Rosanna's P. O. V:
Lightly pulling my face away, I came to a realization of just how close we were. And it's getting way too abnormal how I'm affected by this. Yes, I'm a singleton who has only knowledge and no action but no, I'm not one to be easily fazed.
Must be the looks.
His hands wrapped steadily around my waist, my body leaning on him- pressing my chest on his.
My breasts were average C cups and they weren't too big. I could probably hug you in a distant way and you'd only feel two bumps but with the way I pressed myself on Kairos, I'm more than sure he felt it. And goodness, I was more aroused than embarrassed.
Our battle suits were thin and body hugging. His body feels so good...
Well, daym. Lookie here, Jael. Aren't you snuggling up to someone's bae and the very protagonist?
Noticing the presence of others, I bowed my head in shame and calmly backed away. The effect of the teleportation fading like it didn't exist. Luckily, the box I was holding didn't fall. Even if it did, I doubt the vials would break. The material used wouldn't allow that.
Kairos let his hands fall loose from around my body. And I felt engulfed with his scent... Was it a special type of cologne? It had the fragrance of wood and vanilla. The mixture wasn't a confusing or disgusting mix.
It was more like each scent had its own pace and they moved steadily and individually in a refreshing- what the f*ck am I thinking? Scents, really?
But I badly wanted to sniff him...
I could still feel the heat in those areas where he touched and the fact that a zoo recently opened in my stomach threw me off. It was, oddly pleasurable.
Well, he is that fine. I wouldn't be a singleton and sucker for beauty if I wasn't affected.
I stepped away and breathed a sigh when I noticed I wasn't the only one who felt dizzy and unstable.
Not the only disgraced fellow to be exact.
The ones who were coming and who came after were barely on their feet. And holding each other didn't do much...
I guess Kairos was that strong for being totally stable. Obviously.
A minute or so and everyone was here, stabilizing their body to stand firm. Some okay, the rest a bit shakey. I was stable by now.
The main characters had more grace and strength than us, country bumpkins. Naiyah gave me a weird look. Instincts though. Her face remained the same but womanly instinct told me otherwise. Or just the nerves...
Did she see that? No. She wasn't here. But that doesn't mean I didn't have bodily contact with Kairos- just like the way other students who were leaning on each other.
"We're miles away from central Astral- more specifically, north of Astral. In the town of Evergreen. This will be our primary training ground and the floors where you pour out your sweat, blood and will. Evergreen is home to the founder of Body Cultivation. And we raise a significant section of Naza's geniuses. On the third day of next month, you all will have an oath ceremony as Nazians- bound to serve your country for good."
"But before that," Kairos paused. "Each and every individual here must be a qualified Body Cultivator. Regardless whether you're a mage, warrior, assassin or priest. Your potential and talents have placed you in a suited position for Body Cultivation- regardless of being a spiritual cultivator. Understood?"
A 'yes sir' echoed from the 20+ students.
Cultivators didn't usually have a clear line of division when it comes to body or spiritual Cultivators. But certain at times, people's talents leaned more to physical strength than derived strength of the four elements. And they were more talented for hand to hand battle.
However, controlling the five elements required physical practice. So the division couldn't properly be black and white. We all used Mana after all.
So therefore, we all must be good at physical combat. Even if some of us excelled in hand to hand combat than those who used the elements. All Cultivators have their strengths.
"Good." Kairos said in response to our reply. "Align yourselves in a straight line. Training begins now."
.
I laid on the green grass and stared at the night sky.
Was I a scum in my past life?
My entire body is sore. I fear I wouldn't be able to attend classes tomorrow. I need at least weeks off.
Although we used the strength vials rationed to us by Kairos, our bodies were all stressed up. When we reach our peak, he'd allow us to take a little potion and then we'd be back up brimming with energy. Sadly, on repeat. It was horrible. But it kept us pushing even with the mental exhaustion.
Climbing a mountain partially, up and down. Running miles, jumping things and push ups, count them all. Plus dodging the black balls being thrown at you. Definitely isn't the nicest experience. Or in the category of nice.
The last time a girl and some boy tried to talk Kairos out of the sadistic training, let's say it didn't go well. A 'lil bit' of trashing for the boy and multiplying the girl's training instilled obedience in us all. And worked wonders to the slacker squad- me included.
Guy had no mercy.
And Kairos warned us that disobeying his orders would really mean death. Though not now, they'd just be half dead. However, later during important missions, one shouldn't try.
In all the physical training, my overall performance was second to last. A petite human girl coming in last with me before her.
