Chereads / Bender / Chapter 5 - Cliffside Talks

Chapter 5 - Cliffside Talks

Narrated by John

We hiked our way out of the campus, and kept hiking across the plains. Soon, we reached a cliff, with a long ledge, and the Green Sea stretched beyond.

"We're training here?" I asked.

Mr. Benji said,"Yeah! Isn't it a great view?"

Alex closed his eyes,"Its pretty relaxing. Not bad at all!"

Mr. Benji smiled,"I know. Now, let's get to business. Since today's your first day, we won't be doing be doing any training. Instead, we'll get to know each other! But before that, we'll talk about our training schedule. Now, I've received your ability stats, and according to that, I've made a suitable time table that all would follow. On every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, your weaker abilities will be focused on. Your strengths will be improved every Tuesday and Thursday. On Saturdays, we'll have sparring matches, and Sundays are for relaxing. Training goes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday. Any questions?"

I answered,"Nope."

Mr. Benji said,"Good. Also, I've noticed a funny thing. John and Anne have got the same strengths and weaknesses, but John has better energy control than Anne. Actually, he's got the best energy control among you lot." This led to some snickering from Alex and Gordon, and I was slightly embarrassed. Anne's face turned a deep shade of red.

Mr. Benji continued,"The same goes for Alex and Gordon. They have the same strengths and weaknesses, but Alex is a bit more better in his strengths."

Awkward silence from both of them.

Mr. Benji said,"That makes my work easier, since the same exercises can be done for all of you. Now, let's get to know each other. I'll start. My name's Oliver Benji, and I'm a millionaire. I'm also a former elite in the Bender army, and have tons of experience, which I'll be sharing with you!"

Anne asked,"Former? Why did you leave the Bender forces?"

A bit of sadness flashed in Mr. Benji's eyes, but he replied,"I was bored. I decided to become a teacher, so that I could make people better than myself! So that's my intro. Gordon, would you like to introduce yourself?"

Gordon laughed,"Oh, please. This is lame!"

"Is it?"

"Hell yeah!"

"Suit yourself. Alex?"

Alex smiled,"Sure! I'm Alex Bridges, and I'm strong and handsome!"

Gordon cleared his throat,"Thank you for that, Alex. John?"

"Yeah, uh, I'm John Will, son of General Andrew Will, and, I don't usually hang out much, so I don't really know how to introduce myself."

Mr. Benji raised an eyebrow,"You Andrew's kid?"

"Uh, yeah. Do you know him, Mr. Benji?"

"Of course I do! We were in the same regiment! How's he doing?"

"He's well and good, sir."

"I'm glad to hear that. Might drop a visit someday. That okay with you?"

"Sure sir!"

"Great. Anne, intro?"

Anne sputtered out,"Y-yes, sir. I'm Anne Clautmare, daughter of Vangyo Clautmare. I like keeping to myself. And I'm not good at intros."

Mr. Benji was shocked. Everyone except me was. I asked Alex,"Why so shocked?"

"You don't know who her dad is?"

"Nope."

"He's the Vice President of Stronghold City!"

"WHAT?!"

"Yeah."

I looked at Gordon, who was shivering. From fear. Perhaps he'll keep his distance from Anne.

"You're.... His daughter?" Mr. Benji asked, very surprised.

"Y-y-yes." Anne answered, probably regretting saying that.

"Wow, I'm so fortunate to train such great people. But please keep in mind that I will not be biased towards any of you, and the training will be the same for everyone."

"Exactly what I want," I said.

Mr. Benji smiled,"Great. Also, John, you've got a good grade in your energy control. It looks like you've learnt some basic controlling of the energy inside of you. Could you show me?"

"Sure."

I closed my eyes, and focused on the energy I could feel surging inside me. I willed it out, and my body was covered in a faint red aura as my eyes opened.

Mr. Benji said,"This is great. Alright, try this. Focus all your energy at a point. Let's take the palm of your right hand. Focus on the centre of your palm, and try to gather your energy there."

I closed my eyes, and focused on the centre of my palm. I felt a warmth there, and as my eyes opened once again, my palm was glowing red!

"That's good. Now, try to bring that energy out."

I changed my focus from the centre of my palm, to just above it.

"Whoa!" Alex exclaimed.

A red flame blazed just above my palm. It felt warm.

"Why's it red though?" Alex asked.

"The colour of the energy is not decided by anyone. It can be any colour for any person."

Mr. Benji extended his palm, and a white flame started burning on it.

"Mine's white."

"So fast!" Alex said.

"Of course! You guys are just starting, that's why it takes time! Don't worry though, I'll get you to this stage soon!"

Alex turned to me,"Hey, could you show us your special move?"

I whispered,"Not now!"

Mr. Benji interrupted,"You developed a move too? That's great! I would like to see it, but you can always say no."

"It's fine sir. I don't have any problem."

Mr. Benji pointed to a tree,"Test your move on that tree."

I focused all my energy out, and my body was covered in a faint red aura again. I spread my arms as my body gathered energy, and then crossed them, and clenched my fists. I willed all my energy to both of my fists, and opened my eyes. My hands glowed a bright red, and it was ready. I turned to the tree, and straightened my arms, which pulled the trigger.

A red colored twin beam surged from my fists, as it shot towards the tree in great speed. I brought my fists close, and the beams merged into a single large one, which obliterated the tree, burning it down completely. As the beam weakened and faded, I slumped down to the ground from exhaustion.

Alex gasped,"THAT'S SO COOL!"

Mr. Benji said,"I have to admit, pretty impressive for a beginner! Since you're still new to energy control, this move will drain you a lot. As you get better, you can effortlessly fire multiple beams in a row. By the way, have you named it?"

I panted,"Yeah," pant,"I call it, The Enforcer, as I basically enforce all my energy onto the target."

"Lame name," Gordon snickered,"just like you are."

Mr. Benji said,"Not a bad choice of name," he looked at his watch,"Well, i think it's time we dismiss the class. Enjoy today, your training starts tomorrow, and it won't be easy. Let's go back to the campus."