Chapter 34 – The Call to Action
The rain had passed, leaving Piltover's skyline bathed in the dim glow of the evening sun. The city was still, but there was a palpable weight in the air—one that mirrored the feeling in Steven's chest.
He was standing outside the workshop, his mind wrestling with the decision he had made. Caitlyn's words echoed in his mind.
You don't have to handle it alone.
But as much as he appreciated her support, Steven knew that the path ahead wasn't one he could walk without confronting the parts of himself that still felt broken.
He had to face his trauma head-on. To do that, he would need more than just technological solutions.
He needed physical and mental strength—something that could help him ground himself and deal with the weight of the grief that threatened to consume him.
And so, his thoughts turned to Banyu.
The Ionian martial artist had once been a distant figure in his life, someone who had offered to teach him long ago.
Now, in the wake of everything he'd been through, Steven realized that Banyu's teachings were exactly what he needed.
The mind and body needed to be in sync. And if there was one thing Banyu could teach him, it was how to control his inner turmoil, how to make peace with his past.
The first step was reaching out.
Steven took a deep breath, pulled out a small device from his belt, and flicked it on. It was a simple comm-link he'd modified himself, just another one of his creations.
He tapped in the coordinates that would reach the distant Ionian lands—a far cry from the tech-centric world he was accustomed to.
The connection crackled for a moment before a voice answered, smooth and steady.
"Steven Liam," Banyu's voice rumbled through the comm, calm but carrying the weight of experience. "I've been expecting you."
Steven didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I'm ready, Banyu. I need your help."
A pause, then a deep sigh from the other end. "I had a feeling you'd come to this conclusion. It is not a simple decision, Steven. What you seek is not easily given. You will be tested."
"I know," Steven replied, his voice steady. "But I'm willing to take on whatever it takes."
Banyu's voice softened. "Then I will meet you in Piltover. We'll begin your training where you are—here, and now."
Later that evening, Banyu arrived.
He was a figure that seemed to blend with the shadows, his movements fluid, his presence almost ethereal.
Standing at nearly six feet tall, his body was lean yet strong, with muscles honed through years of discipline.
His eyes—serene and focused—met Steven's with an intensity that immediately conveyed his experience.
"Steven Liam," Banyu greeted him with a slight bow, "I see the weight you carry. Your grief, your desire to grow. Let us see if you are truly ready to walk this path."
They were standing outside a secluded space within Piltover, an area Steven had cleared out as part of his workshop's expansion—a place where he could be alone with his thoughts.
The surrounding buildings created a narrow passageway that blocked out most of the noise of the city. This would be their training ground, for now.
Steven stood tall, his jaw set in determination. "I'm ready."
Banyu studied him for a moment, sensing the layers of tension that Steven carried.
"Before we begin, you must understand something, Steven,"
Banyu began, his voice low and calm.
"Martial arts are not simply about fighting or strength. It is about balance—balance within your mind, balance within your body, and balance between the two.
To truly train, you must learn to quiet your thoughts, to be at peace with the chaos within you. Can you do that?"
Steven's gaze was unwavering. "I can. I need this."
Banyu nodded, stepping forward. "Then, let us start."
The next few hours were spent in rigorous training, though not in the way Steven had imagined.
It wasn't about learning to throw punches or kicks—it was about understanding his body, aligning his movements with the energy that flowed through him.
Banyu taught him the fundamentals of Ionian martial arts, focusing on breathing, posture, and the flow of energy through his body.
"Feel your center," Banyu instructed as they moved through the early exercises. "Find your stillness, even in the midst of motion."
Steven was struggling at first. His mind was too active, too chaotic. The grief over Sera's death still clung to him, as did the frustration of his own limits.
Every movement felt like it took twice the effort. But slowly, Banyu's words began to sink in. His body started to respond, and his mind—though reluctant—began to clear.
As they took a break, Steven's mind wandered back to his current capabilities. He had gained some control over his Spider Sense, but that was it.
He wasn't Peter Parker. His body was still a human one—he didn't have the physical strength or durability of a seasoned fighter.
His powers were reactive, but they still left him vulnerable in many situations.
To track his progress, Steven accessed his system panel, which had grown more detailed as he continued to develop.
GACHA SYSTEM – CORE SYNCHRONIZED
User: Steven Liam
SyncRate: 100%Status: Stable
Inventory: 1 Pull Acquired
Pull: Spider Sense [Active]
Steven stared at the screen, noting the familiar limitations. His Spider Sense was the only thing setting him apart from an average human, but without the enhancements of someone like Peter Parker, his body was still as fragile as ever.
Banyu was watching him closely, sensing Steven's thoughts.
"The mind and the body must work together, Steven. What you lack in physical power, you must make up for in technique and focus."
"I understand," Steven replied, his voice steady but filled with the weight of the challenge.
"Let's continue."
The next few hours were spent in rigorous training, though not in the way Steven had imagined.
It wasn't about learning to throw punches or kicks—it was about understanding his body, aligning his movements with the energy that flowed through him.
Banyu taught him the fundamentals of Ionian martial arts, focusing on breathing, posture, and the flow of energy through his body.
"Feel your center,"
Banyu instructed as they moved through the early exercises.
"Find your stillness, even in the midst of motion."
Steven was struggling at first. His mind was too active, too chaotic. The grief over Sera's death still clung to him, as did the frustration of his own limits.
Every movement felt like it took twice the effort. But slowly, Banyu's words began to sink in. His body started to respond, and his mind—though reluctant—began to clear.
By the end of the night, Steven was exhausted. His muscles ached, and his mind felt clearer than it had in weeks. He looked at Banyu, who was standing silently, observing him.
"I feel… better," Steven said, a slow smile tugging at his lips.
Banyu nodded. "This is only the beginning. But you are on the right path."
As Banyu left, he gave Steven one final piece of advice. "You will falter, Steven. That is a part of the process. But each fall brings a lesson. Do not fear the fall."
And with that, Banyu disappeared into the shadows of Piltover, leaving Steven with his thoughts—and a new resolve.
The road ahead would be difficult, but now, Steven had the tools to face it head-on.