Kai's POV
Another day of training had come to an end, but instead of feeling accomplished, I trudged home with heavy feet. Each step felt like a reminder of my failures. As I neared the door, voices floated from within, drawing my attention. I hesitated, straining to catch snippets of the conversation.
"He's trying, but it's like he's holding himself back," I heard Alice say, her tone filled with concern.
Paul's voice responded, serious and firm. "I worry about him. He needs to find his confidence again."
My heart sank at their words. The doubt that had settled in my chest grew heavier. I stood outside, feeling like a failure. I couldn't even keep my promise to them.
Gathering what little courage I had left, I opened the door and stepped inside. The warmth of the room felt alien, contrasting sharply with the coldness in my heart. Alice looked at me, concern etched on her face.
"How was training?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.
"It was fine," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.
The next morning, I forced myself to train, determined to push through the suffocating doubt. I arrived at the training ground, ready to master Ignite, the basic fire spell.
As I stood there, I tried to focus, but my mind wandered. The flickering flames seemed to mirror my internal struggle. "Concentrate, Kai," Alice's voice broke through my haze, frustration creeping into her tone. "You need to focus!"
I clenched my fists, frustration boiling over. "I'm trying! It's just—"
But before I could finish, I felt a surge of regret. I didn't want to shout at my master. Taking a deep breath, I said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice."
Alice softened, her gaze filled with understanding. "Let's start again." I nodded, humbled, and began the spell once more.
Days passed in a blur of training sessions, yet I felt as though I was getting nowhere. One evening, as I practiced in the courtyard, Lily approached Alice, concern evident in her expression.
"How's he doing?" Lily asked.
Alice sighed, glancing at me. "He's trying his best, but it's something he has to overcome on his own."
Just then, an alarm echoed through the village, shattering the evening calm. "Monster attack! Orcs and goblins spotted near the village!" the town crier shouted, panic evident in his voice.