Kenneth could feel Wei gaining on her. It would only take twenty seconds for him to be behind her and then pass her. She felt her heart beating loudly in her chest and she could feel the sweat on her forehead dripping down her face.
She didn't have time to wipe the sweat off even though her brain was screaming at her to do it. Her legs were starting to feel sore and she knew that if she slowed down for even a second, they would give out.
Her body was urging for her to stop, to slow down and forget about this race. She had to will her body to keep going. She could now feel Wei's hot breath behind her nape, making the hairs on her neck stand.
There was no worse feeling than having a feral animal breathing down on you. Every muscle on her body was working on overdrive as she put one leg in front of the other. She could feel her survival instincts kicking in and she was pleading in her head for her body to not shut down.
God or master of the universe, if you're listening right now please don't let my legs give out, actually it would be great if I could get a power boost right about now.
As she felt the fur on Wei's back touch her, she knew it was over. Wei was going to pass her, and he was going to win.
It's fine. I did my best, I can finally give up now.
And as the strength was slowly leaving Kenneth body, a sudden bust of energy coursed through her veins. Her legs that once felt like jello, were now pumped full of power and she could feel the momentum she had lost come back once again. She could feel her thoughts clear up, and the fatigue she was feeling was gone.
She didn't know what the hell was happening, but she wouldn't let this newfound power go to waste. There was only half a meter left of the race as Wei roared in happiness as he was about to pass Kenneth but unfortunately for him, Kenneth wasn't going to let that happen.
She increased her speed going even faster than before. They were now neck to neck neither one of them letting the other pass. They both dodged and jumped, weaved and struck while simultaneously keeping the other in check.
And without even realizing it, they had crossed the finish line, seconds before the timer went off.
Kenneth was bent down trying to catch her breath. She could feel the sudden power she felt slowly leave her body, exhaustion taking over. On the side, Wei had transformed back into his normal form as he caught his breath as well.
He slowly looked up, gazing at Kenneth his eyes clouding as he tried to make sense of what had just happened. It was the first time he had to fight so hard before, and against an Empath no less.
He let out a low chuckle, completely dumbfounded by the situation.
The timer finally went off bringing the two back to reality.
"Congratulations on finishing before the timer went off." Instructor Alexi said while walking up to them. He had two bottles of what looked to be water in his hands, handing one to the both of them which they accepted with gratitude.
"Drink these, they will replenish your energy. You can't be running out of steam just yet." He said jokingly.
Kenneth took a sip of the water, remembering that they still had Stage 3 left. As the cool liquid went down Kenneth's throat, she could feel her exhaustion leaving her body and was left feeling energized and refreshed.
She looked at the bottle her eyes widening, Wei also having the same reaction. Instructor Alexi gave them both a smile. "These are energy drinks specially made for the Fighter Division. We exert a lot of energy when training or fighting and so we need to replenish that energy quickly to keep going." He explained.
He then turned to the class as he gestured to the corner of the room where there was three mini fridges made of glass that contained rows of the special drink.
"Feel free to take some after your race. But make sure only to drink one per day. Drinking too much of these can lessen their effects."
He then turned his attention back to the two who were still recovering from the race.
"It's the first time we've had a tie in Stage 2. I am quite impressed." He said honestly.
The students looked at the board and could see that the two finished at the exact same time. There was no clear winner which surprised them. They never expected Kenneth would do so well. She was an Empath after all, how could she win against a beast in terms of speed?
The group had a newfound respect for Kenneth. Not only was she skilled with weapons, but she was fast as well. They were starting to believe that there was nothing she couldn't do.
.....
The rest of the races went without any hitches. Fletcher managed to win her own race which was very proud about considering how fast her opponent was. Kenneth still couldn't believe that sweet looking Fletcher was actually a ferocious panther, she completely dominated her race with ease. It seemed like speed was Fletcher's greatest strength.
"You have all managed to move own to the last Stage in one piece. But don't relax now, because the sparring matches will be taking place now." Instructor Alexi looked at them sternly making everyone straighten their postures.
"This last Stage will make or break your positions in the Combat Department. It is important that you all have the ability to overpower your opponents by utilizing every skill in your arsenal.
This isn't merely a matter of strength but of critical thinking and strategy. Sometimes you will come face to face with people who are stronger and more skilled than you are. Being able to think on your feet and defend yourself is imperative and it is a skill we at Toleran Academy put great emphasis on."
"Now before I start explaining the rules for this match, I would like to introduce you all to the Captain and Vice-Captain of the Ventures, as well as your seniors. They will be aiding me with the sparring matches."
Two men as if on cue walked out of the glass that was apparently another room surprising the students. The air around them was overpowering as they stood next to instructor Alexi, eyeing the students attentively.
Almost on reflex, the students lowered their eyes, and Kenneth looked on a little perplexed with what she was witnessing.
Fletcher who was at her side whispered to her softy explaining the situation. "The Captain is a Fera from the wolf bloodline. We as lower beasts instinctively have to lower our heads when faced with his aura. It sucks but that's the way its always been."
Kenneth nodded her head in understanding.
So it's like the law of the jungle, bowing to the strongest predator.
Looking at the two, even with such a low percentage of Fera blood, she could tell they were strong. But the strongest of the two was the man with long black hair. His aura was fierce and powerful making Kenneth's battle hungry instincts tremble. Her eyes stayed glued on the man as he spoke.
"Fellow juniors, I'm Lucien and this is Alcione. We will be supervising the fights today."