READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 27: Chapter ²⁷ Team Bonding and the Perils of Overconfidence
Chapter 27: Team Bonding and the Perils of Overconfidence
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"So, let me get this straight: I'm apparently the reincarnation of a dragon god, shadowy figures are trying to either kill me or awaken me, and now I have a ragtag team that includes a stoic swordswoman, a stressed-out best friend, and a blob with questionable intelligence. Yup, everything's going great."
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The next day at school, Reina pulls me aside during lunch.
"We need to talk," she says, her tone unusually serious.
"Uh-oh," I reply, already bracing for a lecture.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asks, crossing her arms.
"Tell you what?" I ask, genuinely confused.
"About all this dragon and shadow council nonsense!" she snaps.
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"Oh, right. Reina found out I'm being hunted by supernatural assassins. And she's mad because I didn't invite her to the party. Classic."
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"I didn't want to drag you into it," I say, scratching the back of my head.
Reina glares at me. "Newsflash, Akira: I'm already involved. If you think I'm just going to sit back and watch you get yourself killed, you're dumber than I thought."
"That's fair," I admit.
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Before Reina can continue her tirade, Kira appears out of nowhere, as usual.
"You're wasting time," she says bluntly. "We need to focus on training."
"Training?" Reina echoes, raising an eyebrow.
Kira nods. "If Akira's power awakens, he'll need to control it. And you'll need to learn how to protect yourself."
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Reina looks at me, then at Kira.
"Fine," she says, determination in her eyes. "But don't expect me to go easy on you."
"Wouldn't dream of it," I mutter.
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"Fun fact: nothing is more terrifying than your best friend and your stalker teaming up to make your life miserable. Pray for me."
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That afternoon, Kira drags us to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town.
"This will be our training ground," she announces.
"Are we sure this place is safe?" Reina asks, eyeing the crumbling walls.
"No," I say. "But when has that ever stopped us?"
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Kira starts by teaching Reina basic combat techniques.
To my surprise, Reina picks it up quickly, her natural athleticism shining through.
"You're a fast learner," Kira admits grudgingly.
"Thanks," Reina replies, throwing me a smug look.
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Meanwhile, I'm stuck sparring with Blobby.
"Come on, Boss!" it chirps, bouncing around me. "Show me your moves!"
"I don't have any moves," I grumble, swiping at it half-heartedly.
Blobby effortlessly dodges.
"Pathetic," it says, sounding way too smug for a blob.
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After an hour of this, I collapse onto the floor, thoroughly exhausted.
"This is pointless," I groan. "I'm not cut out for this hero stuff."
Kira looms over me, her expression unreadable.
"Stop whining," she says. "You have potential. You just need to stop being lazy."
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"I'd argue, but she's not wrong. Curse my chronic lack of motivation."
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As the sun sets, we call it a day and head home.
Reina walks with me, her earlier anger replaced by concern.
"Akira," she says hesitantly. "Do you really think you can handle this?"
"I don't know," I admit. "But I don't have much of a choice, do I?"
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Before she can respond, Blobby pops out of my bag, chirping cheerfully.
"Don't worry, Reina! I'll make sure Boss doesn't screw up too badly!"
"Comforting," she says dryly.
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Meanwhile…
In a hidden chamber, the shadow council convenes.
"The dragon remains dormant," one member says.
"For now," another replies. "But his training has begun. We must act before he grows stronger."
The leader steps forward, their face obscured by shadows.
"Send the enforcer," they command.
The room falls silent.
"You're sure?" someone asks, their voice trembling.
The leader nods. "It's time to remind the dragon of his place."
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End of Chapter 27