The training session resumed, and Adam refocused on Trainer Ryder's instructions.
"Zero String, you're dispatched on your mission... First String, duel Second String until one opponent is knocked out," Ryder commanded.
The six First String trainees paired off against the three Second String trainees, including Adam. Eli, Arin, and Kaide each faced a solo opponent.
Adam, however, attracted three opponents: Riker, Kael, and Victor.
The duel took place in the central training area, surrounded by observation decks. Riker, with short, spiky black hair and piercing blue eyes, sneered at Adam.
"Let's see how long you endure the beating," Riker taunted.
Kael, a towering figure with muscular build and short brown hair, chimed in, "Hey, why should you have all the fun? We'll join in."
Victor, with slicked-back blond hair and a menacing grin, agreed, "You're absolutely right."
Riker proposed, "Let's make it interesting. Whoever knocks him out first gets 100 copper coins from the losers."
Kael and Victor agreed.
Adam thought, exasperated, "What a pain in my a**... Everything I don't want to do, happens."
Riker initiated the attack, landing several blows. Before each punch connected, Adam activated his skill.
[Host Skill Active: Kinetic Enigma]
The kinetic energy was absorbed, but the accompanying mana attack took effect.
[Host Health Reduce - 3]
Adam's health dropped, but his Kinetic Enigma skill rendered the physical attacks harmless.
Adam stumbled back from the punch's residual mana attack.
Kael seized the opportunity, landing a kick on Adam's back. Though Adam absorbed most of the kinetic energy, some damage still occurred.
[Host Health Reduce - 3]
This relentless barrage continued for nearly an hour. Riker, Kael, and Victor traded blows, exhausting themselves.
As they retreated, three fresh trainees replaced them: Urs, Viven, and Wynne.
Urs, with shaved sides and piercing green eyes, stood tall alongside Viven, whose lean physique belied his agility, and Wynne, a hulking figure with unmatched brute strength.
The newcomers swiftly defeated Eli, Arin, and Kaide, rendering them unconscious. Then, they turned their attention to Adam.
However, after an hour of battling Adam, even Urs, Viven, and Wynne succumbed to fatigue.
"Today's dual training is over," they declared, departing the training area.
Eli, Arin, Kaide, and Adam remained, the latter still lying on the ground.
Despite the ordeal, Adam's condition wasn't dire due to his Kinetic Enigma skill.
Eli approached Adam, offering a helping hand.
Adam brushed her off. "I don't need your help."
Kaide watched, seething with jealousy. Though resentful of Adam's resilience, Kaide acknowledged his impressive endurance.
"For the entire First String to fail to knock him out... Adam's no ordinary kid," Kaide thought.
Adam slowly rose to his feet, eyes locked on Kaide.
Adam stood up, his eyes flashing with intensity. "I don't want your sympathy... Mind your own business."
Eli, Arin, and Kaide lingered, unsure how to react.
Adam's frustration boiled over. "I told you to leave me alone!"
Arin turned to Eli. "Let's go."
Eli and Arin departed, but Kaide hesitated, his gaze fixed on Adam.
Finally, Kaide turned and followed the others.
Adam was left alone, his thoughts consuming him.
"I mustn't form attachments. My goals are too grand... If I care for someone, they'll become an obstacle, a weakness I cannot afford."
Adam began walking away from the training area, his resolve hardened.
Next, he attended the cultural and language session.
The Collective Organization not only bred loyal operatives but also covertly deployed spies around the Neighbouring country.
These secret agents infiltrated high-level organizations, assuming roles as internal moles.
Their mission: provide safe houses and supplies to Collective-assigned assassins.
Adam's instructor, Professor Orion, greeted him.
"Welcome, second string trainee. Today, we'll explore the languages and customs of this continent."
Adam's focus sharpened. He knew the importance of this training for his future goal.
To succeed in the Collective, one must blend in, become a ghost.
Adam immersed himself in the lesson, committed to mastering the art of deception.
The Cultures Department comprised three units:
1. Language Section: Agents learned various languages, essential for undercover operations.
2. World Culture: This unit provided in-depth knowledge of global cultures, histories, and neighboring countries' customs, utilizing intelligence gathered by the Collective and Kingdom.
3. General Library: A resource available to all agents, offering a vast collection of information.
Adam recalled Kaide's conversations, revealing that:
- Proficiency in at least two languages (writing and speaking) was mandatory for trainees.
The Umbrella Collective Organization employed three types of agents:
1. Striker Agents: Elite operatives executing high-risk missions, such as assassinations. Expertise included short- and long-range combat.
2. Non-Striker Agents: Specialized in intelligence gathering, providing crucial information for Collective operations.
3. Strategic Agents: Supported the royal family in economic and asset acquisition, offering internal and external expertise.
Adam's thoughts turned to his own potential role within the Collective.
As he pondered, Professor Orion approached.
"Second string trainee, your language proficiency tests indicate exceptional aptitude. You'll begin advanced training in the continental's dialects."
Professor Orion led Adam to a secluded section of the Language Department. "Your aptitude for languages is impressive, kid. We'll focus on the continental's dialects, specifically the noble tongue, 'Aethorian'."
Adam asked. "Aethorian? I've only heard whispers of it."
Orion smiled. "Few outsiders have mastered Aethorian. Your proficiency will grant you unparalleled access to the continental's upper echelons."
As the lesson commenced, Adam demonstrated remarkable grasp of Aethorian's intricacies. Orion noted Adam's progress, impressed.
"Your cognitive abilities and linguistic aptitude make you an ideal candidate for Strategic Agent training," Orion said.
Adam's thoughts raced. Strategic Agent?
Suddenly, a soft chime signaled the arrival of a message. Orion's comms device flashed.
"Excuse me, kid. I must attend to this."
Orion departed, leaving Adam alone.
Orion returned, composed. "Second string trainee, our session is concluded for today. Continue practicing Aethorian; we'll resume tomorrow."
Adam nodded, gathering his thoughts. As he exited the Language Department, he spotted Eli and Arin in the hallway.
"Hey, Adam," Eli said, approaching. "We've been meaning to ask: how'd you endure that beating from the First String?"
Adam shrugged. "Just lucky, I guess."
Arin's eyes narrowed. "No, there's more to it. You're hiding something."
Adam's instincts warned him to maintain secrecy. "I'm just focused on my training."
Eli placed a hand on Adam's shoulder. "We're concerned about you, Adam. You're not like the others."
Adam's expression remained neutral. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine."
Suddenly, Kaide appeared, his eyes locked onto Adam. "Eli, Arin, let's go."
The trio departed, leaving Adam.