The following days became hectic on the training grounds. Because of the example of the training combat, we showed that day, there were changes in the training methods. An arena was built within the training facility for sparring sessions.
The 'one on one' method Commander Kyle created was still implemented. As for me, because I injured my head and broke a rib, I was instructed to stay away from training until I recovered. The organization had also secured its own medical facility, which, of course, was supported and funded by the government and some private sectors.
I was the first person to be confined in the newly built facility. I looked at my reflection on the glass door. My head and palm were bandaged. I stood and peeked outside the windows. From my position, I could see awakeners outside the training facility meditating in the adjacent garden.
The country's focus is gradually changing. As the number of casualties increases with the continuous attacks of stray monsters in other places, they prioritize the awakeners' improvement and growth.
They provide everything we need, including weapons from the arsenal, so we can familiarize ourselves with using weapons. We can't fight barehanded, but it takes time to learn and master even a single gun.
I went back to bed and decided to check the system profile.
[Health: 83%]
[Skill: 59%]
[Blood Manipulation Lvl. 1
> Current User's Limit – 5 minutes ]
I knew it. The more I use my skill, the more it will increase and the time limit. I need to practice that skill if I want to be able to use it for an hour or longer. I need to recover quickly.
A knock on the door caught my attention. The door opened, and Serin's head peeked inside.
"Oh, you're awake."
I learned that I had been asleep for three days straight. When I woke up, the doctor seemed surprised, as if he'd seen a miracle. My head injury was probably severe, and he couldn't wrap his head around it when I woke up after only three days, as if nothing happened.
Serin came in. She carried a basket of fruits and placed it on the side table. Then, she took an orange and started peeling it after casually sitting on the chair beside my bed.
"How are you feeling?"
I held out my hand to her. She looked at me, confused. I pointed at the orange with my lips. Isn't she peeling it to give to me? With a frown, she gave me the fruit and took one to peel again.
Another knock on the door and Ryder came in next.
My face brightened. I immediately asked him what was bothering me the most, "What happened to the commander after I fainted?"
Ryder stiffened. He cleared his throat and answered hesitantly, "Actually, I just came from another room."
My brows furrowed as I looked at him quizzically. Ryder continued, "Commander Kyle is admitted next to you. He obtained cuts all over his body because of that ability you use. He had difficulty freeing himself, and the threads slowly cut his skin the more he struggled."
My mouth hung open after hearing that. I wasn't aware my blood could be sharp.
Ryder scratched his chin and smiled awkwardly, "I didn't know you had a power like that. Don't worry, the commander was fine. He stayed because the R&D insisted on an examination. They found out that awakeners have faster regenerative ability than normal humans."
I'm already aware of that, seeing I woke up only three days after sustaining a bloody head injury. We chatted for a bit. I found from Serin that the vice mayor uses pyrokinesis – a psychic ability that allows a person to control and create fire using their mind.
The vice mayor was in charge of supervising the psychics. According to Serin, they, too, engaged in spars and trained in hand-on-hand combat.
I stayed at the hospital for another three days. After that, I insisted on getting back on training. As I walked in, I thought some bird had pooped in my head or I had shit on my face because the way their heads turned to me simultaneously was epic and funny.
However, they only looked, and no one dared approach me—except this guy. He looked younger than me, or maybe we're the same age?
"Hello."
Our new training uniform has a name tag on the chest. I only need to read to know their names.
I answered back, "Hello."
"I'm Ethan Fray. It's nice to meet you, sir Atlas."
Ethan Fray looked familiar. With his white hair, which I bet was dyed, and his red eyes, I was reminded of that kid, Alexis. They looked similar. I accepted his stretched-out hand and shook it, returning the same pleasantries to him.
His hand was cold.
"I was really amazed when I saw your fight before. I suddenly had an urge to try using my ability as well. Sadly, though, no one wants to spar with me. So, I was looking forward to your recovery."
Ah. This guy wanted to try me. I have my training partner, which I noticed hasn't arrived yet.
Another awakener approached us and grabbed Ethan's shoulders. He looked at me apologetically before pinching Ethan, "Hey. Aren't you shameless for challenging him when he just returned from the hospital?"
Ethan pushed the guy away, "I didn't mean to spar immediately. I just wanted to make an acquaintance, sir Atlas."
By the way, why do they keep calling me 'sir'? Have I gained respect after that fight? It felt good to be admired, haha.
The guy grinned at me. His face shouted, 'Me too!' as he extended his hand for a handshake and said, "Felix Arnolds, sir. Nice to meet you!"
I took his hand but pulled it back in a second as soon as I felt my skin pricked with electricity. Felix's eyes widened, and he retracted his hand in astonishment, "I'm sorry! I had yet no control with my power so…!"
I waved my hand, dismissing his worry with a kind smile, "That's okay. I didn't get hurt at all, anyway."
He had no problem grabbing Ethna by the shoulder, but he did with me…? I'm too experienced with life to know he deliberately did that on purpose. Ethan's hand is cold, and judging from his deathly pale skin, I'd guessed it's something like a…vampiric power, maybe?
I wonder what they want. They looked friendly and polite. Will they flip as well if I ruffle their heads? I still need eleven characters.
"Atlas Sterne."
I turned to the strict voice that called my name.
The two show-offs shouted, "Commander!"
I scrunched my face. What does he want? Ryder said he sustained cuts, so I studied his body. Hmm, he might be a good model. Some thin linear scars were still visible on the back of his hand. I pointed at them and asked, "Are they because of me?"
"Who else?"
"My bad."
Kyle shrugged, "Don't be. You fought well and taught me some things. Anyway, there's a change in your schedule. You won't be training with me anymore; you'll train the awakeners with me."
Did I hear him right? From a student, did I get promoted to a teacher?
"The higher-ups were amazed by your skill and control of your power. They put you in charge of training those elemental-based abilities."
I asked him curiously, "Isn't the one in charge, Vice Mayor Aina?"
Kye sighed, "Even the Vice Mayor has difficulty using her power. At most, she can only light a cigarette."
The two behind me stifled their laughter while I tried to keep a poker face. Once Kyle left, I broke into laughter.