Second Training Session

The morning sun reflected off the rocks surrounding the training field.

The hot air shimmered like a mirage. Everyone stood silently, watching the leader in the center of the arena.

"The first ones will be Hiroshi and Shana ," Aioze raised his arm and announced in a firm voice.

A low murmur ran through the group.

Hiroshi adjusted his pistol in its holster and walked to the center.

Shana followed him right after, her eyes burning with contempt.

"Don't think I'll be easy to defeat just because I'm a priestess," she said . Shana , crossing her arms.

"That's great. I won't go easy on you either... or anyone else," Hiroshi replied with a cynical smile.

The air grew heavy.

Hiroshi raised his pistol, and the metallic sound of a spinning cylinder echoed across the field.

Without hesitation, he fired.

Bang ! Bang !

The bullets sliced through the air, but Shana dodged them fluidly, her body moving in quick curves, as if dancing with the wind.

She approached, her gaze fixed on the spot.

Suddenly, Hiroshi pressed something on the side of the gun.

Small red lights began flashing around the pipe.

— (What is he doing?) — she thought. Shana , narrowing her eyes.

The next shots were different; the bullets curved in the air, as if they had a will of their own.

One of them hit Shana in the shoulder , throwing her to the ground.

She quickly activated Regeneration, and the wound closed, but new projectiles came soon after.

Three shots.

Each one with electrical energy pulsing in blue.

They hit her squarely, electrocuting her body for a few seconds.

The ground cracked, sparking around her.

Hiroshi lowered his pistol and smiled.

"I won," said Hiroshi.

Shana , still on her knees, clenched her teeth. Her gaze said it all: it wasn't the end, just a retreat.

They both returned to where the others were waiting.

No one applauded; only the sound of the wind cut through the silence.

Aioze took a deep breath.

"Now it's Koharu and Shouta's turn ," he announced . Aioze .

Koharu walked to the field.

Her hands glowed blue as she activated Feelings, materializing once more the ethereal sword made of pure emotion.

Shouta , on the other side, elegantly twirled his daggers, a confident smile on his face.

"Show me all your power," he said provocatively.

Koharu stepped forward.

The sword sliced through the air, leaving trails of bluish light.

Shouta dodged with smooth movements, almost dancing between blows.

(He's fast... I need to adjust my pace.) — she thought. Koharu , planting her foot firmly on the ground.

But Shouta counterattacked with surprising speed.

The daggers flew, one, two, three, aiming for vital points.

Koharu blocked a few, but two daggers grazed her arms and legs.

She staggered, unbalanced.

"He's already losing focus," he said . Shouta , before throwing the final dagger.

She hit the ground right in front of Koharu , raising a small cloud of dust.

The light from the ethereal sword began to flicker and, within seconds, faded.

Koharu fell to her knees, panting.

Aioze raised his arm.

" Shouta is the winner," he said . Aioze .

Shouta picked up the daggers and offered his hand to help her up.

Koharu silently refused, her eyes lowered.

They both returned to where the others were watching.

Koharu 's expression was one of dejection, not from physical pain, but from the bitter feeling of defeat.

The wind blew once more, ruffling everyone's hair.

"Get ready. The next pair will be announced soon." Aioze looked at the group and said calmly.

The training field was silent.

The dust from the last battle still hung in the air, while the distant sound of the wind echoed among the stones.

Aioze took a step forward, crossing his arms.

— Now... the next match will be between Filna and Yumi . — he announced. Aioze .

The two sisters looked at each other.

Yumi 's gaze was cold and calculating; Filna 's , serene but firm.

Without saying a word, they walked to the center of the field.

The ground creaked beneath his footsteps.

"I'm not going to go easy on you just because you're my younger sister." Yumi was the first to break the silence.

"I don't expect you to go easy on me," Filna replied without hesitation.

The air seemed to stand still for a moment.

Yumi raised her hand, and time seemed to tremble around her.

The ground glowed in shades of blue—it was the Time Freeze.

But... nothing happened.

Filna had disappeared.

— (She disappeared ... I 'm not going to fall for her stupid game. She wants me to use Time Travel, and then she'll escape with Teleportation ... trapping me in an endless loop.) — he thought. Yumi , frowning.

Yumi crossed her arms, remaining calm.

"Little sister, there's no point in hiding. I'll find you," he said . Yumi .

She then raised her hand and activated Cloning.

Three perfect copies appeared around her, moving in sync with her.

"Let's begin," he murmured . Yumi .

The four Yumis began throwing daggers in different directions.

They embedded themselves in the surrounding rocks and, seconds later, exploded.

A cloud of dust rose… and a silhouette emerged from behind the rocks.

Filna coughed slightly, her cloak partially burned.

"So you prepared daggers with explosives..." Filna said , with a small smile.

