Seraphina's voice echoed through the campus as she continued to coach Enzo. Her expertise in combat and her dedication to his training were evident. Enzo had been diligently practicing with her, honing his skills and developing a deeper understanding of his abilities.
However, there was one big problem. Seraphina was way too demanding in her training. Even though Enzo was doing his best while surviving deadly monsters, she was still correcting his posture.
And if she noticed him slacking during the fight, she always punished him to knock some senses back into his mind.
And god knew how sharp her eyes were.
Even a tiny mistake was considered slacking, thus he was hit really, really often.
"Argh teacher please," Enzo whined as Seraphina hurt him again. "It's impossible for me to learn so many things in just a few days."
"Shut up and correct your posture, Enzo!"
"But-..."
"There's no but!" Seraphina's voice was sharp. "Do you think you will survive a fight against an opponent that gives their all if you slack off during your training?"
"But I'm not!" Enzo answered again, only to feel Seraphina's slap on his head.
"You are."
The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds. Enzo was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching from hours of relentless practice. Despite his complaints, he couldn't deny the effectiveness of Seraphina's training. His skills had improved considerably since they had started, and he was growing more attuned to his connection with the butterflies.
Seraphina paced around him, her eyes unwavering as she observed his every move. She was relentless in her pursuit of perfection, demanding nothing but the best from her pupil.
"Again," she ordered, her tone unyielding.
Enzo sighed but complied. He had come to respect Seraphina's expertise and knew that her strict training was essential if he was to become a formidable guardian.
Although her training was nothing short of a living hell, he couldn't deny its efficacity.
Nonetheless, Enzo's frustration and exhaustion were reaching their limits. He had been training non-stop under Seraphina's relentless guidance, and he was feeling the strain both physically and mentally. He had always been determined, but her strictness was pushing him to his limits.
As he continued his 'training' against the never-ending monsters, his muscles ached, and his movements grew slower. His frustration was evident as he struggled to land a blow on a snake-like monster that he had been fighting for at least ten minutes.
Since he could fly, he had a clear advantage over his opponent, but even his wings ached because of how much he strained them.
"You're losing focus, Enzo!" Seraphina's voice cut through the air, her expression unyielding.
Enzo gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm doing my best here! Can't you cut me some slack?"
"No slack will be given in a real battle, Enzo!" Seraphina's tone remained firm. "You need to learn that now when the consequences are not as dire. Your determination is admirable, but determination alone won't be enough to save you."
Enzo's breath heaved as he took a moment to catch it. Dodging the sphere of poison coming from the monster, Enzo finally managed to cut through its body, killing it in an instant.
Finally landing on the ground, Enzo looked at his damaged sword. It was a good one, but he wasn't as lucky as to get a new artifact, thus his sword started to fall back behind the growing monsters.
In the end, his gaze met Seraphina's, a mixture of anger and exhaustion in his eyes. "I get it. I know it's important, but can't you be a bit... less intense?"
Seraphina's stern expression seemed to soften just a fraction. She studied him for a moment before finally nodding. "Very well, we'll take a short break. But remember Enzo, your enemies won't wait for you to catch your breath."
Hearing such sweet words, Enzo finally sank to the ground, his chest heaving as he tried to calm his racing heart. He wiped the sweat from his brow and glanced at Seraphina. "You know, I always thought that sports teachers were the worst, but I think that I find someone worse than them. At least they didn't hit me."
Seraphina's lips curved into the hint of a smile. "Consider my 'hits' a unique form of motivation."
Enzo managed a tired chuckle, realizing that her intentions, however intense, were rooted in wanting him to improve. As he took a moment to rest, he reflected on his journey so far. The road ahead was undoubtedly challenging, but with Seraphina's strict guidance, he was determined to become the warrior he needed to be, even if it meant enduring her unconventional methods.
Although the future was dark, as he grew stronger, he would undoubtedly be able to protect his family, which was the most important thing for him right now.
In the end, the break was short-lived, and Seraphina soon had him back on his feet, continuing the grueling training regimen. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the campus' grounds in a warm, orange glow, Enzo's determination burned brighter. He was pushed to his limits and beyond, but he could feel himself growing stronger with every blow he struck and every challenge he faced.
As the days turned into a week, Enzo noticed a change within himself. The frustration and exhaustion that had initially plagued him began to transform into a fierce determination. He no longer dreaded the punishing training sessions; instead, he embraced them as opportunities to grow stronger.
And in the end, Enzo finally reached the exit of the campus.
Or so he thought.
After all, he had to face one last struggle before finally being able to get out of this cursed campus.
And this struggle wasn't as easy as he would have hoped. Indeed far ahead on a great tree, a giant red lizard was waiting for him.
Right now it was sleeping peacefully while keeping anyone from going out of the campus, but soon enough, things will change for the better