting to stir restlessly now, Master. Next, I'll be training the Wave Coil Technique," Riam answered with quiet confidence, his face steady amidst the soft whirl of energy surrounding him under the gentle morning sun.
The atmosphere brimmed with warmth and strength.
Riam sat cross-legged beneath a shading canopy, closing his eyes and drawing in the calm.
Nearby, the sound of Master Watcharaprayong moving about offered a quiet rhythm.
— "Very good, Riam... Can you feel the inheritance of the wind buried deep within you?"
Slowly, Riam opened his eyes and gave a slight smile under the soft sunlight.
— "It's still faint, Master. But I can feel it growing steadily inside."
The morning lesson drew to a close.
Riam exhaled deeply, feeling a rare peace settle within him.
The sunlight flooded the training grounds, bathing the stone floors and sacred walls.
Riam quietly reflected on the lessons of the past and realized with certainty:
Whether today or tomorrow, his journey along the path of Muay Thai sorcery had only just begun.