Zeru's Academy was a renowned institution within the Atlatlan Kingdom, dedicated to training the next generation of Evolved Ones. The academy offered three primary paths: the Healer Class, the Mage Class, and the Warrior Class.
The Healer Class focused on life energies, restoration, and medical knowledge. Students learned to heal wounds, mend broken bones, and soothe troubled minds.
The Mage Class delved into a wide range of magical disciplines, including elemental manipulation, barrier creation, spellcasting, and enchantment.
The Warrior Class honed the physical and combat skills of its students. Mastery of various weapons, fighting styles, and strategic thinking were emphasized.
Aiden, still new to the rigorous training regimen of the Warrior Class, found himself struggling to keep up with his more experienced classmates. His body ached with every exertion, and his mind was filled with doubt. Yet, he persisted, determined to prove his worth.
A collective gasp swept through the training grounds as thirty wooden dummies erupted from the ground.
Everyone was ready to face the wooden dummies, but Isaac gestured for them to hold on.
Isaac raised his hand, signaling for silence. "Now, let me explain what you young warriors are expected to do," he began, his voice carrying over the excited chatter. "For those who've chosen strength, you are expected to destroy a wooden dummy. These are reinforced with mana, similar to the one you encountered before
"Now, for those that choose speed, you are expected to dodge all the attacks of the wooden dummy without getting hit. This will test your reflexes, agility, and your ability to anticipate your opponent's moves," Isaac explained. "Remember, speed without control is useless."
You must run around this training ground just like last time," Isaac continued, his voice firm. "Similar to those who picked strength, you must do the core rise and earth-push after dodging all the wooden dummies."
A murmur of discontent rippled through the speed group, but no one dared to question their instructor.
"I believe that is understood. Now begin!
With a sharp clap, Isaac signaled the start of the training. The wooden dummies sprang to life, their wooden limbs moving with surprising speed and agility.
Rhea danced around the wooden dummy, effortlessly evading its blows. Surprisingly, Peter mirrored her agility, his movements surprisingly fluid for someone new to the training hall. Pelia, however, struggled to keep up, her breath coming in short gasps as she narrowly dodged the wooden dummy's relentless strikes.
Aiden's breath came in ragged gasps as he desperately tried to anticipate the wooden dummy's next move. The relentless onslaught of blows forced him to react instinctively, his mind racing to find a rhythm in the chaotic dance of wood and flesh. Each successful dodge was a small victory, but the growing number of tiny cuts on his arms and face served as a stark reminder of his disadvantage.
Lyra tried to avoid the wooden dummy's endless swings. Sweat dripped into her eyes, blurring her vision, but she wiped it away with the back of her hand and kept dodging.
After five sweaty minutes of dodging and weaving, Isaac finally held up a hand. The wooden dummies froze in place, their menacing stances now looking rather silly. "Alright, everyone," Isaac said, his voice cutting through the heavy breathing, "let's move on to the next part."
Daniel gritted his teeth and powered through ten core rises, his muscles burning. Next, he pushed himself to complete ten earth pushes, his arms shaking with exertion. Finally done, he was drenched in sweat, but he quickly wiped it away, trying to look as cool as possible.
Rhea watched the others with a light smile. She'd already finished the training and was eager to see how everyone else would do. Peter surprised everyone by also completing the entire set. Pelia did pretty well, managing to complete eight core rises and earth pushes. Lyra struggled a bit, finishing with six core rises and five earth pushes. But the real shocker was Aiden. No one expected him to finish, but he did!
Aiden's face was bright red and his shirt was soaked through, but he didn't give up. With one last burst of energy, he finished the last core rise and then pushed through the final earth push. He collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily but with a huge grin on his face.
Isaac nodded slowly, a satisfied look crossing his face. "Very good," he muttered, more to himself than to the students.
The rest of the students struggled a bit more with the core rises and earth pushes. Most of them managed to do around seven or six of each before their bodies gave out.
"Great job, everyone!" Isaac said, his voice filled with pride. "Remember, improvement takes time. Don't get discouraged if someone else seems to be doing better. Keep pushing yourselves, and you'll all get there. Understand?"
"Yes, sir!" the young warriors shouted in unison, their voices filled with determination.
Isaac closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Alright, everyone, take a five-minute break. We'll start the next part after that."
Aiden, Peter, and Pelia collapsed onto the ground, their bodies aching with relief. They exchanged tired grins.
Lyra was about to sneak away, but Peter spotted her. "Hey, where are you going? Come on, let's catch our breath together. We can talk about how tough that was!"
"H-hi I'm Lyra." She said as she bent her head.
"I'm sorry for what I did last night." She said as she looked at her hands.
Lyra and Pelia are dorm mates though they don't really talk much. Pelia tried to always start a conversation with her but Lyra is too shy to respond.
"Hey Lyra," Peter said with a friendly grin. "No worries about last night. Everyone messes up sometimes." He patted the ground beside him, inviting her to sit. "Wanna talk about it, or just relax for a bit?"
"I just woke up and..." Lyra trailed off, her face turning a light shade of pink.
"And what?" Pelia asked, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"I-i don't remember," Lyra stammered, looking down at her hands.
Peter chuckled, "Well, that doesn't matter. What matters is we're here to learn and improve, right? That's why we're pushing ourselves like this."
Pelia rolled her eyes playfully, "Wow, Peter, I'm actually impressed. You sound almost wise."
Peter grinned sheepishly, "Hey, hey, hey, hey! Don't get carried away!"
The group erupted in laughter, the tension from the training session melting away.
Five minutes passed, and a tense silence settled over the training ground. Everyone stood ready, their bodies taut with anticipation. Isaac, a wide grin spreading across his face, stepped into the open area. "Alright, everyone," he announced, his voice cutting through the expectant hush. "Time to get serious." A collective intake of breath swept through the group as they exchanged eager glances. "Next phase: weapons training."
The words hung in the air, heavy with promise and challenge. A low murmur of excitement rippled through the group as they adjusted their grips and checked their equipment. The air crackled with anticipation, the promise of action thick as the dust that kicked up with every movement.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Peter exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.