READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 22: Chapter ²² Training Day or Torture Day?
Chapter 22: Training Day or Torture Day?
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Narration Mode Activated
"So, remember when I agreed to let Kira train me? Yeah, that might go down as one of the worst decisions of my life. Turns out her definition of 'training' is more like a medieval torture session, but, you know, with extra sass."
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It's Saturday morning, and instead of sleeping in like a normal person, I'm standing in an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town.
Kira stands a few feet away, dressed in athletic gear, looking way too smug for my liking.
"This place screams 'horror movie,'" I say, glancing around. "You sure we're not just here so you can get rid of me quietly?"
She ignores me and tosses a wooden staff in my direction. I barely catch it before it smacks me in the face.
"Lesson one: self-defense," she announces. "If you can't even protect yourself, you're useless."
"Wow, way to boost my confidence," I mutter.
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Blobby floats out of my bag, clearly excited.
"Ooh, can I help? I could be your sparring partner!"
Kira gives it a flat look. "The blob can watch."
"Rude," Blobby huffs, retreating back into my bag.
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Kira raises her own staff and takes a fighting stance.
"Alright," she says, "try to hit me."
I laugh. "Yeah, sure, let me just—"
Before I can finish, she lunges forward, her staff whistling through the air. I barely manage to block, the impact rattling my arms.
"Hey!" I yelp. "I wasn't ready!"
"Your enemies won't wait for you to be ready," she snaps, swinging again.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Fun fact: Kira is terrifying. Like, 'I wouldn't be surprised if she secretly moonlights as a ninja assassin' terrifying."
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The next thirty minutes are a blur of pain and humiliation. No matter what I do, she's faster, stronger, and somehow always one step ahead.
"You're predictable," she says after disarming me for the fifth time.
"Or maybe you're just a cheat code in human form," I grumble, picking myself up off the floor.
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Blobby flutters over, trying to cheer me up.
"It's okay, Boss! You're improving! You lasted a whole ten seconds that time!"
"Thanks, Blobby," I mutter. "That's super encouraging."
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Finally, Kira lowers her staff and crosses her arms.
"We'll take a break," she says. "But don't get too comfortable. The real training starts after this."
I groan, collapsing onto the floor. "You mean this wasn't the real training?!"
She smirks. "Not even close."
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As I catch my breath, I notice her watching me with a strange expression—part curiosity, part something else I can't quite place.
"What?" I ask, feeling self-conscious.
"You're not what I expected," she says quietly.
"Is that a compliment?"
"Don't push your luck," she replies, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Progress! She's gone from glaring death stares to mildly tolerating my existence. At this rate, we might even be friends by the time I'm old and gray."
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After the break, Kira hands me a glowing crystal.
"What's this?" I ask, holding it up to the light.
"A mana amplifier," she explains. "It'll help you access the latent power inside you."
"Right, because giving me more power is such a great idea," I say, rolling my eyes.
She glares at me. "Just focus. Hold it in your hand and try to channel your energy into it."
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I close my eyes and concentrate, feeling a faint warmth in my chest. Slowly, the crystal begins to glow brighter.
"Good," Kira says. "Now keep it steady."
Of course, that's easier said than done. Within seconds, the light flickers and the crystal explodes in my hand, sending tiny shards flying everywhere.
"Oops," I say sheepishly.
Kira sighs. "You really are hopeless."
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Blobby, ever the cheerleader, pipes up.
"Don't worry, Boss! You'll get the hang of it eventually! Probably!"
"Not helping, Blobby," I mutter.
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The rest of the session is a mix of small victories and even smaller failures. By the time we finish, I'm exhausted, bruised, and questioning all of my life choices.
Kira, on the other hand, looks as fresh as ever.
"You did better than I expected," she admits as we pack up.
"Gee, thanks," I say, rubbing my sore arms. "Can't wait to do this all over again."
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As we leave the warehouse, I notice Kira glancing at the horizon, her expression unusually serious.
"What's on your mind?" I ask.
"Nothing," she says quickly. "Just…stay alert. Things are going to get more dangerous from here on out."
"Comforting," I mutter.
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Narration Mode Activated
"Another day, another cryptic warning. At this rate, I'll be a pro at deciphering vague threats before I even learn how to use my powers."
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Meanwhile, back at the shadow council's lair, the leader is studying a map glowing with magical energy.
"His power is growing," one member says.
"Not fast enough," another replies. "He's still vulnerable."
The leader's eyes gleam with malice. "Then we strike soon. Let's see how well he handles a real threat."
The camera pans to a dark figure in the corner, their eyes glowing red.
"Leave it to me," the figure says, their voice low and menacing.
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End of Chapter 22