Excluding the two courageous boy and girl who fainted towards the end. They were fairies- I assume, with the pointed ears, charm bracelets and colorful markings on their feet and forehead. Fairies are more petite than humans.
We were the only humans in class. Aside from Karissa- but the girl's case is different. Her brothers were battle maniacs and maniacs in general. So she learned a thing or two from them.
But us? Me? No.
"Rosa, will we survive?" Sharon, the pink haired human asked.
I turned my face to stare at the cute girl. In a solemn voice, I responded. "The future is unpredictable, my child. We must always fight to survive."
Her face scrunched up as she let out a pained moan. Bones cracking as she stretched on the floor.
"I... I want black roses. Play amazing grace and... A pink casket is preferable."
I gasped in fake horror. "S-sharon, no! How could you-"
Sharon placed her yucky dirty finger on my lips and shook her head.
"Let it be, Rosa."
So, during the course of our training, two losers bonded. From witty remarks, a whole lot of grumbling to one common enemy- Kairos' stare and orders.
Clapping his hands twice, wicked Goldie said.
"Everyone, up! Your rest period is over. Take a quarter of the healing vial and return to your dormitories."
A unified groan came from most people's lips. Each of us, feeling intense muscle strains and the ache of intense exercise.
The feeling was painful yet addictive but recalling the process was life threatening.
We all stood up with hunched backs, walking like zombies and looking like sewer rats. Someone carried the unfortunate girl and boy towards the opened portal.
The teleportation portal would only be open for five minutes and we all struggled to make it through.
Sharon was crawling and I yanked the poor girl up, making me stagger on my feet.
"F*ck." I muttered.
We made it faster than a snail. Being the last few persons to leave.
Kairos watched our disheveled looks with nonchalance.
And I wanted him to feel a bit of my wrath- in physical manifestation.
Noticing my pained expression and evil side eye, he gave a look of false sympathy. Shaking his head and mocking me deliberately.
"Move faster, please."
We increased our pace with obvious pain. And I cussed Kairos with my colorful vocabulary.
We passed through eventually, and man, I wasn't the least bit ready for that sh!t again.
Sharon and I directly collapsed on the floor. Kairos stepping over our bodies like we were cow dung on the road.
Ya Baka!!!
.
Arriving at my dormitory wasn't a task. After drinking the healing vail, I was magically rejuvenated. With my body feeling more healthy than ever.
Sharon and I agreed to meet later at the Cafeteria.
I took a bath and changed into a causal green t-shirt and same milky shorts.
Then I went out for dinner. It was around 7:30-8pm when I arrived at the Cafeteria. Too mentally stressed to think about who's Drake and who's Naiyah.
I came to Aniysa's side with my porridge, salad and fruit drink. Along with a few sweets and chocolate bars. I don't know if it's healthy but I know I want to eat it.
It was free and I wasn't gonna pass it. No way.
"Wassup, Patty-o!" Aniysa punched my shoulders as I sat beside her.
"How was class?" She asked. "I heard Admiral Kairos isn't the nicest instructor."
I grimaced. "Nice is an understatement."
I began to dig in when I heard Aniysa and Drake snickering from the sides.
I raised a brow and asked. "What's funny?"
Aniysa burst into laughter as she stared at the phone in Drake's hands then up to me.
That's definitely suspicious.
Drake smirked before showing me the image.
An image of me sprawled on the floor in a stupid position. And that was... During training.
I snatched the phone out of his hands- oh wait, it was my imagination.
I tried to snatch the phone out of his hands but he pulled away and gripped my hand with his other one in a strong grip.
"Delete that." I deadpanned. A facade for my embarrassment.
"And if I don't?" He smirked.
"I'll tell Victoria you have a crush on her." I blurted out.
No, Jael. No. WHY? You were never a blabbermouth-
Drake's eyes widened and he gripped my hand tighter, leaving me bending across the table.
"How did you know?" He asked, his entire aura reminding me of a line in a song; 'Stone Cold' or was it 'Cold Stone?'. Huh.
I smirked in response. "Well, Drakey-boo, you didn't refute."
I yanked my hand off and went back to eating in silence, pretending nothing happened.
I hummed a disney song just as Aniysa squealed.
"OMG OMG OMG!" Truthfully, that was more of a banshee's scream with a hoarse throat.
"So playboy fell?" Naiyah questioned with a raised brow and an amused expression. The most I've seen her face show.
Maybe I went overboard... People keep secrets for a reason and it's rude to have strangers telling it in such ways.
Yup, definitely overboard.
I could feel Drake's scary look and I knew I was being threatened.
Seriously.
So much for today.