She raised her hands in surrender.

"I give up. Victory is yours," he said . FILNA .

Yumi's eyes widened in surprise.

After a brief moment, he ran and hugged his sister.

"You're smart... too smart," he said , smiling.

Filna returned the smile, and together, the two went back to the group.

Aioze watched with a steady, yet satisfied gaze.

Himeno and Lysandra 's turn . — he announced. Aioze .

The two positioned themselves in the center.

The contrast between them was clear: Himeno , young and determined, and Lysandra , cold and experienced, with a presence that commanded respect.

Lysandra crossed her arms, her gaze confident.

"I hope you've learned something these past few days," he said . Lysandra .

"I'll show you what I've learned," he replied . Hymen , with clenched fists.

The fight has begun.

Lysandra raised her arm and unleashed a barrage of electric spears.

Lightning bolts sliced through the air with force, the ground trembling with each impact.

Himeno dodged with agility, leaping from stone to stone, electricity crackling near his feet.

(She's strong ... but her pace is predictable.) — he thought. Hymen , advancing.

Lysandra fired another beam of electricity, but Himeno rolled to the side, getting close enough to attack.

With a quick leap, she raised her fist.

(I did it!) — he thought. Himeno , ready to strike.

But Lysandra smiled.

Himeno 's punch struck Lysandra 's shoulder —and, in that same instant, a violent electric shock coursed through the girl's body.

A loud crack echoed across the field, and Himeno fell to the ground, trembling, smoke rising from his clothes.

Lysandra was breathing heavily, her arm still sparkling with energy.

Aioze stepped forward immediately, his gaze stern. "What kind of technique was that, Lysandra ? That could have killed Himeno !" he shouted. Aioze .

Lysandra looked away, still tired.

"I knew how much she could take..." he replied in a low voice.

Aioze kept his gaze steady, but did not answer.

Shana ran to Himeno and placed her hands on her, summoning a soft light.

Healing energy coursed through the girl's body, erasing the burn marks.

"Everything will be alright," he said . Shana , in a calm tone.

Himeno opened her eyes slowly, still dizzy.

Aioze sighed and looked at Lysandra .

"That's it. Go back now," he ordered . Aioze .

They all returned to the others, under the heavy silence of the group.

The sound of the winds cutting across the field echoed like a distant whisper.

Dust still lingered on the cracked ground from previous battles.

Aioze watched the group in silence, until his eyes fell upon two familiar faces.

"You two are close. Max and Gerald... go to the field," he said , crossing his arms.

Max stepped forward, his expression serious. Gerald simply nodded, calm as always.

The ground trembled beneath Max's feet as soon as he activated Physical Enhancement.

A red aura enveloped his body, his muscles pulsing with energy.

Gerald took a deep breath and adopted a firm, centered posture, his gaze unwavering.

Max charged forward with all his might, the ground cracking with every step.

The impact of the fists reverberated like thunder.

For a moment, the air seemed to split.

But Gerald calmly dodged and, with a single movement, a sharp and precise punch, struck Max in the abdomen, sending him flying backward.

His body slid a few meters before falling to his knees.

Gerald lowered his fists.

"Strength without technique is nothing but destruction," Gerald said calmly.

Silence fell over the field.

"That's enough. The fight is over," Aioze raised his voice.

Max lowered his head, frustrated. Gerald only glanced at him briefly before returning to formation.

They both returned to join the others.

"What a shame, Max," Aioze said coldly.

Max nodded silently, biting his lower lip.

Aioze then turned to the group, the wind ruffling the black cloak he wore.

"Now... it's just the two of us," she said , looking at Yuuki .

Her eyes shone with determination.

"I'll show you what I've learned from you," he replied , his voice firm.

They both went to the center of the field.

Yuuki drew his sword, and the atmosphere fell silent—even the wind seemed to stop.

She lunged forward, activating her Light Speed ability.

The world around him became a blur.

But when she reappeared behind Aioze , he was already there, as if time had slowed down just for him.

He dodged slightly and counterattacked with a palm strike that stopped just inches from her chest.

The impact of the air caused the dust to rise.

(Is he... testing me?) — she thought. Yuuki , biting her lips.

"You still get irritated easily..." Aioze said , while her movements remained precise.

"That breaks the rhythm of your punches," he explained . Aioze .

Yuuki gritted her teeth and lunged forward again, even faster.

But Aioze blocked the attack with his arm and gently pushed her back, effortlessly.

"Fight with a calm heart, Yuuki . That's the difference between strength and wisdom," he said in a serene voice.

Yuuki fell to her knees, panting.

The sword still trembled in his hands, but a small smile appeared on his face.

"Understood, Mr. Aioze ," said Yuuki.

Aioze nodded with a slight smile, extending his hand to help her to her feet.