Three days had passed since Ahiro's arrival at the testing facility, yet he remained unable to manifest his awakened ability. Dr. Stevans, the lead researcher who had initially evaluated him, had all but given up hope, and it seemed like Ahiro was destined for a low-rank designation.
The doctor's assistant told Ahiro that the longer it takes for manifestation to occur, the lower the rank a person would get. Ahiro felt disappointed in himself after hearing this.
Nonetheless, Ahiro hadn't given up hope just yet. There was a persistent feeling deep within him, a stubborn belief that if he tried a little harder, and focused a little more, he could achieve what he needed to. He was ready to accept a low-rank designation, but he needed to at least prove the best he could do.
As the days passed, Ahiro was moved to a smaller and less impressive room within the facility. The new environment was stark and utilitarian, with plain white walls and minimal furnishings.
Despite this, Ahiro spent hours each day attempting to manifest his ability. He practiced meditation, focused on his emotions, and tried to channel his feelings of protection into something tangible. The process was frustrating and mentally draining, but he refused to give in to despair.
On day 4, As he stepped inside the room as per his usual schedule, his eyes widened in surprise. There, standing by the door, was Miss Rami, her ever-present smile lighting up her face. Ahiro's exhaustion and frustration momentarily faded as he greeted her.
"Miss Rami, what are you doing here?" Ahiro's surprise was evident in his voice.
She chuckled softly, her gaze filled with warmth. "Oh, just checking on my star pupil, of course! How are you feeling today, Ahiro?"
Ahiro sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I'm not going to lie, Miss Rami. I'm feeling pretty low. I've been trying so hard, but I still can't manifest my ability."
Miss Rami's smile remained, but her eyes held a thoughtful glint. She stepped closer to Ahiro, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Well, Ahiro, how would you feel about trying something a little different today?"
Ahiro's interest was piqued. "Different? What do you mean?"
Miss Rami leaned in closer as if sharing a secret. "I have an idea, Ahiro. It's a bit risky, and there are no guarantees, but it might just help you succeed. Or it might not. Are you willing to take that chance?"
Ahiro hesitated for a moment, weighing the uncertainty of Miss Rami's proposal against his burning desire to manifest his ability. Finally, he nodded resolutely. "I'll try anything, Miss Rami. I can't give up now."
Miss Rami's smile widened, and she gave Ahiro an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, Ahiro! Let's get started, then. I have a feeling this might just be the breakthrough you've been waiting for."
Meanwhile, the young doctor who had been assisting Ahiro in his previous sessions was visibly taken aback by Miss Rami's presence. He knew exactly who she was and the significance of her being here. The surprise was evident in his voice as he inquired, "Miss Rami, what are you doing here?"
Miss Rami simply offered a cryptic reply, her tone confident. "I want to try something different today. Just sit back and watch, dear."
The young doctor, though puzzled by Miss Rami's intentions, nodded in acquiescence. He couldn't help but feel that something significant was about to happen. Subtly, he reached into his pocket, sending a discreet message to his senior, Doctor Stevens, informing him of Miss Rami's unexpected presence.
As Doctor Stevans received the message, he furrowed his brow in curiosity, wondering what could have prompted Miss Rami to intervene in Ahiro's training.
A sense of anticipation filled the room as Ahiro was uncertain about what was going to happen next.
Ahiro couldn't help but voice his confusion. "Miss Rami, what am I supposed to do?"
Miss Rami flashed a reassuring smile but her tone held a hint of mischief. "You see, Ahiro, all those seniors and scientists in their fancy lab coats, they don't know the true meaning of awakening."
Ahiro was about to inquire further, his curiosity piqued, when suddenly, without warning, a fist came hurtling towards him.
Miss Rami had initiated a swift attack. Ahiro's instincts kicked in, and he instinctively moved to evade the unexpected attack. His movements were quick, but it seemed that his actions only fueled Miss Rami's determination.
Dodging one blow only meant that another was swiftly following, making it difficult for Ahiro to defend himself effectively.
Amidst the flurry of punches and kicks, Miss Rami couldn't resist the opportunity to add some banter. "Is this the best you can do, Ahiro? Are you always this powerless? Maybe you'll never awaken your ability."
Ahiro continued to dodge and parry Miss Rami's relentless attacks, his body reacting on pure instinct. The strikes kept coming, faster and with more precision than he had expected. It was as if Miss Rami had an uncanny ability to predict his movements.
Despite the intensity of the fight, Ahiro remained remarkably composed. He knew that Miss Rami had a reason for this unconventional training, and he was determined to discover it. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Miss Rami continued her relentless assault on Ahiro, each punch and kick accompanied by a barrage of cutting words.
"You really think you can protect anyone, Ahiro?" she taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You can't even protect yourself."
Ahiro gritted his teeth, determined not to let her words break his resolve. He knew there was truth in what she was saying, but he couldn't allow himself to be defined by his past failures.
Miss Rami's strikes came faster now, each one a reminder of his perceived powerlessness. "Your family must be so proud," she sneered. "You couldn't protect them when they needed you the most."
Ahiro's muscles ached, and his body was covered in sweat, but he refused to give in to despair. He had to prove to himself and to Miss Rami that he could overcome his limitations.
"You're nothing, Ahiro," she continued, her attacks relentless. "Just a weak, helpless boy who couldn't even save a little girl from being taken away."
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, but Ahiro used them as fuel for his determination. He couldn't change the past, but he could shape his future. With every punch he dodged and every counter he executed, he grew stronger, both physically and mentally.
Miss Rami's relentless assault pushed Ahiro to the brink, but he refused to let it break him. He had to find the strength within himself to prove her wrong, to prove that he could protect those he cared about.