Instructor Alexi went on to outline the training plan for the next few days. With their partners, the students would engage in a series of drills and exercises aimed at enhancing their speed and agility, as well as building strength through weight training.
The objective was to complete all drills in under twenty minutes by the end of the week—a challenge, especially since both partners had to finish simultaneously. Kenneth noted that the pairing system seemed deliberate: each pair consisted of one stronger individual and one with more agility, ensuring both had high growth potential. It made sense that Fae and Durian were matched together.
To those with less combat experience, it might seem like there was a significant disparity between the two, with Durian clearly being stronger. However, combat wasn't solely about strength. Flexibility and dexterity were just as crucial. Where Durian excelled in power, Fae compensated with agility. They truly complemented each other physically, and Kenneth found herself impressed with the instructor's insight.
The only concern was their personalities. Durian was stubborn, quick-tempered, and not very patient, while Fae was on the gentler side. Kenneth could only hope he would take the training seriously, for Fae's sake.
As the students settled into their corners to stretch, Fletcher let out an exasperated sigh. "Why did Durian have to be paired with our cinnamon roll?"
"Because she's probably the only one who can handle him," Kenneth shot back.
"I know, I hate to admit it—they do balance each other out. Fae is the only one who could put up with his attitude since she's so nice."
Kenneth raised an eyebrow, surprised by Fletcher's insight. A small smile crept onto her lips as she observed her partner. Fletcher truly was a perfect match.
*
"Is that all the stretching you're going to do?" Fae asked as she watched Durian finish a few basic stretches.
Durian turned to her, puzzled. "Yeah? What else is there to do?"
"You haven't even done mobility stretches!" she replied, exasperated.
"Mobility stretches? What's that?"
"They're dynamic stretches that help with movement. You should do a few. Trust me, it'll improve your mobility," she said, smiling.
Durian frowned, watching as she performed hip rotations effortlessly. He was about to dismiss her advice when she executed twenty consecutive pistol squats with remarkable stability. He found himself staring, impressed. When Fae noticed, she looked at him curiously.
Flustered, Durian quickly looked away, his face tinged with red. "I don't need to do whatever that is," he grumbled, gesturing dismissively at her.
Fae watched him walk away, confusion etched on her face.
From a distance, Fletcher shook her head at Durian's immaturity. "On second thought, maybe they aren't such a good match."
Kenneth disagreed. Activating her abilities, she sensed Durian's emotions—embarrassment, confusion, and frustration. The more she tuned in, the more uncomfortable his feelings became. She suspected Fae was the source of his turmoil.
Durian was used to being the best and had never faced the sting of defeat. Sharing the spotlight with a partner he perceived as weaker was a challenge for him. He was aware of why Fae was chosen—his pride wouldn't let him accept that he needed her skills.
"Is Fae really going to be alright?" Fletcher wondered aloud.
Kenneth shook her head, glancing at Durian sulking in a corner.
This was going to be a long three weeks.